Starting to get side effects

[Aznstan]

Hello I’m new to this forum and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the info and scary stories i’m reading.
Over the past two weeks i’ve been noticing side effects, most importantly loss of morning erections, loss of libido, decreased sensitivity and erections don’t stay as hard during masturbating. I masturbate a regularly and i remember just a couple of weeks ago still getting morning erections when i wake up (i used to regularly get them) so i know these side effects are recent.
I am still able to get erect and orgasm and I’m hoping it doesn’t lead to ED.

I’ve been taking propecia about 5 months now, taking one pill a day for the first 3 months, then reducing it to every other day for hte last 2 months to save money. I’ve had no problems whatsoever w/ propecia beforehand but i did notice the last 2 months my hair’s gotten thicker, coincidentally the side effects also start kicking in…so i guess thats how long the drug might take to leave my system? around 5 months? hmm.

Now my questions are:

1. can anyone remember the order of their symptoms and how long it took you to start getting over them?
2. I read in the FAQ about weening off the pill, how do you ‘cut’ the pill sizing? Do i have to buy a special pill cutter? If i do, can you buy them at a drug store?
3. I also read to get some blood tests done, I live in Canada is it possible to get the types of blood tests done at a walk in public clinic? Or do i have to go to a family doctor? I hesitate to go to my family doctor bc she’s that type of doctor that wouldn’t believe in these types of permanent conditions propecia can cause, she’s closeminded that way.

A big thanks to anyone that helps me w/ my questions. This forum is very helpful and I think i’m officially scared to continue taking propecia…it was my last hope to keep my hair but i’d rather have not have ED.

[Mew]

Since you have yet to quit the drug and don’t know if your side effects will resolve in coming weeks/months (most likely they will), any advice given is likely of little use. This forum is for men with longterm problems (months/years) after quitting and unless you fall into that camp, there is no point in being concerned.

Regardless, it seems you have made a choice to stop the medication so I will answer your questions to assist in this regard.

i guess thats how long the drug might take to leave my system? around 5 months?

Finasteride is metabolized by the liver within 6-8 hours and excreted within 24 hours. However, even a single dose inhibits the 5AR2 enzyme for more than a week.

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1170

It will not take “5 months” for the drug to leave your system – as mentioned it’s metabolized in 6-8 hours and excreted with 24hrs. Within 10-14 days of last dose, 5AR2 enzymes should be re-synthesized by the body and DHT should return.

1. can anyone remember the order of their symptoms and how long it took you to start getting over them?

Everyone is different, and recovery from symptoms varies for different people. However, collectively we all share a common symptoms profile, although not every person will experience all symptoms at any given time. Some people get major mental side effects, others sexual side effects, and others physical … or a combination of all 3.

2. I read in the FAQ about weening off the pill, how do you ‘cut’ the pill sizing? Do i have to buy a special pill cutter? If i do, can you buy them at a drug store?

You can buy pill cutters at a drug store or pharmacy. You can also use a razor blade. Regardless, dosage is probably not as important as is spacing out days between taking the pill due to aforementioned 5AR2 inhibition kinetics.

3. I also read to get some blood tests done, I live in Canada is it possible to get the types of blood tests done at a walk in public clinic? Or do i have to go to a family doctor?

Blood tests need to be provided on a requisition form which is tyically provided by a medical professional. If you can convince your doctor or a walk-in clinician to write the tests down and bill them to Health Care, then great. If not, offer to pay for them yourself and they shouldn’t have any issues.

I hesitate to go to my family doctor bc she’s that type of doctor that wouldn’t believe in these types of permanent conditions propecia can cause, she’s closeminded that way.

Review the FINASTERIDE STUDIES section of this forum, and the “Awareness” section of propeciahelp.com site – there’s materials there you can print off to prove your case, that the drug can have negative effects on hormonal, mental, physical and especially SEXUAL function.

If she disbelieves, find another doc who is open to it. Or, go to the USA and get bloodwork there.