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Finasteride warnings: what the pack now says

UK finasteride packs warn of depression and suicidal thoughts, and list sexual problems lasting after stopping. Patients call it post-finasteride syndrome.

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By Morten SkovPublished Updated
Headline: Finasteride warnings: what the pack now says. Below, in large pink type, the words of the card for every UK pack: sexual problems “in some cases continued after treatment was stopped”, and the line: Patients call it PFS.

The UK warning for finasteride says it is linked to depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual problems that may continue after stopping. A card for every pack says so, and patients call the lasting effects post-finasteride syndrome (PFS).

Patients told the UK medicines regulator that many people, doctors included, didn’t know about these side effects. The card came out of the review that followed. We think it has a limit: it reaches you inside the box, after you’ve decided to take the medicine.

The story in 3 lines

1. The UK regulator says finasteride is linked to depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual problems that may continue after stopping (MHRA, May 2026).

2. In 2024 it announced a card for every pack, after patients said the warnings weren't reaching people (MHRA review).

3. Nobody has measured how often the problems last (UK leaflet: "Frequency unknown"). Patients call it PFS.

Press: contact@sidefxhub.com

Sam, interviewed by Moral Medicine in June 2025. From 3:56 he describes the only warning he remembers getting.

Sam wanted to stop his hair falling out. His GP suggested finasteride and gave him a link to the NHS website, where he read that erection problems might happen.

Was anything said about them lasting? “Nothing permanent,” he says.

He describes numbness and shrinkage of his penis. In his words, the tablets were “handed out like it was nothing”.

What does the finasteride warning say?

The card for every pack, 1 mg or 5 mg, says finasteride can cause depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide. Lower sex drive and erection problems have also been reported, it adds, “which in some cases continued after treatment was stopped”.

The leaflet for the 1 mg dose is more specific. It lists “persistent difficulty having an erection after discontinuation of treatment”, along with lasting problems with sex drive and ejaculation. Its May 2026 version also warns that sexual problems may feed into low mood, including suicidal thoughts.

Doctors got the same message that month. The MHRA, the UK medicines regulator, told them to explain these side effects when they prescribe finasteride. They should ask first about any history of depression.

How the UK warning for finasteride grew

2010
Erection problems after stoppingReported once the medicine was on sale, and added to its product information.
2017
Depression and, rarely, suicidal thoughtsDoctors told to advise stopping the 1 mg dose if depression starts.
2024
A card announced for every packIt says sexual problems have sometimes continued after stopping.
2026
Updated warningsSexual problems may contribute to low mood.
Sources: MHRA review of finasteride (2024); MHRA Drug Safety Updates (April 2024, May 2026).

Why is there a warning card in every pack?

Because patients said the warnings weren’t reaching people. When the MHRA reviewed finasteride in 2023, most of these side effects were already in the leaflet. Lasting erection problems had been added in 2010, and depression in 2017.

In the MHRA’s words, patients were worried about “the apparent lack of awareness among health care professionals and patients”. So its independent expert advisers recommended a card inside the box, to highlight the mood and sexual side effects. The MHRA announced it in April 2024.

Does the warning reach people who buy finasteride online?

The card reaches them when the box arrives. What comes before that depends on the pharmacy. The 1 mg dose for hair loss isn’t prescribed on the NHS, and the MHRA says people more often buy it from online pharmacies than from private clinics.

Robb Dixon bought finasteride from a high street pharmacy that sells online, years before the card existed. “I filled out a basic form,” he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain. It was done in “30 seconds probably”, he said, and the tablets came in the post a few days later.

Good Morning Britain, ITV, 11 February 2026. Robb Dixon, who has PFS and is SIDEfxHUB's communications director, describes ordering finasteride from 0:49 and what began after he stopped.

The MHRA met online pharmacies as part of its review. Some, it found, “have thorough screening and monitoring processes in place, others do not”. In October 2024 the pharmacy regulator, the GPhC, told pharmacies that “providing finasteride at a distance carries particular risk”.

What can you do if you have finasteride side effects?

These medicines help many people. If you have side effects, that’s a decision for you and your prescriber.

If you develop low mood, depression or suicidal thoughts, the leaflet for the 1 mg dose says to stop taking it and contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you’re struggling, the Samaritans are free to call on 116 123, day or night.

Many people say it took time to be taken seriously. Bring the card or the leaflet line to your appointment. Write your dates down too: “Finasteride 1 mg from January 2023, last tablet March 2024.”

Report it: it helps everyone

A doctor’s note helps you. A report to the medicines regulator helps everyone else: it is how patterns get noticed.

  • No proof needed. A suspicion is enough, even years after stopping.
  • Where: the Yellow Card scheme in the UK, MedWatch in the US.
  • Use the right words. If symptoms continued after stopping, write Post 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor syndrome (MedDRA 10082430).

Our reporting guide walks you through it

Frequently asked questions

Is finasteride banned in the UK? No. It is still licensed, and the 1 mg dose for hair loss is sold on private prescription. The MHRA has added warnings and a card for every pack. You may know it by its brand names: Propecia for hair loss, and Proscar for an enlarged prostate.

How often do the side effects last after stopping? Nobody has measured how often this happens. The leaflet for the 1 mg dose lists the lasting problems under “Frequency unknown”. For some people it has lasted years after stopping. Nobody knows yet who will be affected, or whether it will ease. Our page on stopping finasteride has more.

Is post-finasteride syndrome an official diagnosis? Patients asked the MHRA to recognise it as one, and the regulator said that wasn’t its role. The dictionary regulators use to file reports does have a term for it: Post 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor syndrome. Our page on post-finasteride syndrome explains what is known.

Sam was warned about erection problems, but “nothing permanent”. If yours have lasted, report it: the line about lasting effects in today’s leaflet began with reports like yours.

Sources

  1. MHRA, Finasteride and dutasteride: updated safety warnings for psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction, Drug Safety Update, 11 May 2026.
  2. MHRA, Finasteride: reminder of the risk of psychiatric side effects and of sexual side effects (which may persist after discontinuation of treatment), Drug Safety Update, 29 April 2024.
  3. MHRA, Finasteride: review of safety data and expert advice on management of risks, 29 April 2024. The full report (PDF) covers the 2010 and 2017 product information changes (section 3.3), online pharmacies (sections 3.1, 4.3 and 6), the request to recognise post-finasteride syndrome (section 4.2) and the patient card wording (annex 1).
  4. Propecia 1 mg film-coated tablets: patient information leaflet, last revised May 2026, electronic medicines compendium (emc). Lasting erection, sex drive and ejaculation problems are listed under “Frequency unknown” in section 4.
  5. General Pharmaceutical Council, finasteride update for pharmacy teams, 7 October 2024.
  6. Moral Medicine, The Hidden Devastation of Finasteride – Sam’s Story, June 2025. Sam’s warning from 3:56; “nothing permanent” at 4:32; “handed out like it was nothing” at 4:50.
  7. Good Morning Britain, ITV, Pharmacists warn against buying prescription drugs online, 11 February 2026. Robb Dixon on ordering online from 0:49.

This information does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor before you make any decision about your treatment.

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Finasteride: what the official texts say, country by country

For the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (Propecia), the product information we read in the United Kingdom, in the United States, in Canada, in Australia, in New Zealand, in Germany, in France, in Italy, in Spain, in Brazil and in India, in some places that of another product, lists sexual dysfunction that continued after treatment was stopped. In each of those texts it stands among side effects reported once the medicine was in general use. Several add that these reports come from a group of unknown size, so how often this happens, and whether finasteride is the cause, cannot always be established. Patients call lasting effects after finasteride post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). The wording a European Commission decision set for the EU in 2025 is about mood and thoughts of suicide, and has no sentence about sexual side effects continuing after the medicine is stopped.

This is a record of what each text says and of the date it prints. A text is quoted in its own words, or summarised where the row says so. It is not a comparison of countries. All medicines and countries

Finasteride: what each text says about sexual side effects, and about side effects that continue after stopping.
Country or regionWhat the text saysDocumentDates
United Kingdom

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Undesirable effects · Psychiatric disorders: · Uncommon*:Decreased libido.

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Undesirable effects · Reproductive system and breast disorders: · Uncommon*:Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder (including decreased volume of ejaculate).

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8 Undesirable effectsIn addition, the following have been reported in post-marketing use: persistence of sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder) after discontinuation of treatment with 'Propecia'; male breast cancer (see 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

The same text also says4.8 Undesirable effectsThe frequency of adverse reactions reported during post-marketing use cannot be determined as they are derived from spontaneous reports.

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Undesirable effectsIn these studies, the following drug-related adverse experiences were reported in ≥1% of men treated with 'Propecia': decreased libido ('Propecia', 1.8% vs. placebo, 1.3%) and erectile dysfunction (1.3%, 0.7%). In addition, decreased volume of ejaculate was reported in 0.8% of men treated with 'Propecia' and 0.4% of men treated with placebo. Resolution of these side effects occurred in men who discontinued therapy with 'Propecia' and in many who continued therapy. The effect of 'Propecia' on ejaculate volume was measured in a separate study and was not different from that seen with placebo.

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Undesirable effectsDrug-related sexual undesirable effects were more common in the finasteride 1 mg-treated men than the placebo-treated men, with frequencies during the first 12 months of 3.8% vs 2.1%, respectively. The incidence of these effects decreased to 0.6% in finasteride 1 mg-treated men over the following four years. Approximately 1% of men in each treatment group discontinued due to drug-related sexual adverse experiences in the first 12 months, and the incidence declined thereafter.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC): Propecia 1 mg Film-Coated TabletsPropecia 1 mg film-coated tablets, Organon Pharma (UK) Limited · Read in a compendium of product information: emcAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; 5 related documents, with such a sentence; 5 related documents, with no such sentenceText revisedChecked
European Union

This text has no sentence about sexual side effects continuing after the medicine is stopped.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

This is wording for national product texts. There is no single EU product text for this medicine.

Document from the regulator Finasteride- and dutasteride-containing medicinal products, Article 31 referral: Annex III Amendments to relevant sections of the Product InformationRead on the regulator's site: European Medicines AgencyAlso on record: 2 more related documents, with no such sentenceThe text prints no dateChecked
United States

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping6 ADVERSE REACTIONS · 6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceReproductive System: sexual dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment, including erectile dysfunction, libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders; male infertility and/or poor seminal quality (normalization or improvement of seminal quality has been reported after discontinuation of finasteride); testicular pain; hematospermia.

The same text also says6 ADVERSE REACTIONS · 6.2 Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of PROPECIA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

This sentence stands in the list of adverse reactions. The warnings section of this text has no entry on sexual function.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

This text names sexual side effects in several places that this row does not show. Together those passages are too long to reproduce here. The document link in this row opens the text. That they are not shown says nothing about how common these side effects are.

On 14 October 2026 we searched the labels in openFDA, the FDA's open database. A sentence that sexual dysfunction continued after treatment was stopped stood on 151 of the 181 labels in that database that name finasteride, and on each of them among the adverse reactions, in no warnings section. Of the 30 without it, 10 are hair products with labels in the Drug Facts style, 5 are listings of compounded solutions for the skin, 2 have no text on adverse reactions, and 13 are older labels of 5 mg tablets with an earlier list of adverse reactions.

A table cell or list line is shown whole, as the text prints it. Some of them also name side effects that are not sexual.

Text for professionals PROPECIA® (finasteride) tablets for oral use: Full Prescribing InformationPropecia tablets 1 mg, Organon LLC · Read in the government's medicines database: DailyMedAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; 2 related documents, with such a sentence; 3 related documents, with no such sentenceText revisedChecked
Canada

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping8 ADVERSE REACTIONS · 8.5 Post-Market Adverse ReactionsPsychiatric disorders: mood alterations and depression, decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of treatment.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping8 ADVERSE REACTIONS · 8.5 Post-Market Adverse ReactionsReproductive system and breast disorders: sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders) that continued after discontinuation of treatment, breast tenderness and enlargement, male breast cancer, testicular pain, hematospermia, male infertility and/or poor seminal quality.

The same text also says8 ADVERSE REACTIONS · 8.5 Post-Market Adverse ReactionsBecause these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

This sentence stands in the list of adverse reactions. The warnings section of this text has no entry on sexual function.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

This text names sexual side effects in several places that this row does not show. Together those passages are too long to reproduce here. The document link in this row opens the text. That they are not shown says nothing about how common these side effects are.

A table cell or list line is shown whole, as the text prints it. Some of them also name side effects that are not sexual.

Text for professionals PRODUCT MONOGRAPH INCLUDING PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION: PrPROPECIA® finasteride tablets, Film-coated Tablets 1 mg, USPPropecia film-coated tablets 1 mg, Organon Canada Inc. · Read in the regulator's own database: Drug Product DatabaseAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; 2 related documents, with no such sentenceText revisedChecked
Australia

Sexual side effects that continue after stoppingSection 4.8 · Post-marketing experienceIn section 4.8, under post-marketing experience, Australia's product information for Propecia lists a lower sex drive, and sexual dysfunction (erection and ejaculation problems), each as having gone on after the treatment was stopped.Summarised, not quoted, because of the TGA's access terms.

The same text also saysSection 4.8 · Post-marketing experienceThe text says these reports come from a group of unknown size, so how often this happens, and whether the medicine is the cause, cannot always be established.Summarised, not quoted, because of the TGA's access terms.

The regulator's site asks readers to accept its terms before it shows this text.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT INFORMATION PROPECIA (finasteride) TabletsPROPECIA, Organon Pharma Pty Ltd · Read in the regulator's own database: TGA eBSAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentenceText revisedChecked
New Zealand

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Undesirable effects · Adverse events identified during clinical trialsIn these studies, the following medicine-related adverse experiences were reported in ≥ 1% of men treated with PROPECIA: • decreased libido (PROPECIA, 1.8% vs. placebo, 1.3%) • erectile dysfunction (1.3%, 0.7%). In addition, decreased volume of ejaculate was reported in 0.8% of men treated with PROPECIA and 0.4% of men treated with placebo.

The same text also says4.8 Undesirable effects · Adverse events identified during clinical trialsResolution of these adverse effects occurred in men who discontinued therapy with PROPECIA and in many who continued therapy. In a separate study, the effect of PROPECIA on ejaculate volume was measured and was not different from that seen with placebo. The incidence of each of the above adverse effects decreased to ≤ 0.3% by the fifth year of treatment with PROPECIA.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8 Undesirable effects · Adverse events identified during postmarketing experience · Psychiatric disorders:decreased libido that continued after discontinuation of treatment.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8 Undesirable effects · Adverse events identified during postmarketing experience · Reproductive system and breast disorders:sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders) that continued after discontinuation of treatment

The same text also says4.8 Undesirable effects · Adverse events identified during postmarketing experienceBecause these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate the frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

This sentence stands in the list of adverse reactions. The warnings section of this text has no entry on sexual function.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals New Zealand Data Sheet, PROPECIAPropecia 1 mg film coated tablet, Organon (New Zealand) Limited · Read in the regulator's own database: MedsafeAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; patients' leaflet, with such a sentence; related document, with such a sentenceText revisedChecked
Germany

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Nebenwirkungen · Psychiatrische Erkrankungen: · Gelegentlich*verminderte LibidoOriginal text: German. Our translation:decreased libido

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Nebenwirkungen · Erkrankungen der Geschlechtsorgane und der Brustdrüse: · Gelegentlich*erektile Dysfunktion, Ejakulationsstörung (einschl. vermindertes Ejakulatvolumen)Original text: German. Our translation:erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder (including decreased volume of ejaculate)

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8 NebenwirkungenNach Markteinführung wurde zusätzlich über Folgendes berichtet: Persistenz von sexueller Dysfunktion (verminderte Libido, erektile Dysfunktion und Ejakulationsstörungen) nach dem Absetzen von Finasterid; Brustkrebs beim Mann (siehe Abschnitt 4.4 Besondere Warnhinweise und Vorsichtsmaßnahmen für die Anwendung).Original text: German. Our translation:In addition, the following has been reported after marketing: persistence of sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders) after finasteride has been stopped; breast cancer in men (see section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use).

The same text also says4.8 NebenwirkungenDie Häufigkeit der nach Markteinführung berichteten unerwünschten Ereignisse kann nicht bestimmt werden, da es sich um Spontanberichte handelt.Original text: German. Our translation:The frequency of the adverse events reported after marketing cannot be determined, as they come from spontaneous reports.

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 NebenwirkungenMit einer Häufigkeit von 3,8 % bzw. 2,1 % während der ersten 12 Monate waren sexuelle Nebenwirkungen bei den mit Finasterid behandelten Männern häufiger als bei den mit Placebo behandelten Männern. Die Häufigkeit dieser Nebenwirkungen sank bei den mit Finasterid behandelten Männern auf 0,6 % im Laufe der folgenden 4 Jahre. Ca. 1 % der Männer in jeder Behandlungsgruppe beendete die Behandlung aufgrund sexueller Nebenwirkungen während der ersten 12 Monate, danach nahm die Häufigkeit ab.Original text: German. Our translation:With frequencies of 3.8% and 2.1% respectively during the first 12 months, sexual side effects were more common in men treated with finasteride than in men treated with placebo. The frequency of these side effects fell to 0.6% in men treated with finasteride over the following 4 years. About 1% of the men in each treatment group stopped treatment because of sexual side effects during the first 12 months; after that, the frequency decreased.

This is the holder's own copy. The regulator's database asks visitors to accept its terms first, which we did not do.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals Fachinformation (Zusammenfassung der Merkmale des Arzneimittels)Propecia® 1 mg Filmtabletten, Organon Healthcare GmbH · Read on the holder's own site: Organon Healthcare GmbHAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; patients' leaflet, with no such sentence; 2 related documents, with such a sentence; related document, with no such sentenceText revisedChecked
France

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Effets indésirables · Affections psychiatriques · Peu fréquent*baisse de la libidoOriginal text: French. Our translation:decreased libido

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Effets indésirables · Affections des organes de reproduction et du sein · Peu fréquent*troubles de l'érection, troubles de l'éjaculation (y compris diminution du volume de l'éjaculat)Original text: French. Our translation:erection disorders, ejaculation disorders (including decreased volume of ejaculate)

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8. Effets indésirablesDe plus, depuis la mise sur le marché, les effets indésirables suivants ont été rapportés : persistance des troubles de la fonction sexuelle (baisse de la libido, troubles de l'érection et de l'éjaculation) après l'arrêt du traitement par finastéride ; cancer du sein chez l'homme (voir rubrique 4.4 « Mises en garde spéciales et précautions d'emploi »).Original text: French. Our translation:In addition, since marketing, the following adverse effects have been reported: persistence of sexual function disorders (decreased libido, erection and ejaculation disorders) after treatment with finasteride has been stopped; breast cancer in men (see section 4.4 “Special warnings and precautions for use”).

The same text also says4.8. Effets indésirablesLa fréquence des effets indésirables rapportés depuis la commercialisation ne peut être déterminée dans la mesure où elle découle de cas de pharmacovigilance spontanés.Original text: French. Our translation:The frequency of the adverse effects reported since marketing cannot be determined, as it derives from spontaneous pharmacovigilance cases.

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Effets indésirablesLes effets indésirables sexuels ont été plus fréquents chez les hommes traités par le finastéride que chez les hommes recevant le placebo, avec des fréquences respectives de 3,8 % vs 2,1 % pendant les 12 premiers mois. L'incidence de ces effets a diminué à 0,6 % chez les hommes traités par le finastéride au cours des quatre années suivantes. Environ 1 % des hommes (dans chaque groupe) ont arrêté le traitement au cours des 12 premiers mois en raison d'effets indésirables sexuels liés au traitement. Cette incidence a diminué par la suite.Original text: French. Our translation:Sexual adverse effects were more frequent in men treated with finasteride than in men receiving placebo, with frequencies of 3.8% and 2.1% respectively during the first 12 months. The incidence of these effects fell to 0.6% in men treated with finasteride over the following four years. About 1% of men (in each group) stopped treatment during the first 12 months because of treatment-related sexual adverse effects. This incidence decreased thereafter.

The text itself prints no date of revision.

An official list of medicines we read shows the originator product as cancelled, revoked or archived. This is the text of another product, the one named in this row.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals Résumé des Caractéristiques du ProduitFINASTERIDE ARROW LAB 1 mg, comprimé pelliculé, ARROW GENERIQUES · Read in the government's medicines database: Base de données publique des médicamentsAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; patients' leaflet, with no such sentence; 9 related documents, with such a sentence; 3 related documents, with no such sentenceUpdated by the regulatorChecked
Italy

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Effetti indesiderati · Disturbi psichiatrici: · Non comune*Diminuzione della libidoOriginal text: Italian. Our translation:Decreased libido

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Effetti indesiderati · Patologie dell’apparato riproduttivo e della mammella: · Non comune*Disfunzione erettile, disordini dell’eiaculazione (incluso diminuzione del volume dell’eiaculato)Original text: Italian. Our translation:Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders (including decreased volume of ejaculate)

The same text also says4.8 Effetti indesideratiIncidenze presentate quali differenze dal placebo negli studi clinici al 12° mese.Original text: Italian. Our translation:Incidences given as differences from placebo in clinical studies at month 12.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8 Effetti indesideratiInoltre, durante l’uso post-marketing sono stati riportati: disfunzione sessuale persistente (riduzione della libido, disfunzione erettile e disturbi dell’eiaculazione) dopo l’interruzione del trattamento con finasterideOriginal text: Italian. Our translation:In addition, during post-marketing use the following has been reported: persistent sexual dysfunction (reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders) after treatment with finasteride was stopped

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8 Effetti indesideratiEffetti indesiderati correlati al medicinale inerenti la sfera sessuale sono stati più comuni fra gli uomini trattati con finasteride che fra quelli trattati con placebo con frequenze durante i primi 12 mesi di 3,8 % vs 2,1 %, rispettivamente. L’incidenza di tali effetti è diminuita allo 0,6 % negli uomini trattati con finasteride nel corso dei successivi quattro anni. Circa l’1 % degli uomini in ciascun gruppo di trattamento ha interrotto la terapia a seguito di esperienze avverse della sfera sessuale correlate con il medicinale verificatesi nei primi 12 mesi e l’incidenza è in seguito diminuita.Original text: Italian. Our translation:Drug-related adverse effects affecting the sexual sphere were more common among men treated with finasteride than among those treated with placebo, with frequencies during the first 12 months of 3.8% vs 2.1% respectively. The incidence of these effects fell to 0.6% in men treated with finasteride over the following four years. About 1% of men in each treatment group stopped therapy because of drug-related sexual adverse experiences in the first 12 months, and the incidence decreased thereafter.

The text itself prints no date of revision.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals Riassunto delle caratteristiche del prodottoPropecia 1 mg compresse rivestite con film, Organon Italia S.r.l. · Read in the regulator's own database: Banca Dati FarmaciAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; 2 related documents, with such a sentence; 2 related documents, with no such sentenceMade available by the regulatorChecked
Spain

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Reacciones adversas · Trastornos psiquiátricos: · Poco frecuentes*Disminución de la libidoOriginal text: Spanish. Our translation:Decreased libido

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Reacciones adversas · Trastornos del aparato reproductor y de la mama: · Poco frecuentes*Disfunción eréctil, trastorno de la eyaculación (incluida disminución del volumen de eyaculación)Original text: Spanish. Our translation:Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder (including decreased volume of ejaculate)

The same text also says4.8 Reacciones adversasLas incidencias se presentan en forma de diferencia respecto al placebo en estudios clínicos a los 12 meses.Original text: Spanish. Our translation:Incidences are given as the difference from placebo in clinical studies at 12 months.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping4.8. Reacciones adversasAdemás, durante su uso después de la comercialización se ha notificado: persistencia de la disfunción sexual (disminución de la libido, disfunción eréctil y trastornos de la eyaculación) después de la interrupción del tratamiento con finasteridaOriginal text: Spanish. Our translation:In addition, during use after marketing the following has been reported: persistence of sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders) after treatment with finasteride was stopped

Sexual side effects, as listed4.8. Reacciones adversasLas reacciones adversas sexuales relacionadas con el medicamento fueron más frecuentes en los varones tratados con finasterida que en los que recibían un placebo, con frecuencias durante los 12 primeros meses del 3,8 y el 2,1% respectivamente. La incidencia de estos efectos disminuyó al 0,6% en varones tratados con finasterida durante los cuatro años siguientes. Aproximadamente el 1% de los varones en cada grupo de tratamiento interrumpió el tratamiento debido a reacciones adversas sexuales relacionadas con el medicamento en los primeros 12 meses, y después la incidencia disminuyó.Original text: Spanish. Our translation:Drug-related sexual adverse reactions were more frequent in men treated with finasteride than in those receiving placebo, with frequencies during the first 12 months of 3.8% and 2.1% respectively. The incidence of these effects fell to 0.6% in men treated with finasteride over the following four years. About 1% of the men in each treatment group stopped treatment because of drug-related sexual adverse reactions in the first 12 months, and the incidence decreased afterwards.

This text also has a warning about changes in mood that names sexual dysfunction as something that may contribute to them. That warning says nothing about sexual side effects continuing after stopping. It is not reproduced here, because this record shows the sexual side effects a text lists and whether it says they continue after stopping. The document link in this row opens the text.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Text for professionals Ficha técnicaPropecia 1 mg comprimidos recubiertos con película, Organon Salud, S.L. · Read in the regulator's own database: CIMAAlso on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentence; 2 patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; patients' leaflet, with no such sentence; related document, with no such sentenceText revisedChecked
Brazil

Sexual side effects, as listed8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR? · Reação comum (ocorre entre 1% e 10% dos pacientes que utilizam este medicamento):pode sentir menos desejo de manter relações sexuais e/ou dificuldade na obtenção de uma ereção.Original text: Portuguese. Our translation:you may feel less desire to have sexual relations and/or have difficulty getting an erection.

Sexual side effects, as listed8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR? · Reação incomum (ocorre entre 0,1% e 1% dos pacientes que utilizam este medicamento):pode ter uma redução na quantidade de sêmen liberada durante a relação sexual (isto não parece interferir na função sexual normal).Original text: Portuguese. Our translation:you may have a reduction in the amount of semen released during sexual intercourse (this does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function).

The same text also says8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR?Nos estudos clínicos, estes efeitos adversos desapareceram em homens que pararam de tomar finasterida e em muitos homens que continuaram o tratamento.Original text: Portuguese. Our translation:In clinical studies, these adverse effects disappeared in men who stopped taking finasteride and in many men who continued treatment.

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR? · Frequência desconhecida: durante a comercialização do medicamento, as seguintes reações foram relatadas voluntariamente, não sendo possível estimar o tamanho da população exposta:problemas de ejaculação que continuou após a descontinuação do tratamentoOriginal text: Portuguese. Our translation:problems with ejaculation that continued after treatment was discontinued

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR? · Frequência desconhecida: durante a comercialização do medicamento, as seguintes reações foram relatadas voluntariamente, não sendo possível estimar o tamanho da população exposta:diminuição do desejo sexual que continuou após a descontinuação do tratamentoOriginal text: Portuguese. Our translation:decreased sexual desire that continued after treatment was discontinued

Sexual side effects that continue after stopping8. QUAIS OS MALES QUE ESTE MEDICAMENTO PODE ME CAUSAR? · Frequência desconhecida: durante a comercialização do medicamento, as seguintes reações foram relatadas voluntariamente, não sendo possível estimar o tamanho da população exposta:dificuldade de ter ereção que continuou após a descontinuação do tratamentoOriginal text: Portuguese. Our translation:difficulty having an erection that continued after treatment was discontinued

This is the holder's own copy. The regulator's database refused our requests (it blocks by country; we asked from Denmark).

An official list of medicines we read shows the originator product as cancelled, revoked or archived. This is the text of another product, the one named in this row.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

Patient leaflet finasterida, EMS S/A, comprimido revestido 1 mg: bula para o pacienteFinasterida 1 mg comprimido revestido, EMS S/A · Read on the holder's own site: Sara – Plataforma Oficial de Bulas Digitais de Medicamentos do Grupo EMSAlso on record: 2 texts for professionals, could not be opened; 3 more patients' leaflets, with such a sentence; 2 more patients' leaflets, could not be openedText approvedChecked
India

Sexual side effects that continue after stoppingUndesirable Effects · Postmarketing Experience · Reproductive System:Sexual dysfunction that continued after discontinuation of treatment, including erectile dysfunction, libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders; male infertility and/or poor seminal quality (normalization or improvement of seminal quality has been reported after discontinuation of finasteride); testicular pain.

The same text also saysUndesirable Effects · Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of finasteride. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure:

This is the holder's own copy. This regulator publishes no database of such texts.

This sentence stands in the list of adverse reactions. The warnings section of this text has no entry on sexual function.

Texts for other products in this country do not all say the same. The ones we read are on the full record.

This text names sexual side effects in several places that this row does not show. Together those passages are too long to reproduce here. The document link in this row opens the text. That they are not shown says nothing about how common these side effects are.

A table cell or list line is shown whole, as the text prints it. Some of them also name side effects that are not sexual.

Text for professionals FINPECIA TabletsFinpecia tablets (finasteride IP 1 mg, film-coated), Cipla Ltd. · Read on the holder's own site: Cipla (ciplamed.com)Also on record: 1 more text for professionals, with such a sentenceText revisedChecked

Brand names

These are the brand names of finasteride we saw in the official lists, compendia and regulators' pages we opened on or after 14 October 2026. A country may have more.

Propecia
United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Spain
Proscar
United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain
Chibro-Proscar
France
Ricit
New Zealand
Prostide
Italy
Genaprost
Italy
Finastid
Italy
Asterid
Italy
Ridestin
Italy
Finestar
Italy
Fendazel
Italy
Stecur
Italy
Sitas
Italy
Finacapil
Italy
Ormicton
Italy
Carefinast
Italy
Finedor
Italy
Terip
Italy
Alocare
Spain
Litace
Spain
Maxpil
Spain
Excalv
Brazil
Finalop
Brazil
Finarid
Brazil
Finastil
Brazil
Prohair
Brazil

What is not known

  • How often PFS happens is unknown. The UK text for professionals says the frequency of the side effects reported after marketing, among them sexual dysfunction that persisted after treatment was stopped, “cannot be determined”, because they come from spontaneous reports. (source)

Code and reporting

In a report to a medicines regulator, the term is Post 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor syndrome (MedDRA code 10082430). Where to report, country by country

Every row in this table was checked on or after . To quote this record, name SIDEfxHUB and give this page's address. All medicines and countries · The whole record as a file: JSON · CSV

You may reuse this record under CC BY 4.0 if you credit SIDEfxHUB and give this page's address. The licence covers our compilation, not the texts quoted in it, in the original or in our translation, and not the article above.