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Finasteride is a prescription medicine used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. While it is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects, including muscle-related issues such as myalgia (muscle pain), atrophy, weakness, and sudden muscle tightening (spasms). The World Health Organization's Adverse Drug Reaction Database has received reports of muscle-related side effects suspected to be linked to finasteride use. However, more research is needed to confirm this association conclusively. Patients experiencing muscular symptoms while taking finasteride should consult their physicians and report any side effects to relevant authorities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle-related side effects | Muscle atrophy, weakness, myalgia, and sudden, strong muscle tightening (spasms) |
| Number of reports | 508 reports of serious muscle-related side effects suspected of being linked to finasteride |
| Muscle pain | Myopathy |
| Muscle disorders | Pain, weakness |
| Reversible myalgia | Possible adverse reaction of finasteride therapy |
| Muscle loss | Persistent finasteride side effect |
| Muscle wastage | Persistent finasteride side effect |
| Muscle twitching | Persistent finasteride side effect |
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What You'll Learn
Finasteride may cause muscle pain (myalgia)
Finasteride is a medicine available only with a doctor's prescription. It is used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-redactase, which changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. While the medicine is effective in increasing testosterone levels and decreasing prostate size, it may also cause certain side effects.
A case report published in PubMed described a 30-year-old man who had been taking finasteride 5 mg/d for 10 years to treat frontal baldness. He developed diffuse muscle aches associated with elevated creatine kinase levels. His symptoms resolved, and his creatine kinase levels dropped to normal levels within 3 weeks after discontinuing finasteride. This suggests that finasteride-induced myalgia may be reversible.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences side effects from taking finasteride. However, if you experience muscle pain or any other side effects while taking finasteride, it is recommended to inform your physician. The PFS Network provides resources to help patients discuss symptoms and side effects with their doctors.
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Other side effects include atrophy, weakness, and muscle spasms
Finasteride is a medicine that can cause side effects in some people, although not everyone experiences them. Health Canada reviewed the risk of potential serious muscle-related side effects with finasteride use due to reports of adverse events in patients treated with Propecia and Proscar.
The World Health Organization's Adverse Drug Reaction Database contained 508 reports of serious muscle-related side effects suspected of being linked to the use of finasteride, including atrophy, weakness, myalgia, and sudden, strong muscle tightening (spasms). Health Canada's review of the available information concluded that the risk of serious muscle-related side effects from finasteride use could not be ruled out.
Further reports have been made of muscular symptoms from finasteride, with the PFS Network providing resources for those affected by adverse reactions to the drug. A case report detailed how a 30-year-old man taking finasteride 5 mg/d for 10 years to treat frontal baldness developed diffuse muscle aches associated with elevated creatine kinase levels. His symptoms resolved, and his creatine kinase levels dropped three weeks after discontinuing finasteride.
Finasteride has been linked to other side effects, including an increased risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer and male infertility. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets as finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in male babies.
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There is a risk of serious allergic reactions
Finasteride is a medicine that can cause side effects in some people. While serious side effects are rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people, there is a risk of a serious allergic reaction.
Finasteride can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, a tight throat, and skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale. Other symptoms may include sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness. In children, symptoms may manifest as limpness, floppiness, or unresponsiveness. A rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling may accompany these symptoms.
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as they may indicate a serious allergic reaction requiring hospital treatment. It is important to inform your doctor if you have any known allergies or have experienced unusual reactions to medications in the past.
In addition to allergic reactions, finasteride has been associated with muscle-related side effects, such as atrophy, weakness, myalgia, and sudden muscle spasms. However, the link between finasteride and muscle-related side effects is still under investigation, and more research is needed to establish a definitive connection.
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Finasteride can cause birth defects in male babies
Finasteride is a medicine that can cause side effects in some people. While serious side effects are rare, they can happen in less than 1 in 1,000 people. One of the rare but serious side effects of taking finasteride is the risk of birth defects in male babies.
Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, so women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Animal studies have shown that exposure to large doses of finasteride during the critical period of sex organ development (8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy) can increase the risk of birth defects in male fetuses. These defects may include hypospadias (where the opening of the penis is on the underside instead of at the tip), a shorter distance from the anus to the genitals (anogenital distance), and lower weight of the prostate and seminal vesicles (glands that produce semen).
In humans, there have been concerns about an increased risk of birth defects in male babies if there is unprotected sex during the critical period of sex organ development. However, the amount of finasteride found in semen is small, and it is not expected to cause problems for the developing fetus. Case reports of pregnancies with paternal exposure to finasteride have resulted in full-term infants without reported birth defects. Exposures in fathers or sperm donors are generally unlikely to increase risks to a pregnancy.
While there is a potential risk of birth defects associated with finasteride exposure during pregnancy, studies in humans have not been conducted to confirm this risk. Animal studies suggest that finasteride exposure during pregnancy might increase the chance of preterm delivery and might impact the testicles' ability to move into the proper position in the scrotum. Additionally, an animal study reported that finasteride use during pregnancy might affect memory in some exposed offspring.
It is important to note that the potential risks of finasteride must be weighed against its benefits. Finasteride is a prescription medicine, and individuals considering its use should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor.
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It may also cause sexual side effects
Finasteride is a prescription medicine that blocks the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which changes testosterone into another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. While finasteride can be effective in treating hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia, it may also cause side effects in some individuals.
Finasteride has been linked to several sexual side effects, which can include problems with erection, decreased libido, and difficulties with ejaculation. These issues can be distressing and impact an individual's quality of life. It is important to consult a doctor if these side effects occur, as they may suggest an underlying condition or indicate the need for alternative treatment options.
One of the most commonly reported sexual side effects of finasteride is erectile dysfunction. This can range from occasional difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection to more persistent and complete erectile dysfunction. The mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the alteration of hormone levels caused by finasteride.
Additionally, finasteride can lead to a reduced libido or decreased interest in sexual activity. This decrease in sexual desire may be related to the impact of finasteride on testosterone levels, as testosterone plays a significant role in regulating libido in both men and women.
Furthermore, some individuals taking finasteride experience problems with ejaculation. This can manifest as a decrease in the volume of semen produced or, in some cases, the absence of ejaculate altogether (known as a dry orgasm). While this side effect may not be physically harmful, it can be concerning and impact an individual's sexual satisfaction.
It is important to note that these sexual side effects are typically reversible and tend to resolve after discontinuing finasteride. However, in rare cases, some individuals may experience persistent sexual side effects even after stopping the medication. These cases are often referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), and more research is needed to understand and effectively treat this condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Finasteride is a medicine that comes in the form of a capsule and is available only with a doctor's prescription. It is used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Finasteride has been linked to muscle-related side effects such as atrophy, weakness, myalgia, and sudden, strong muscle tightening (spasms). However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that Finasteride is the direct cause of these side effects.
If you experience any side effects after taking Finasteride, it is important to inform your physician or healthcare provider. They may advise you to stop taking the medication or recommend alternative treatments.
Yes, like all medications, Finasteride can cause side effects such as problems with erection, decreased interest in sex, and changes in ejaculation. It may also cause serious allergic reactions, skin reactions, and increased risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer.
