Propecia Dangers

Propecia is a drug that blocks the production and absorption of male hormones. It is used to treat baldness, non-cancerous growth of the prostate (also known as benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH) and prostate cancer. Propecia is the Merck company's brand name for the generic drug finasteride. It is also marketed under a variety of other names, including Alternova, Appecia, Finalo, Fincar, Finpecia, Finast, Gefina, Prosteride and Proscar. Merck recommends that it be used by adult men only (no women or children), though it is rarely prescribed for women who have hair loss.

Birth Defects

Women who are pregnant or might be pregnant should never take Propecia or handle broken, crushed or wet Propecia tablets. The active ingredient in Propecia is known by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to potentially cause birth defects in the sex organs of male babies. This can happen if Propecia is either swallowed or absorbed through the mother's skin. Whole Propecia tablets have a coating that makes them safe to handle.

A woman may be prescribed Propecia for hair loss, but she must be either post-menopausal or otherwise infertile, or using birth control carefully.

Sexual Side Effects

In men who use Propecia for hair loss or prostate problems, the drug may cause low sex drive, difficulty getting or keeping an erection, and difficulty with having an orgasm. These men may also produce less semen than usual and have other problems with ejaculation. Merck states that these side effects fade within two weeks after quitting Propecia, but the Swedish Medical Agency stated in 2008 that these side effects can become long-term problems.

Depression

Some evidence suggests that Propecia may cause symptoms of depression. A team of scientists led by Babak Rahimi-Ardabili of the University of Tabriz stated in 2006 that their research demonstrated significant increases in depression among men who used Propecia. The researchers recommended that people with a high risk of depression should not use the drug.

False Results in PSA Test

Taking Propecia can affect the results of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Tell your doctor that you take Propecia if you are going to have a PSA test.

Other Side Effects

Merck reports that the following side effects have been reported by Propecia users: allergic reactions, including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face; male and female breast tenderness, enlargement and discharge; and testicular pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if you are taking Propecia and have breast symptoms such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge.

References

• Package Leaflet Information for the User: Propecia 1mg Film-Coated Tablets (Finasteride); Swiss Medical Products Agency; 2008
• Selected Safety Information About Propecia; Merck; 2009
• Finasteride induced depression: a prospective study; Babak Rahimi-Ardabili; Ramin Pourandarjani, Peiman Habibollahi, Amir Mualeki; 2006