About Propecia

Propecia (generic name: Finasteride) is an FDA approved pill for treatment of male pattern baldness in men. Manufactured by pharmaceutical company Merck and Co. Propecia (finasteride) has been in use since 1997 and is currently one of the most prescribed pills for treatingmale pattern baldness. Propecia has been clinically proven as a medicine that helps increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss in men suffering from male pattern baldness.

What is male pattern baldness?

Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is one the most common cause of hair loss in men. In this condition, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair also thins at the crown of the head. Male pattern baldness often progresses to partial or complete baldness in men.

Male pattern baldness is caused by the effect of the male sex hormone called testosterone. By an action of enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When the level of the DHT goes above a certain level it acts on the hormone receptor on the hair follicle and produces weak, shorter hair. It also slows down hair production gradually depleting your stock of hair.

How Propecia (finasteride) works?

Finasteride - the active compound in Propecia belongs to a group of medicine called 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Propecia works by blocking the enzyme, Type II 5 alpha-reductase and thereby inhibit the production of DHT. The DHT is the chief cause of male pattern baldness as it can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Regular use of Propecia keeps the production of DHT in check and therefore helps in stopping further hair loss and also assists in new hair growth.

How do I use Propecia?

Propecia (finasteride) pill is to be taken orally once a day, with or without food. The standard prescribed dosage of Propecia for male pattern baldness is 1mg tablet once a day. Ideally the dose should be taken regularly and at the same time everyday.

It takes about three months before the effect of Propecia is seen on hair growth. You must continue to use Propecia to maintain hair growth. Once you stop taking Propecia any gain in hair quantity is generally lost within 12 months. Please consult your doctor about the right dosage of Propecia finasteride medicine for you. Never decrease or exceed the dosage of Propecia on your own.

Propecia should not be used by women and children. Pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant should not even touch a Propecia tablet if it is broken or crushed.

What are Propecia (finasteride) side effects?

Propecia (finasteride) is a safe and well-tolerated drug but like other prescription medicines it does come with certain side effects. A small number of men have reported sexual side effects such as decreased desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection and a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. Sexually related Propecia side effects go away when the medication is stopped.

Other Propecia side effects include allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face, problems with ejaculation, breast tenderness and enlargement, and testicular pain. Please report to your doctor immediately if notice any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge or if any of the side effects become bothersome.