Proscar Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Proscar® (
finasteride). However, not everyone who takes this drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Proscar well. When side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects of Proscar. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Proscar side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Proscar
Proscar has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common Proscar side effects include:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence -- in up to 18.5 percent of people
- Decreased libido (sex drive) -- up to 10 percent
- Abnormal ejaculation, including decreased ejaculate amount -- up to 7.2 percent
- Breast enlargement -- up to 2.2 percent.
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
