How bad are finasteride side effects?

Author: Ms. Salma Schinner V  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

finasteride has been associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction) in some cases sexual dysfunction has persisted in patients even after they have stopped taking finasteride.

How severe are finasteride side effects?

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
  • changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
  • rash.
  • itching.
  • hives.
  • swelling of the lips and face.
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Is finasteride worth the risk?

However, there is abundant proof that with regular use, this treatment can stop the progression of androgenetic alopecia and even improve hair density in 80-90% of its users [1]. So yes, for most patients, Finasteride is safe, effective and worth it.

Is finasteride a high risk medication?

Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in male babies. If a woman does come in contact with this medicine, the affected area should be washed right away with soap and water. This medicine will not prevent prostate cancer but may increase your risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer.

How do I stop worrying about finasteride side effects?

However, there are still a number of things you can do to reduce the likelihood of experiencing side effects from finasteride.
  1. Only Take the Prescribed Dose. ...
  2. Don't Double Dose. ...
  3. Consider Dosage Adjustments. ...
  4. Make Your Doctor Aware of Prior Health Issues. ...
  5. Consider Trying Out Finasteride Alternatives.

Side Effects of Finasteride

Why are doctors hesitant to prescribe finasteride?

The study authors noted that when asked for reasons for their decision, 55% of physicians said they were concerned about the risk of high-grade tumors and 52% said they did not know the drug could be used for chemoprevention.

What percentage of people get side effects from finasteride?

The most commonly reported side effects with finasteride include decreased sex drive, difficulty maintaining erections and a decrease in the amount of semen. These adverse sexual side effects are typically seen in less than 5% of men on the drug. There is also a link to mental health effects, including depression.

Why do men not take finasteride?

Finasteride, a medicine used by men to treat hair loss (1 mg-dose, brand name Propecia) and benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate (5 mg-dose, brand name Proscar), has been reported to cause depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and inability to ...

Is there a safer alternative to finasteride?

However, concerns over side effects have many wondering - what alternatives to finasteride exist? For those searching for finasteride alternatives to treat hair loss, options include natural remedies like saw palmetto, medications such as minoxidil, and nutritional supplements including biotin.

What is the safest age to start finasteride?

Most men aged 18 years old or over can take finasteride. It's generally not recommended for women or children.

What celebrities are on finasteride?

Celebrities such as John Travolta and Elon Musk have publicly acknowledged their use of finasteride. These revelations have paved the way for greater acceptance among fans and communities alike, encouraging those affected by hair loss to consider this treatment without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.

Is finasteride hard on the kidneys?

We suggest that long-term use of finasteride and dutasteride may be associated with health risks including NAFLD, IR, T2DM, dry eye disease and potential kidney disease.

Is finasteride toxic to the liver?

The cause of liver injury associated with finasteride is not known. Finasteride is an azosteroid and is extensively metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system (CYP 3A4) and a relatively toxic intermediate might cause the mild serum enzyme elevations that can occur with therapy.

How I beat my finasteride side effects?

The best ways to reduce the side effects of Finasteride
  • Try topical Finasteride. ...
  • Use a lower dose of medication. ...
  • Avoid the nocebo effect by thinking positively. ...
  • Make healthy lifestyle changes. ...
  • Participate in psychotherapy.

What drugs should not be taken with finasteride?

Medications known to interact with finasteride
  • abametapir topical.
  • adagrasib.
  • avacopan.
  • diltiazem.
  • duvelisib.
  • fluconazole.
  • fluvoxamine.
  • fostamatinib.

Can finasteride cause permanent damage?

To date finasteride has never been shown to conclusively cause permanent damage physically that in and of itself, would account for the continuation symptoms.

What is the strongest natural DHT blocker?

13 best natural DHT blockers
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Kale. ...
  • Rosemary water for hair. ...
  • Stinging nettles. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Finasteride. ...
  • Dutasteride. Dutasteride is designed to suppress the conversion of testosterone into DHT, for treating enlarged prostates and reducing hair loss.

Is there a better drug than finasteride?

Potency and FDA Approval: Dutasteride is more potent than finasteride, blocking more of the DHT conversion, but only finasteride is FDA-approved for treating male pattern baldness, while dutasteride is used off-label.

How did I cured my androgenetic alopecia naturally?

Essential oils: Essential oils, such as lavender and rosemary oil, have been shown to promote hair growth. Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply it to the scalp. Healthy diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help promote healthy hair growth.

What is the new warning on finasteride?

The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency has issued a safety alert following a review of the medicine, warning of potential side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts and persistent sexual dysfunction. Healthcare professionals have been reminded to monitor patients for side effects.

What are the odds of having side effects from finasteride?

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. Some people may notice these side effects after taking finasteride for a few months.

Why is finasteride a banned substance?

Athletics. From 2005 to 2009, the World Anti-Doping Agency banned finasteride because it was discovered that the drug could be used to mask steroid abuse. It was removed from the list effective 1 January 2009, after improvements in testing methods made the ban unnecessary.

What can I take instead of finasteride?

Finasteride alternatives for treating male pattern baldness and symptomatic prostate enlargement include Rogaine, Avodart, Flomax, Rapaflo, and Cialis, with varying mechanisms of action and potential side effects.

What is the truth about finasteride side effects?

finasteride has been associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction) in some cases sexual dysfunction has persisted in patients even after they have stopped taking finasteride.

Does finasteride make you pee more?

Patients taking finasteride might also experience increased urination. However, in the treatment of BPH (which often restricts urination), this can represent a return to healthy urinary flow.

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