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Side Effects of Prostate Medication

Prostate medication is used in the treatment of various issues regarding the prostate, most notably benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. The medication works by preventing the transformation of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the development of BPH. As with most drugs, there are a number of side effects that have become associated with using prostate medication.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • A number of side effects are associated with using prostate medication. According to Drugs.com, some of these side effects include lightheadedness, impotence, pain in the testicles, swelling of the hands and feet, trouble achieving orgasm, decreased sex drive, abnormal ejaculation, headache, runny nose, skin rash, and swelling and tenderness of the breasts. While these are considered the most common side effects associated with using prostate medication, they affect only a small number of users.

    Rare Side Effects

    • A number of rare side effects are also associated with using prostate medication. Some of these side effects include allergic reactions, hives, skin rash, trouble breathing, breast lumps, breast pain, nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Speak with your doctor immediately if you experience any of these problems.

    Important Safety Information

    • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any prostate medication or to the drug Propecia (a treatment for male pattern baldness), consult with your doctor before beginning treatment. Prostate medication should never be taken by women or children as it is excreted through the skin and can cause severe birth defects in babies. If a women or child comes into contact with a broken or crushed tablet by accident, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.

    Use

    • Always use prostate medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor and never in doses larger than that recommended on the label. The medication can be taken with or without food; however, it should always be taken with an eight-ounce glass of water. Regular blood tests are required to ensure that prostate medication is working properly in your system, so consult with your doctor about the best visitation schedule.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the side effects mentioned previously, contact your doctor immediately.

      If an overdose is suspected, contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Prostate medication is meant to treat conditions of the prostate only and should never be used for any other medical purpose unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.

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