Reviews and Comments on Propecia Side Effects and Usage, page 24

Propecia Reviews

If you’ve used Propecia, please help others by adding your feedback. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Subj: Pressure on penis
Date: 1/20/2006
Can I take antibiotics while I’m on propecia? I have felt pressure on my penis before I started taking propecia. It hasn’t stopped since I started taking Propecia. Is this an infection of some sort? I know that the pressure feeling started before Is started on Propecia. Thanks,

Sai

AskDocWeb: Yes, you can take antibiotics while on propecia but… For your safety, you had better make an appointment with your physician regarding the pressure you are feeling on your penis. There could be a couple of things wrong that require attention.

Subj: Depression and muscle contractions
Date: 1/23/2006
I have just started talking propecia and I have noticed some mood changes and depression. I have also noticed some muscle contractions. Is this a possible side effect of propecia, as I haven’t found any information one way or the other.

T

AskDocWeb: Only a couple of people reported having depression and mood swings, and nothing reported as far as any muscle contractions by anyone. A lot of side effects occur so infrequently that the drug companies do not report them, so you have to depend on what others write about the product.

Update December 2010: Merck has officially added depression to the list of possible side effects of Propecia.

Subj: Question about starting over
Date: 1/24/2006
I’ve been using Propecia for almost 2 years with decent resents…Question:…since it generally takes 6-12 months of use before one can determine the success of the drug, how long can one go with a lapse of usage before, they basically have to “start over” sort of speak…In short, I’ve presently skipped a month (in between re-fills), If I start of again right away, should there be no diminishing benefits? How long can you afford a lapse in usage before the slate is clean again? Thanks!!

Jessie

AskDocWeb: It would take twelve months to completely start over with a clean slate but most of the hair loss will likely occur between 30 and 90 days after discontinuing.

Subj: Testicular pains
Date: 1/25/2006
I’ve been using propecia for almost a month now. I don’t see any difference but I guess its to early to judge. As for the side effects I’m feeling slight pain at the testicular area. Do you recommend me to continue with propecia or try other alternatives?

Jason

AskDocWeb: Be very patient as it takes 6-12 months to see real results. With testicular pains we recommend you talk this over with your doctor.

Subj: Propecia and glaucoma?
Date: 1/26/2006
After several years of use, have you heard of having higher eye pressures (glaucoma)?

Jason

AskDocWeb: No.

Subj: Lumps in breasts
Date: 1/28/2006
I have been taking Propecia for about 3 years or so and it has worked well. I have never really had any side effects until I got my last 3 month supply. Since then I have developed small lumps in my breasts

Dihydrotestosterone

AskDocWeb: Do not ignore this problem, seek medical advice immediately. You should promptly report any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain, enlargement, tenderness or nipple discharge.

Subj: Very nervous
Date: 1/31/2006
My husband was taking propecia for 6 months. Now I’m pregnant…can my baby be born with birth defects? I’m one month pregnant and don’t know if I should have it… I’m very nervous.

Indy

AskDocWeb: It is only a concern if you were the one taking Propecia or handling the dust from the pill. It can be absorbed through the skin.

Subj: Liver damage?
Date: 1/31/2006
I am thinking about taking Propecia however I was informed that it can be harmful to your liver. I was wondering is this true? Also, are there any long term use side effects/concerns? I was told that I will need a pill as long as I want to keep my hair that I currently have (that is if it works).

Robert

AskDocWeb: Yes, if you discontinue use of propecia you will lose what hair you gained in 12 months. Although Propecia is metabolized in the liver, we find no indication that it causes any liver damage. Aside from the possibilities of birth defects, our greatest long-term concern is what happens to your sex life.

Subj: Propecia tolerance?
Date: 2/4/2006
You have contridictary answers. Can you become tolerant to propecia or not?

Dan

AskDocWeb: Yes, you can become tolerant to Propecia just like any other medication. But how long that takes is different for everyone. That doesn’t mean that you will, just that it is possible. Some people never become tolerant to it.

Subj: Minoxidil with Propecia?
Date: 2/4/2006
I have used Propecia for about five years now. I did notice the initial loss of sex drive but it eventually came back. I am now seeing an increase of hair loss in my hairline. I want to continue using Propecia, but should I take on another medication like Monoxidil? If so, are there cheaper but just as effective generics? Propecia is like $65 per month now and I only get three month refills. Is there an online doctor who can give me a 12-month refill prescription? Is the combination of Minoxidil and Propecia the best thing for me (at this point)?

Scott

AskDocWeb: There is no legal generic for propecia on the market but you can use either the 2% or 5% solution of minoxidil with Propecia.

Subj: Decreased libido
Date: 2/5/2006
Hi, I have been using Propecia about a month. My libido and volume of ejaculation are decreased. What do you prefer? Do I need to continue or stop? I am only 24 years old and I do not want to lose my hair..

Emre

AskDocWeb: We prefer to keep a sex life. Maybe it’s time to check out alternatives.

Subj: Passing blood in semen
Date: 2/8/2006
I am quite worried about my partner who has been taking propecia on and off for about 3 years now. Not only have I noticed a major increase in mood swings/irratability/agression when he starts this drug, he has also been passing blood when ejaculating. Have you heard of this happening to anyone else??? Please let me know. Thank you

Bridget

AskDocWeb: Yes and he should see his physician immediately. This is not normal at all. He may also have to have his kidney function checked.

Subj: How long to return to normal?
Date: 2/8/2005
I have been using Propecia for 5 years and after reading some of these posts I am very concerned with the effects on fertility, specifically the decrease in ejaculate of some of the people posting. I have noticed a decrease myself which I am beginning to think may be a reason for the wife and I’s inability to get pregnant for the past 8 months. We are getting tested, however have you had any feedback from some of the people that had previously posted with their ejaculate returning to normal after they stopped using Propecia? Thank you,

Chris

AskDocWeb: We have yet to hear from someone who took Propecia, suffered reduced ejaculate, quit Propecia and returned to normal.

Subj: Proscar and cancer
Date: 2/9/2005
I have been on propecia for about 3 years now and have not experienced any of the sexual side effects, and at the same time have increased my hair density. However, a study came out (I believe in the New England Journal of Medicine) looking at the long term effects of people taking proscar (the equivalent of 4 propecia tablets). Proscar is used to reduce the size of the prostate for people with enlarged prostates and more susceptible to prostate cancer. The conclusions were fairly astounding: Those on proscar were less likely to develop prostate cancer than those on the placebo, HOWEVER those on proscar who still got prostate cancer were more likely to get a more aggressive form of the cancerous tumor than those on the placebo. Any comments?

Walid

AskDocWeb: Here is how we interpret the results of that study. It seems that Proscar helps prevent some of the less severe forms of cancer. When that happens, what you have left are the more severe forms that would have happened anyway.

Subj: Radical theory
Date: 2/9/2005
I have a radical theory that occasional marijuana usage may help curb hair loss. I reckon that reduction in stress levels and an apparent (though maybe not quantifiable) relaxation of muscles and blood vessels work in some way to increase blood flow possibly to low traffic regions of your body like your scalp. Has anyone been able to link these together? From the responses on this site, I think I’d rather hold to my beliefs then to try Propecia.

Mark

AskDocWeb: Remember to keep your sense of humor. Our nurse says that many marijuana smokers exercise bad judgement.

Subj: Propecia side effects
Date: 2/10/2006
Hi, I’m male 33 thinking of using propecia. Can you tell me of side effects from this and about shedding if I did take it and I shed will the rest of my hair shed too or just the crown where I’m losing hair thx,

Donald

AskDocWeb: We suggest you take the time to read our report and the feedback from those who use this drug.

Subj: Propecia acne
Date: 2/10/2005
I am 20, and I have been taking Propecia for the past few months for my hair, and now I am starting to have acne on my face. Does it really have to do with Propecia? And if so should I stop taking it?

Ray

AskDocWeb: The Physician’s Desk Reference does not list acne as one of the side effects of Propecia.

Subj: Mood swings and irritability
Date: 2/11/2005
I am also curious about the possibility of mood swings and irritability. I am experiencing the same side effects with my boyfriend.

Judy

AskDocWeb: It is possible to have the same side effects but from a different cause. Most of the time when we hear about a woman experiencing mood swings and irritability they are talking about the side effects of their birth control pills. A few men have reported irritability that they believe is caused by Propecia.

Subj: Colour changes with Propecia
Date: 2/11/2005
I am 44, started using Propecia 3 years ago due to hair loss in the crown, I ask my GP every 3 months for repeat private prescription, the drug is slowing down the hair loss but definitely no growth.

However in the last 6 months my vision is affected. I had no eye sight problem before whatsoever. Firstly I can’t read small prints easily for example the Propecia leaflet as I need to be next to light source even in daylight and hold the leaflet further than normally, the second one is more serious which is that I wake up night and I see red colour wall instead of the magnolia coloured wall. Also, I do have a very dimmed light in the landing and I have the bedroom door open, so I go back to sleep and it’s fine once I wake up in the morning. Please note that I do see the walls normally before going to sleep in the dark with the dimmed light.

Furthermore I feel something wrong with my throat like irritation and discomfort. Are these side affects related to Propecia? Shall I stop using Propecia? Thanks for your help.

Haryton

AskDocWeb: We have heard from others that have blurred vision with Propecia but you are the first to report colour changes. To be on the safe side, we suggest talk to your doctor about this. The irritation in your throat may indicate a problem. Read more feedback.
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