In general use, the following have been reported infrequently:

- allergic reactions including rash;

- itching;

- hives and swelling of the lips and face;

- problems with ejaculation;

- breast tenderness and enlargement;

- testicular pain.

A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men.

These finpecia side effects occur gradually and in a subtle manner, and many men do not realize it is occurring and forget how they felt before they started finpecia treatment for hair loss. Some men feel that life is not as exciting as it used to be and others may even experience low mood or depression. Another finpecia side effect may be an increase in abdominal fat (increase in size of the belly).

Animal studies have shown that finpecia might induce behavioral changes. Additionally, some cases of finpecia -induced depression have been reported in humans. The purpose of this study was to examine whether depressive symptoms or anxiety might be induced by finasteride administration. One hundred and twenty eight men with androgenetic alopecia, who were prescribed finpecia (1 mg/day) were enrolled in this study. Information on depressed mood and anxiety was obtained by Beck Depression Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Participants completed BDI and HADS questionnaires before beginning the treatment and also two months after it. Conclusion: This preliminary study suggests that finasteride side effect might be depression; therefore finasteride medication should be prescribed cautiously for patients with high risk of depression.