What is Finasteride?
Finasteride medications are brand-name prescription medications that are available in two versions, which are Proscar and Propecia. Both these versions are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Generic versions of this medicine are also available, which are cheap compared to the brand-name version.
Proscar is prescribed for the treatment of a condition known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), wherein the organ prostate that is present in males swells bigger in size. The medication is used in combination with other medications to treat the enlarged prostate. Another version, Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss.
The function of Proscar medications is to decrease the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a hormone that leads to the enlargement of the prostate gland. The effects of the medicine lower the levels of DHT in the body and prevent the unusual growth and development of the prostate gland. Besides, Propecia stimulates new hair growth in men who are experiencing male pattern hair loss or alopecia. It decreases hair loss.
These medications come in various doses, an appropriate dose will be prescribed depending on several factors such as age, severity of the condition, and other medications that the person is already using, and the dose change can also be changed by evaluating the response to the initial dose of the medication. Note that, these medications are not recommended for use in women and children.
Furthermore, these medications must be taken as directed by the doctor. Overdosing can lead to dangerous side reactions, therefore, stick to the prescribed dose.
Side effects of Finasteride
These medications can cause some common side effects that are mild. They go away on their own within a week or so. If they stick around for too long and bother you then you must see your doctor. The mild symptoms you might experience are:
- Erection difficulties or erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculatory disorder
- Low sex drive
- Breast tenderness
- Breast enlargement
- Skin rash
Apart from these mild side effects, some people may also experience some serious side effects from these medications. The effects of these medications might produce some severe side effects such as:
- Depression disorder
- Swelling on the face, lips, tongue and throat
- Nipple discharge
- Pain and lump formation in the breasts
These serious effects of the medications require medical attention. One must see the doctor immediately, which will prevent the risk of health damage.
Finasteride and erectile dysfunction
The effects of Finasteride medications can lead to a decrease in the sex drive or libido in males. As a result, they may lose interest in sexual intimacy. Some may even experience difficulties with their ejaculatory function. The sexual side effects of these medications also include erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence.
This happens as the medication lowers the levels of the hormone DHT in the body, and in addition, it also decreases the levels of testosterone hormone, which is a male sex hormone that is responsible for triggering a sexual response. As a result, some males might experience the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
