Propecia is the brand name for the drug finasteride; it is the first pill to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of male pattern baldness or hair loss on the top of the head and in the mid-scalp area. Originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate condition, the FDA approved this drug in December 1997 for androgenetic alopecia; it's manufactured by Merck and Company, Inc.

What is Propecia?

Propecia has been designed with hair loss in mind. Its purpose is to stop hair loss from progressing, as well as to maintain what hair is left. Studies with 1mg Propecia finasteride demonstrated the growth of new hair in men suffering from male pattern hair loss. This drug works on a key cause of hair loss; it significantly reduces the amount of DHT in the scalp. To be more specific, it blocks the formation of DHT and this action inhibits the further shrinking of the affected hair follicles. It helps in hair re-growth, reduces further hair loss and also helps in hair maintenance. It works best in men with mild to moderate hair loss at the top and middle front of their head. There is no evidence that Propecia works for receding hairlines at the temples.

Propecia side effects – Minor, major and uncommon

Like all prescription medications, you are bound to experience some Propecia side effects too. In general use, the following minor side effects have been reported which include:

• Allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face
• Problems with ejaculation
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Testicular pain

Major Propecia side effects must be promptly reported to your doctor when you notice changes in your breasts which include lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems after taking this drug. About 2% of the men also have sexual side effects. These include less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. Propecia side effects generally go away in men once they've stopped taking it. In addition, these side effects were found to decrease to about 0.3% or less by the fifth year of treatment.

Clinical studies have also shown that certain Propecia side effects do occur but are rare and do not affect most men. Do tell your doctor if any of these symptoms become severe or do not go away. They include:

• Impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
• Decreased libido (interest in sex)
• Decreased volume of ejaculate (amount of semen)

How can Propecia side effects be avoided?

Propecia side effects can be easily avoided by following this advice. Before taking finasteride, you must tell your doctor or pharmacist:

If you are allergic to finasteride or to any of the other ingredients in PropeciaWhat prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan on taking in the future If you have or have ever had a blockage of urine flow or liver disease

Study Propecia side effects carefully so that you can speak with your doctor and discontinue the medication. But for this it is essential that you learn about the Propecia side effects in detail so that you can make an informed decision when the need arises.