PROPECIA is the only once-a-day pill approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of male pattern hair loss in men. PROPECIA reduces DHT, a key cause of hair loss.

Clinical studies of PROPECIA demonstrated visible results.

THE FACTS ARE IN
A 5-year clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of PROPECIA.

• 9 of 10 men who took PROPECIA had visible results—either regrowth of hair (48% [134 of 279]) or no further hair loss (42% [117 of 279])—vs 25% [4 of 16] who took a placebo (sugar pill), according to an assessment of photographs by an independent panel of dermatologists.
• 2 of 3 men who took PROPECIA regrew hair, as measured by hair count. All of the men in the study who were not taking PROPECIA lost hair.
• A majority of men who took PROPECIA were rated as improved by doctors—77% (210 of 271) vs 15% (2 of 13) of men who took a placebo.
• A majority of men who took PROPECIA reported that their bald spot got smaller, their hair loss slowed down, and the appearance of their hair improved.

Then in January 1998 the FDA approved Finasteride Propecia 1 mg per day for the treatment of hair loss in men. As with any prescription drug, there can be limitations and side effects.

Browse this FAQ page to get a basic understanding of how Finasteride Propecia works for hair loss and decide whether you will consult your doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription.

Just exactly what is Finasteride Propecia?

Finasteride for hair loss is a non-addictive oral medication manufactured by Merck & Co. Inc. under the name Propecia. Each film coated tablet contains 1 mg of Finasteride and it may be taken with or without food. Just swallow it with a glass of water.

Who is Finasteride Propecia intended for?

Men only! Women and children should not take this drug.

Additionally, pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets of Finasteride Propecia to avoid the risk of causing abnormalities in a male baby’s sex organs.

Men who are experiencing hair loss on the crown of the head or in the mid-scalp area may benefit from Finasteride Propecia. At present there is no evidence to prove it is effective for a receeding hairline or for hair loss on the sides of the head around the temples.

How soon can I expect to see results?

Taking 1 tablet per day (it makes no difference if the dose is increased) results are often seen within 3 to 6 months, namely, a slowing down or stopping of hair loss, and an increased hair density.

Do I have to keep taking Finasteride Propecia?

If you want to maintain the benefit of using this drug then continued use is recommended. It is possible you can lose the hair you gain 9 to 12 months after you stop taking the drug.

What results can I expect?

Results obviously vary from person to person. Many men note a slowing down of hair loss after taking Finasteride Propecia and an increase in the number of visible scalp hairs, although it seems you will not be able to grow back all hair you have lost by taking this drug.

Clinical studies showed that after two years approximately 8 out of 10 men either kept their hair or grew more. 17% of the 1,553 men involved in the test continued to lose hair.

How does Finasteride Propecia work?

The medication causes a significant drop in DHT levels in both the scalp and the blood. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main culprits in causing hair loss. Finasteride Propecia blocks the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into DHT.

What are the side effects of Finasteride Propecia?

About 3.8% of the men involved in clinical trials experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. As the percentage indicates, the likelihood is uncommon and the side effects disappeared within a few weeks once the medication was stopped.

The side effects become apparent before the user notices any improvement in hair growth. This is important to note as there is no risk of losing any hair gained through stopping the medication.

From the information presented above it can be seen that the decision to use Finasteride Propecia to combat hair loss must be thought out carefully.

Pros And Cons

On the negative side, there is a small risk of sexual dysfunction and the medication has to be taken indefinitely to maintain any improvement in hair growth.

On the positive side, there is a high chance this medication will make a difference to hair loss and the chances of re-growth.

Consult with your doctor and see whether he feels you would be a good candidate for Finasteride Propecia!

Many men who suffer from hair loss question if they can take Propecia simultaneously with other hair loss treatments. The answer to this question is yes. By combining treatments, you may receive better results in a shorter amount of time.  However, it all depends on the individual and the stage of their hair loss.

Healthcare professionals agree that Propecia can be taken with several other hair loss products. Men, who suffer from male pattern hair loss, usually take Propecia in conjunction with a DHT inhibitor or a topical solution, such as Rogaine.  Remember, you should always check with your physician before you start a new hair loss treatment.

There are a percentage of individuals who suffer from premature hair loss. Premature hair loss can be caused by genetic predisposition or other factors, such as stress. There are some instances where hair loss can actually start in the teenage years for some men. This can be every upsetting for a self-conscious teenager, a time in one’s life when image is so important.

If you suffer from premature hair loss, it is recommended that an aggressive approach is taken. An aggressive treatment program may be seeing a dermatologist, in addition to using two hair loss treatments at the same time. One may want to take oral Propecia and use Rogaine. This is traditionally a powerful combination in achieving better results in shorter periods of time.  No one wants to lose their hair, especially not prematurely.

If you or someone you know suffers from hair loss, make sure that treatment is sought immediately. The sooner that hair loss is treated with Propecia, the less damage that will be done to the hairlines and fullness.  Hair loss is a medical condition that requires treatment like any other health concern. Do not be afraid to seek treatment and talk to your doctor about your options. 

Generic name(s):
Finasteride
Brand name(s):
Propecia, Proscar

What is the most important information I should know about finasteride?

Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets. Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.

What is finasteride?

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate.

Finasteride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Proscar

Indications

PROSCAR is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve symptoms; reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR); and reduce the risk of the need for surgery, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy.

PROSCAR administered in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin is indicated to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (a confirmed >4-point increase in American Urological Association [AUA] symptom score).
Selected Safety Information

PROSCAR is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this medication and in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant. PROSCAR is not indicated for use in pediatric patients or women.

Women should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROSCAR when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus.

Physicians should instruct their patients to promptly report any changes in their breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Breast changes including breast enlargement, tenderness, and neoplasm have been reported.

In a 7-year, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled 18,882 healthy men, 9,060 had prostate needle biopsy data available for analysis. In the group treated with PROSCAR, 280 (6.4%) men had prostate cancer with Gleason scores of 7 to 10 detected on needle biopsy vs 237 (5.1%) men in the placebo group. Of the total cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in this study, approximately 98% were classified as intracapsular (Stage T1 or T2). The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. This information from the literature (Thompson IM, Goodman PJ, Tangen CM, et al. The influence of finasteride on the development of prostate cancer. N Engl J Med.2003;349:213–222.) is provided for consideration by physicians when PROSCAR is used as indicated. PROSCAR is not approved to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

SCARP = Scandinavian Reduction of the Prostate Study
PROSPECT = PROscar Safety Plus Efficacy Canadian Two-year Study
PLESS = Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study
PROWESS = Proscar Worldwide Efficacy and Safety Study
MTOPS = Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms

PROSCAR is a registered trademark of MERCK & CO., Inc.

Tags:Generic Finasteride Proscar