Side effects
Both Minoxidil and Finasteride have been tested extensively and both have been used in high doses for the treatment of other conditions so a lot of safety data has been collected.Minoxidil
Minoxidil has been used to treat hair loss since the early 1990's. Reported side effects include scalp irritation in around 6% of users, headaches, and rash. More serious but rarer risks include dizziness and lowered blood pressure.Finasteride
Finasteride has been used in 5mg doses since the early 1980's for the treatment of prostate problems in men. Its brand name in this country is Proscar®. Its side effects are thus well known, and although only 1mg is recommended to treat hair loss (branded as Propecia®), unwanted effects can still include less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen produced. This happens in less than 2% of patients taking the drug. These side effects went away when patients stopped taking the drug. They also disappeared eventually in most men who continued taking the treatment.In general use, the following problems have also been reported in connection with taking Finasteride: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and swelling; and testicular pain. Finasteride can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) which is done for the screening of prostate cancer. Patients should tell their doctor if they are having this test done whilst taking the drug.
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