Propecia (finasteride)

Effective dosage:

5 mg/day

Side effects:

• pain in the testicles
• decreased libido (sex drive)
• impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts
• dizziness
• weakness
• headache

Drug Class: Men's Health.

Propecia detailed information:

Propecia (finasteride) is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and is used to increase hair growth on the scalp and to prevent further hair loss. Finasteride is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate).

Propecia is for use by men only. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. This often results in a receding hair line and/or balding on the top of the head. Once hair loss has occurred over a long period of time, the hair may be permanently lost. Male pattern hair loss is thought to be caused by a combination of family history (heredity) and production of a particular male hormone, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men with male pattern hair loss have more DHT in the balding part of their scalp than in other parts, resulting in increased hair loss.

Propecia works by blocking or reducing levels of the hormone DHT in the body. When levels of DHT are high, the hair follicles on your head shrink until they can no longer grow. By taking Propecia on a daily basis you can stop hair loss and promote new hair growth in as little as 3 months. Propecia does not affect hair on other parts of the body. Men with mild to moderate, but not complete, hair loss can expect to benefit from the use of Propecia. Propecia works by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This reduces the level of hormone, DHT, in the scalp and allows hairs to revert to a normal growth cycle. This results in no further hair loss and significantly new hair growth in men with Male Pattern Hair Loss. Taking Propecia is easy – it’s a pill you take once a day. You can take it whenever you like, with or without food, in the morning or before you go to bed. The important thing is to remember to take it.

The most important thing is to start taking Propecia as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the sooner you see results. You should expect to see no further hair loss after 6 months, and the beginnings of hair re-growth after 12 months. After 12 months you should know whether Propecia is working for you. For most men, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs in the first year of treatment, helping to fill in thin or balding areas of the scalp. In addition, men taking Propecia may note a slowing of hair loss.

Propecia is not addictive.

For further information about PROPECIA, consult with your doctor.