Propecia is a brand-name medication for finasteride, a medication that helps prevent or reverse male-pattern baldness. It is usually given in a 1 mg dose. Propecia prevents testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone, which many scientists say is the cause of hair loss. The medication is to be used only by men, and pregnant women should not even handle it. Drugs.com reports that it can cause birth defects when it is absorbed through the skin. The medication does have many side effects, and while many are reversible when the medication is stopped, hair growth will also cease.
Sexual Side Effects
Some men report a variety of sexual-performance-related side effects once on Propecia. Among them are decreased libido, ejaculation problems including diminished volume and erectile dysfunction, although the incidence appears to be low. In three controlled clinical trials, fewer than 4 percent of the men reported problems, compared with 2 percent in the placebo group. Some of the side effects decreased while the men continued the drug, but 1.4 percent of those in the clinical trials dropped out because of the sexual side effects, according an article at RXList.com.
Breast Side Effects
Some men experience breast enlargement and tenderness while taking Propecia. Most men in the studies did not feel this issue was significant enough to stop taking the medication. Those who did discontinue Propecia, however, reported that their breasts had returned to normal size.
Dizziness
Dizziness is one of the most commonly reported side effects of Propecia. Nearly 10 percent of those taking the drug experience dizziness, usually because of low-blood pressure. The manufacturer suggests rising slowly from a prone to an upright position to diminish that problem. This side effect stopped once medication was discontinued.
Swelling
Roughly 1 percent of men taking Propecia experience swelling in their extremities. The swelling resolves when the medication is stopped.
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