Hims is a telehealth company that offers convenient access to medications for hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and other conditions. You can get a prescription and have your medication delivered without leaving your home.
Although getting a prescription through Hims is convenient, it’s important to know what to expect from any medication you take, including the potential side effects. Just because you order it online doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
This article will give you an overview of the common and less common side effects of medications you might get through Hims. We’ll focus on the side effects of Hims pills for hair loss and erectile dysfunction, but the information is general and applies to other medications as well. If you’re considering taking Hims pills, it’s important to have a clear idea of the possible side effects.
Common Side Effects of Hair Loss Medications
Like any medication, the active ingredients in Hims products may come with side effects. Here’s a rundown of what to look out for:
Finasteride (Propecia Generic)
Finasteride works by blocking the body’s production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. This can lead to:
- Sexual side effects: Some men experience a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or problems with ejaculation. These side effects aren’t super common, but they do happen. Studies show a small percentage of men report these issues.
- Other potential side effects: Less frequently, men may experience breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) or a skin rash.
Minoxidil (Rogaine Generic)
Minoxidil is a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth. Possible side effects include:
- Scalp irritation and dryness: Minoxidil can sometimes cause dryness and itching, especially when you first start using it.
- Unwanted hair growth in other areas (hypertrichosis): Because minoxidil stimulates hair growth, you might notice hair popping up in places you didn’t expect.
- Possible systemic absorption leading to dizziness or lightheadedness: In rare cases, especially with higher concentrations or overuse, minoxidil can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Common Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Like any medication, drugs that treat erectile dysfunction can cause side effects. Here are some of the most common ones associated with sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis):
Sildenafil (generic Viagra)
- Headache, flushing, nasal congestion: These are common side effects. Sildenafil causes vasodilation, which means it widens your blood vessels. This can lead to a headache, make your face feel flushed, or cause a stuffy nose.
- Visual disturbances (blurred vision, blue tinge): Sildenafil can affect an enzyme in your retina, which can lead to temporary changes in your vision, like blurriness or seeing a blue tint.
- Less common but serious side effects: sudden vision loss (NAION), hearing loss: Although rare, sildenafil has been linked to sudden vision or hearing loss. If you experience either of these, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Tadalafil (generic Cialis)
- Headache, muscle aches, back pain: Tadalafil stays in your system longer than sildenafil (it has a longer half-life). This can mean that side effects, like headache, muscle aches, or back pain, might also last longer.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia): Tadalafil can affect the smooth muscle in your digestive system, which can lead to indigestion or an upset stomach.
- Similar to sildenafil, potential for vision and hearing loss (though rare): Like sildenafil, tadalafil has also been linked to rare cases of vision and hearing loss.
Less Common (and More Serious) Side Effects of Hims Pills
While many Hims medications are well-tolerated, some less common but more serious side effects are possible. It’s important to be aware of these and seek medical attention if they occur.
- Allergic Reactions: Look out for rashes, itching, or swelling. If you experience any of these, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical help.
- Drug Interactions: Hims medications can interact with other drugs you’re taking. Always tell your prescribing doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. For example, ED medications can have dangerous interactions with nitrates sometimes found in heart medications.
- Psychological Side Effects: Some users, particularly those taking finasteride, have reported anxiety or depression. While rare, it’s important to monitor your mental health and seek help if needed.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Chest pain or heart palpitations are rare, but more likely in people with pre-existing heart conditions.
Managing and Mitigating Side Effects
It’s crucial to talk to a healthcare professional about any side effects you’re experiencing. Hims provides access to doctors who can offer personalized advice and help you manage any issues that arise.
Sometimes, side effects can be lessened by adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication altogether. Your doctor can guide you through this process.
Lifestyle changes can also make a difference. For example, regular exercise can sometimes help with erectile dysfunction. A healthy diet and stress management techniques can also contribute to overall well-being and potentially reduce side effects.
Finally, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, such as chest pain, vision loss, or hearing loss. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Hims make me last longer?
Hims offers medications like sildenafil (generic Viagra) which primarily address erectile dysfunction, but it’s important to understand the potential risks and side effects of ED drugs, including how they can affect PSA levels. While these medications can help achieve and maintain an erection, they don’t directly influence how long you last during sexual activity. Other factors, such as anxiety or premature ejaculation, may require different treatments.
Is the Hims pill safe?
Hims prescribes medications that are FDA-approved, but like all medications, they carry potential risks and side effects. It’s crucial to discuss your medical history and any existing conditions with the prescribing physician through Hims to determine if a particular medication is safe for you. Common side effects are usually mild, but more serious ones are possible.
What happens if you take Viagra if you don’t need it?
Taking medications like Viagra when you don’t have erectile dysfunction isn’t recommended. You might experience side effects unnecessarily, and it can create a psychological dependence. Plus, using medications without medical need can be risky and is generally discouraged.
How long does the Hims pill last?
The duration of effect varies depending on the specific medication. Sildenafil (Viagra) typically lasts for around 4 hours, while tadalafil (Cialis) can last for up to 36 hours. This means you might be able to achieve an erection more easily during that timeframe, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have a constant erection for that entire period.
What happens after you stop taking Hims?
If you stop taking medications prescribed through Hims, the effects will wear off. For erectile dysfunction medications, this means you may no longer be able to achieve or maintain an erection as easily. Any underlying conditions that the medication was treating will likely return to their pre-treatment state. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing any medication.
Putting It All Together
Hims medications can offer real help for things like hair loss and ED, but it’s important to go in with your eyes open. We’ve talked about some of the potential side effects, from common issues like skin irritation to more serious ones like sexual dysfunction and, in rare cases, depression.
The key is to be informed and to have an open conversation with a healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns you have, and make sure your doctor knows your complete medical history before you start any new medication. This is especially true since some Hims medications can interact negatively with other drugs.
Hims offers an accessible and convenient way to get certain medications. But it’s up to you to make sure you’re using them responsibly and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, whether that’s through Hims or your regular doctor.