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What Are The Side Effects Of Finasteride?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Aug 2014
Question: I have a hair loss problem and I was recently prescribed finasteride 1mg xpecia . 1 per day .After using it for a week I am noticing positive results however I am bit concerned about the side effects .And I was advised to use this prescription for 2 months .I am noticing a difference in my sexual desire and I am bit concerned .I am a single male and might plan my wedding later this year .Will I feel normal after 2 months ? .I need your advice .
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Finasteride is safe to use for long term

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar . I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

Finasteride is US FDA approved for Androgenetic Alopecia.

1-3% of patients are reported to have sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive/libido during the initial part of therapy.

However, this side effect is overcome on continued treatment with finasteride and is not much of a concern. Therefore I would suggest you to go ahead with it.

Moreover, this side effects of finasteride is a reversible on discontinuation.

Or else you may opt for Saw Palmetto extract (Androanagen tablet). Androanagen tablets contain Saw-Palmetto extract as the main active ingredient. It is plant derived and is promoted as an alternative to Finasteride (5 alpha reductase inhibitor) in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. While Finasteride can have side effects like decreased sexual drive and loss of libido in 1-2 % of patients, the main advantage of Androanagen is that it is as effective as Finasteride but devoid of the side effects of Finasteride.

Hope this helps
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9610 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Finasteride?

Brief Answer: Finasteride is safe to use for long term Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar . I have gone through your query and I have understood it. Finasteride is US FDA approved for Androgenetic Alopecia. 1-3% of patients are reported to have sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive/libido during the initial part of therapy. However, this side effect is overcome on continued treatment with finasteride and is not much of a concern. Therefore I would suggest you to go ahead with it. Moreover, this side effects of finasteride is a reversible on discontinuation. Or else you may opt for Saw Palmetto extract (Androanagen tablet). Androanagen tablets contain Saw-Palmetto extract as the main active ingredient. It is plant derived and is promoted as an alternative to Finasteride (5 alpha reductase inhibitor) in the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. While Finasteride can have side effects like decreased sexual drive and loss of libido in 1-2 % of patients, the main advantage of Androanagen is that it is as effective as Finasteride but devoid of the side effects of Finasteride. Hope this helps Regards