Does finasteride cause any side effects?
In clinical trials, finasteride was very well tolerated in men, with most patients reporting no serious side effects. The principal side effects associated with finasteride were decreased libido (1.8% of finasteride patients versus 1.3% on placebo) and erectile dysfunction (1.3% finasteride versus 0.7% placebo). In addition, decreased volume of ejaculate was reported in 0.8% of men treated with finasteride and 0.4% of those on placebo. All of these side effects resolved upon discontinuation of therapy, and also resolved in many men who preferred to continue therapy. Is there any evidence that long-term use of finasteride is dangerous or detrimental to a man’s health? Finasteride was evaluated in 3,200 men and it was very well tolerated, including patients on therapy for up to two years. Long-term suppression of DHT does not appear to be harmful. This is based on extensive research, dating back to 1974, of men born with a deficiency of 5-alpha reductase. Finasteride is not indicated for
