What are the side effects of Propecia?

Short Answer:

In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men.

Long Answer:

Like all prescription products, Propecia may cause side effects. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking PROPECIA. The active ingredient in Propecia is also used by older men at a five times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash. In clinical studies with Propecia, these side effects occurred as often in men taking placebo as in those taking Propecia. Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual effects. Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. IF you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.

September 11th, 2009