Reviews and Comments on Propecia Side Effects and Usage page 4
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: Finpecia and Fincar
Date: 5/25/2004
I have seen “generic” forms of Propecia advertised under the names “Finpecia” and “Fincar” Is this really the same active molecule as propecia?
Chris
AskDocWeb: We don’t know if the active ingredient is the same or not. These are copycat drugs manufactured outside of the United States. We know that other countries have different quality control standards and if you use those products you are assuming the risk. If you use them, please come back and share your results.
Subj: Recommendation?
Date: 5/28/2004
Hello, I am 23 years old and I am taking Propecia for about 3 years now and I have seen great improvement with hair growth. Until now I haven’t experienced any side effects.
I have been thinking of stopping with Propecia usage. One of the reason is that I read about how Propecia lowers the amount of your sperm and since I am young and will hopefully have kids some day I really got scared.
I would really like to hear from you about this matter. Should I continue taking Propecia and risk having kids or should I stop and risk loosing hair again. What do you recommend? Thank you very much.
Tomaz
AskDocWeb: The decreased volume in sperm was reported in one out of 125 men so the odds are in your favor. In all cases (according to the manufacturer), that side effect resolved itself (volume and sperm count returned to normal) when the medication was discontinued.
Our recommendation is based on the possibility of birth defects, which only occurs when the woman comes in contact with the active ingredient. If you are not currently trying to have a child we recommend Propecia. If you are currently trying to have a child, we recommend trying an alternative to Propecia such as
Procerin.
Subj: Propecia SUCKS!
Date: 5/31/2004
I think propecia SUCKS! I am a woman and had a great sex life until my husband started taking this propecia pill. I can’t believe how it changes a mans sex drive/personality. That is sad. Men way your options, women are not happy or sexually satisfied.
Ana
Subj: Hives?
Date: 5/31/2004
Can you get an allergic reaction and hives from proscar?
MHS
AskDocWeb: Yes, it is possible. If you suspect an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical help immediately. An allergic reaction can consist of red spots appearing anywhere on your body, sometimes with a slightly raised white spot in the center. These spots may or may not itch. This can be accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue or face, or your throat swelling closed. An allergic reaction is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Subj: Erection problems
Date: 5/31/2004
I took propecia for around 15 months and had no problems-just half a pill a day but then I increased the dosage to a pill a day. From then on I had problems with erections and intensity of ejaculation/feeling. I stopped taking it and thought I would go back to normal. But it’s been 15 months since I stopped and though my feeling has returned to normal (after several months) my erections are not as they once where-I find it hard to maintain and even getting aroused is not as, more difficult than it used to be. I am terrified that the damage is permanent and hope that the problem is psychological though I am sure by now that it is not. I don’t know what I can do?
John
AskDocWeb: We suggest you go to your doctor for a full medical exam. Without an exam you are only guessing and that is counterproductive.
Subj: Effectiveness of Propecia
Date: 6/3/2004
How effective is PROPRECIA for the 50-54 age group? Thanks
DrG
AskDocWeb: We don’t know. Previous studies of treatment with Propecia dealt with men 18 to 41 years of age. The testing of men over 41 is not yet complete.
Subj: Difficulty focusing
Date: 6/4/2004
I’ve been taking propecia for about six months and have noticed difficulty in focusing (mental concentration) and memory lapses. Have there been any other complaints such as this?
Ken
AskDocWeb: Not for Propecia. If it is a problem for you, we recommend you discontinue use and explore alternatives.
Subj: After effects of Propecia?
Date: 6/6/2004
I have 2 questions. First, for the past 3 months I have developed chronic hives and doctors can’t find out why. Not that long before that I stopped taking propecia. I never had any effects while on it but is there any history to this kind of side effect after you stop taking the medication?
Also if I go back on it, is the non-brand name propecia alternatives going to work as well as propecia? They seem to be a lot cheaper and would prefer to use one of those if it had the same affect.
Bryan
AskDocWeb: According to the manufacturer, all side effects that showed up during clinical trials disappeared once Propecia was discontinued. We will post your letter in case others have similar after effects.
If you choose one of the non-brand name alternatives to Propecia, make sure the active ingredient is finasteride.
Subj: Major problem with Propecia
Date: 6/7/2004
I have been taking Propecia for approx 6 months. Noticed a gradual decrease in sex drive and increase problem with keeping an erection. Now has got to be a major problem. If I quit taking now, how long approx before problem subsides?
Roy
AskDocWeb: This varies with the individual but the manufacturer says this effect will do away. We suggest seeing your doctor if the problem persists more than a few weeks after discontinuing.
Subj: Generic propecia
Date: 6/8/2004
Do you know when generic propecia would be available in USA? Thank you.
Tony
AskDocWeb: It looks like the patent on Propecia/Finasteride expires on November 5, 2013. I expect to see generic versions available a couple years before the patent on Propecia to runs out. It maybe 7 or 8 years before you see a generic form of Propecia that is real and legal.
Subj: Lack of sexual erection
Date: 6/9/2004
Respected sir, I am of 18 yrs now and I’ve been masturbating since last 4 yrs . I think due to that I suffered the problem of male pattern baldness. Due to this doctor consulted me to use (Finpecia + calcium panthetonate pills + mintop solution), but I am feeling lack of sexual erection since I am using finpecia. Will this cause any problem to my sexual mechanism. Please assist me sir, I am really afraid these days.
Rocco
AskDocWeb: First, getting male pattern baldness from masturbating is one of the
myths of masturbation. It just doesn’t happen. On the other hand, Finasteride has caused sexual problems for some men. In the clinical trials, 1.8% of men experienced a decrease in sex drive and less than one percent experienced impotence. If you become unhappy with your sex life while on this medication, we suggest you try something else for your hair.
Subj: Rogaine and Propecia
Date: 6/9/2004
Is it safe to use Rogaine and Propecia at the same time? Is it possible that using either or both could cause loss of eyebrow hair?
Mark
AskDocWeb: We have not heard of losing eyebrow hair because of using either of these products. And yes, many men are successfully using Rogaine with Propecia.
Subj: Amount of ejaculate
Date: 6/12/2004
I have been taking propecia and topical Rogaine for 4 months now. This medicinal hair loss treatment course is in conjunction with a Bosley 2300 hair grafts transplanted to the front and back of my scalp. I am now seeing some new growth of hair… Just not sure whether it is a result of the transplanted hair grafts or a result of combining Rogaine and Propecia. One result that I have found is in the amount of ejaculate during orgasm. Almost nill most of the time. Is this something that I should be concerned about health wise? I did have a vasectomy years ago, so I am not thinking about having anymore children, but the diminished seminal fluid upon discharge is quite unusual and slightly disconcerting. Any advice regarding this possible relationship with propecia use would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I am 51 years old and have never had any sexual dysfunction in my entire life.
Mark
AskDocWeb: In the clinical trials, .8% (8 out of 1000) men reported this side effect. Although there was no reported health risk involved with this side effect, many men find this disconcerting. You may want to cut back on the amount of Propecia you are using.
Subj: Side effects haven’t stopped
Date: 6/14/2004
Hi. I’ve been taking propecia for 2 years. I have experience some difficulties in having an erection and recently some chest enlargement. I have continued taking propecia but the side effects haven’t stopped. Should I stop taking propecia? How long will it take if I stop propecia to my chest return to its normal size? Is there any other drug with the same effects but with less serious side effects?
John
AskDocWeb: There is nothing on the market like Propecia. Less effective alternatives include Minoxidil, Advecia, and Procerin. The clinical trials showed that men who had side effects from taking Propecia returned to normal but they didn’t say how long that took. It would be helpful for other men if you would return to let us know how long that takes.
Subj: Energy levels
Date: 6/14/2004
I realize there is a small chance of loss of sex drive etc. my question is this. I do a reasonable amount of weight lifting and physical exercise will taking this drug have any effects in relation to energy levels as it changes the hormones in ones body. I only ask because it sounds like the drug has the opposite effect to taking anabolic steroids, which improve energy/strength etc.
Mark
AskDocWeb: We found no reference to effects on energy levels in the clinical trials. However, not everything comes out in those clinical trials. If you experience something new, let us know so we can share it.
Subj: ED
Date: 6/15/2004
Hello, I Have been taking Propecia for over 5 months. About a week ago I started to sense a complete loss of erection. Really unsettling feeling. It almost felt like I was becoming numb. I spoke to my doctor and she said that ED on Propecia is reversible. What should I do? I still have another 6 months stock? Should I get off it completely?
Hussam
AskDocWeb: Some of the ways that others have handled this are; 1. Stop the Propecia and try an alternative. 2. Reduce the dosage by taking them every other day. 3. Take a drug holiday from dosing. That is, leave off taking them for a while (one to four weeks) to give your body a chance to recover and then try them again.
Subj: Great hair, but
Date: 6/15/2004
Hi My name is Graeme from Australia what I would like to know is that I have been using propecia for 5 years my hair is great but my sex drive is not as good now I am using this drug. How long will it take for my sex drive to be back to normal levels. I do know my hair will start falling out if I stop. And one more thing if I keep using Minoxidil, will I retain the hair I have. Regargs
Graeme
AskDocWeb: The best guess we can make, based on the clinical trials, is between one month and one year, although it will likely be closer to a month. Your chances of retaining your hair are greater if you keep using the Minoxidil. Read more feedback.
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