Finasteride has recently featured in the media about persistent sexual side effects from the regular use of finasteride (e.g. Propecia, Proscar, Finasta, Finnicar) tablets for thinning hair treatment. The reports appearing in the media correctly state that only a small percentage of patients do suffer sexual side effects from the medication. What stands out as most controversial about the reports is the suggestion that these side effects persist for an extended period of time after ceasing use of the medication.

In my 14 year experience of prescribing finasteride to patients, I have yet to see a case of persistent side effects after stopping using the medication. Nor have any of my colleagues from around the world who prescribe it frequently to their patients. The side effects always resolve very soon after stopping taking the medication. In addition to this, the chance of side effects is also dramatically reduced if the medication is prescribed and used only two to three times each week instead of daily use. This less frequent use of finasteride is equally effective and removes almost all possibility of the patients having these side effects.

The long term use of finasteride is the cornerstone of hair loss therapy designed to prevent or dramatically reduce further hair loss from occurring. Using this medication also reduces the need for future hair transplant surgery by stabilising the loss of hair. Most patients achieve great benefit from the use of this medication and I have well over 4000 patients in my hair loss practice that are successfully taking it without side-effects.