Propecia is a prescription drug that is recommended to people with a common hair fall condition called male-pattern baldness. We are here to discuss the possible side effects that may occur post using Propecia.
One of the common types of hair loss problems in men is known as male-pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, clinically. The typical characteristic features of this kind of baldness are the reduction of hairline at the temples, and hair loss or baldness that begins at the top of the head. With time, this problem takes on the shape of partial or complete baldness. This hair loss issue does not affect only adult males, but are common during the 20s and even during teenage.
The reason behind giving you this short info on this condition of male pattern baldness is its treatment that involves the prescription medication called Propecia, which happens to the main subject of our discussion here. This drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Association as a licensed treatment for the condition I had mentioned above.
The Working Mechanism of Propecia
The development of the condition of male pattern baldness is blamed on three factors; age, heredity factors, and excess of the male hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). An abundance of DHT damage susceptible follicles thus, causing baldness to set in. So what Propecia does is, it acts on this very hormone. It inhibits the production of DHT, and helps in reducing hair loss, thus stimulating hair growth.
What are the Side Effects of Propecia?
Side effects are an inevitable part of any kind of medication, and the same goes with Propecia. However, not every individual who administers the drug experiences the side effects. In fact, most people have reported that they have a good tolerance towards the side effects, and they usually do not require the help of treatment to deal with the problem.
Common side effects that some people have come across while using Propecia are associated with sexual dysfunction. Some complained reduction in their sexual urge while they were using this drug, while some men were with a complaint against inability to achieve a proper erection (erectile dysfunction). Also, there were some cases, where a decrease in the ejaculated semen during sex, was one of the common side effects.
Now besides the above ones, there could be some adverse side effects of this drug, which are although rare, but must be reported to the patient’s health care provider when they occur. These may include:
- Pain in the testicular region
- Tenderness or enlargement in the breast area
- The above ones may be accompanied a few allergic reactions such as skin rash (for no apparent reason), hives, itching, swelling, and wheezing
- The person may experience difficulty in breathing, and swallowing food or liquid, as well
Some more possible side effects may include:
- Confusion
- Chills
- Dizzy spells; may be accompanied with faintness and lightheadedness
- Weight gain
- Swelling of lips
- Swollen face
- Tingling of limbs
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain
A Few Precautionary Tips
- The drug is not recommended for women and children, especially pregnant and nursing mothers
- Patient with liver diseases, any kind of allergies must consult their health care providers before using this drug
- Any changes in the breast tissues must be reported to the health care provider
As it has been cited above, one of the side effects of administering Propecia is a reduction in the semen ejaculated during sexual activity. Note that, this problem will not affect the sperm count or the person’s ability to impregnate his partner, unless otherwise, it happens for some other cause. Also, this drug is helpful for male pattern baldness as long as it is used. Studies reveal that people who stopped using the drug for a year, experienced the beneficial effects to diminish, and the return of their baldness.
