Finasteride Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
finasteride (marketed under the brand names
Propecia® and
Proscar®). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate finasteride well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(The finasteride side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with this medicine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Finasteride
Proscar has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in the group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common side effects seen with finasteride 1 mg tablets include:
- Decreased libido (sex drive) -- in up to 1.8 percent of people
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence or ED) -- up to 1.3 percent
- Decreased ejaculate amount -- up to 1.2 percent.
The most common side effects of finasteride 5 mg tablets include:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence -- in up to 18.5 percent of people
- Decreased libido (sex drive) -- up to 10 percent
- Abnormal ejaculation, including decreased ejaculate amount -- up to 7.2 percent
- Breast enlargement -- up to 2.2 percent.
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
