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There has been a lot of talk recently on our hair restoration discussion forums about the potential side effects of Propecia (which contains active ingredient finasteride) so I thought I’d address some of the potential side effects and the surrounding discussion here.

Propecia Side Effects

Whereas Propecia may have some benefit for the hair loss sufferer and is one of the two FDA approved medications for hair loss for safety and efficacy, one must be aware of the potential side effects that one can incur from taking it.

Some of the noted side effects from Propecia’s website are: sexual side effects such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, decrease in the amount of semen.  These sexual side effects are stated to happen less than 2% of the time and are said to go away as a result of stopping Propecia because of them.  Some side effects have stopped for even those who remained on the medication despite side effects.

Additional sides have been noted such as allergic reactions including itching, swelling of the face and/or lips, rash, hives, breast tenderness/enlargement, nipple discharge, problems ejaculating and testicular pain.  There is no percentage associated with those who have experienced these side effects.

Additionally, Propecia is not to be used by women.

People need to be aware that Propecia side effects are possible and they are real.  Any side effect experienced while taking propecia should be reported to a doctor immediately. 

A Note About Consumer Websites/Discussion Forums:

There are a few websites/discussion forums out there with consumers reporting their horror stories regarding side effects they have experienced with Propecia.  Whereas I’m sure there are some legitimate claims, please remember to use a level of discretion when evaluating the truthfulness of the claims made on any discussion forum .   Some people are out there to scare and frighten you (many of them of which are covertly selling “herbal remedies“) while yet there are others who have legitimately experienced side effects.  There is always the possibility that some of the people reporting side effects are experiencing them mentally rather than physically.  What I mean is, sometimes when we are afraid of something such as a side effect, our minds can play tricks on us into thinking we are experiencing something dreadful when in reality there is nothing wrong with our bodies. 

The reality is however, that side effects are a very REAL possibility with Propecia and should be taken seriously.  Do a lot of research and consult with a medical doctor before taking Propecia.

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Bill – aka Falceros
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog

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