What Is Propecia, And What Are Its Side Effects?

Other side effects that have been associated with Propecia use include but are not limited to allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, hives, and swelling; breast enlargement and tenderness; depression; testicular pain; male infertility or poor quality of semen; and male breast cancer.

Despite studies not being able to identify a clear causal link between Propecia use and the sexual side effects outlined, a connection is highly plausible considering the clinical data that has already been accumulated. The active ingredient in Propecia – finasteride – suppresses the body’s level of an androgen hormone named DHT, which plays a major role in sexuality and sexual development.

In June 2011, it was found that Propecia might increase a user’s risk for high-grade prostate cancer, the most deadly form of prostate cancer. Oftentimes it can spread to the lymph nodes and bones, being highly aggressive and growing rapidly in the body. Though the cancer risk appears to be low for users of Propecia, the announcement was made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a precaution to inform doctors and patients of safety revisions that are needed in the classification of this drug. The pharmaceutical corporation Merck & Co. originally began to market this drug stating that the side effects would stop once treatment ends. However, the exact opposite has been found to happen in the studies conducted prior to and since Propecia’s release.