The Side Effect of the Hair Loss Drug Propecia

One of the most popular drugs that men take for hair loss is Propecia. Propecia is also called Finasteride. Propecia has many side effects and health risks that men should be aware of before taking the drug. Whenever you are thinking about taking Propecia, or any type of drug, you should consult with a physician beforehand.

There have been extensive studies done on Propecia that have found that the drug can lessen the sexual desire in about 2% of men. The studies have shown that 1.3% per cent of men have had erectile problems and 1.2% had decreased sperm volume after taking Propecia. Of all the men that were studied 3.8% of men had some type of sexual side effect after taking the drug. 2.1% of men had these sexual problems while using a placebo; therefore the percentage of men that have sexual side effect after taking Propecia is actually very small.

Acne can be another side effect that men experience when taking Propecia. There are many men that start to take the drug because of the psychological issues that hair loss can cause, such as a lack of self-esteem. If acne is developed in men that have taken the drug it can only add to the problem. Even though a certain number of men have said that they have developed acne after taking Propecia there have been no studies that have conclusively shown that the drug actually causes acne.

The side effects of Propecia can be reversed if men stop taking the drug. You should know through that Propecia has to be taken indefinitely in order to help hair loss. If you stop taking Propecia because of the side effects of the drug you may still experience hair loss.

Since Propecia came out on the market a few years ago the drug has helped many men with their hair loss. The number of men that have developed side effects because of Propecia is very small compared to the men that it has helped. Just as with any kind of drug always consult your physician before taking it. The physician will be able to tell you about the side effects of the drug you are planning to take and if it is a good option for you to try to prevent hair loss.