Finasteride is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) and alopecia (hair loss). According to MedlinePlus, it belongs to a category of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and works to promote hair growth and decrease your prostate size. Typically, your prostate wraps around and compresses your urethra, causing such symptoms as difficulty urinating. Finasteride improves your urinary symptoms. The usual finasteride dose is 5mg daily or as your doctor prescribes.
Frequent Side Effects
In a study of 1,524 patients treated with finasteride over a period of four years, the National Library of Medicine reported that 5.1 percent of patients experienced erectile dysfunction (impotence), 6.4 percent developed decreased libido (sex drive), 3.7 percent had a reduced amount of semen and 0.8 percent had trouble ejaculating. Other common side effects include pain in your testicles, according to MedlinePlus. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms bother you. She may adjust your dosage or find a replacement medication that doesn't cause these side effects.
Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, finasteride's concerning side effects include increased breast size, lumps in your breasts, breast pain or nipple discharge. Other side effects include hives, pruritis (itchiness) and facial or lip swelling. Inform your doctor if you have any of these side effects, as they may be life-threatening.
Other Side Effects
In the Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) Study, the National Library of Medicine states that 1.2 percent of the 768 patients receiving finasteride developed hypotension (low blood pressure), 9.1 percent developed postural hypotension (low blood pressure with changes in your position), 7.4 percent experienced dizziness and 1.7 percent developed drowsiness. In this same study, 1.0 percent developed rhinitis (allergy symptoms) and 2.2 percent developed gynecomastia (male breasts).
Contraindications
According to the National Library of Medicine, children should not use finasteride. Studies on safety and effectiveness in children have not been performed, and the aforementioned side effects or other potentially life-threatening side effects, such as difficulty breathing, may occur.
The National Library of Medicine warns that you should avoid touching broken or crushed finasteride tablets if you are pregnant. You may absorb finasteride through your skin, and this can cause abnormalities in male child genitalia.
Avoid finasteride if you are allergic to any of its components. Doing so can lead to difficulty breathing and swelling of your face, throat and lips.
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