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Are The Side Effects Of Finasteride Progressive Due To Prolonged Intake?

Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

Question: I am worried about the potential side effects of finistaride as I have been advised to take this medication, especially as it has to be taken over long periods time. Do the chances of the side effects increase the longer you take finistaride? Are there any other medication which are just as effective but with less serious side effects?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need to know your age/sex and indication for finasteride

Detailed Answer:
Good day,

Noted your concern. There is no mention about your age or sex and why Finasteride was prescribed. Finasteride block the male hormones and should not be used in pregnancy or if you are planning for having a baby soon. Mainly Finasteride is prescribed in young women with acne/excess hair growth etc to block male hormones and also in males with prostrate problems.

Please provide the details of the indication why finasteride was started for? Then i can suggest you an alternative.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (6 minutes later)

I am male and my age is 22 years, I have been advised to take finistaride as I have the early stages of male pattern baldness and acne on my upper back and shoulders, I have not yet started taking finistaride as I still need reassurance on the side effects.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you can use

Detailed Answer:
Okay. You may use it. It's worth very weak male hormone blocker and acts mainly by blocking male hormones in sebum producing glands and also in hair follicles. You may safely use it.

It shouldn't be used in females planning for pregnancy.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (4 minutes later)

Thank you for your reply doctor, I plan on taking finistaride for many years and can this be done safely, will it cause impotence in the future after long - term use of it?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No major issues

Detailed Answer:
You may please take it. It is a weak "5 alpha reductase inhibitor" . It will cause any fertility issues in you. In many studies, it was shown to be comparable to placebo . You may always stop it if you encounter any issues.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar