Propecia is a capsule taken by mouth that is a new and efective treatment for male pattern baldness. A net increase in scalp hair count and hair regrowth was seen in over 80% of men for whom it was prescribed.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Propecia tablets are provided in a dosage of 1 milligram.
The pills are tan, octagonal (8 sided), film coated convex tablets with a “P”
on one side and the word “Propecia” on the other side.
HOW DOES Propecia WORK?
Propecia is the brand name for finasteride, which acts
to inhibit the conversion of the androgen (male hormone) testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotesterone
(DHT). In men each hair follicle contains tiny amounts of DHT. As
male pattern baldness begins the amount of DHT contained in each follicle
increases. Propecia through its inhibitory action serves to reverse this
process by decreasing the amount of DHT in the hair follicle and in blood.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS Propecia?
Numerous studies have been done looking at the efficacy of Propecia.
Assessments were done by looking at photographic enlargements of sections of the
scalp. Investigators have found that Propecia increases hair growth in
over 80% of men. Overall improvements were seen as quickly as 3 months after starting
the medicine. Propecia not only led to a decrease in hair loss but also
significantly increased the rate of hair regrowth. These effects were maintained
for over 2 years with continued Propecia therapy. It was concluded from
these studies that as long as Propecia therapy is continued it will remain
effective in facilitating hair regrowth.
CAN I USE Propecia WITH ROGAINE AND/OR RETIN-A?
Yes. Propecia when used with ROGAINE and/or RETIN-A
is much more effective than using ROGAINE alone. People who have been long
time users of ROGAINE with little or no effect have reported almost an
immediate start of hair growth after starting Propecia. Since Propecia
works against the cause of hair loss, it allows ROGAINE to work better.
This combination is the fastest way to get results.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
In multiple clinical studies adverse reactions were noted to be
rare and did not affect most men. The most common adverse reaction was decreased
libido that appeared to occur in less then 2.0% of men taking this medicine. The
problem quickly resolved in all cases upon the discontinuation of the medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Propecia does not appear too have any significant interactions
with other drugs taken concomitantly.
WARNINGS:
Propecia tablets are film coated; therefore women can safely
handle the intact tablet. Nonetheless, a crushed or broken tablet should not be
handled by women who are pregnant or who may be pregnant due to potential adverse
effects of this medication on the male fetus.
Caution should be used when men with liver disorders take Propecia.
This medicine is broken down by liver-enzymes. Therefore, in patients with liver
disease Propecia can cause hepatitis (liver inflammation), although this
problem is seen very rarely.
