Propecia

Propecia is a prescription treatment for androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness accounts for 95% of all hair loss. Propecia is manufactured by Merck pharmaceuticals and contains finasteride as active ingredient to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia can improve the texture and thickness of existing hair and prevent further hair loss or reverse it.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia works by decreasing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This results in the normalization of hair growth cycle and a reversal of the hair loss process.

Is Propecia clinically tested?

Propecia is studied in over 1800 men in various clinical tests. These tests were done over one year period in men with different amounts of hair loss on all parts of their heads.

Men who took Propecia maintained or showed an increase in the number of scalp hair growth. Nine of 10 patients who took Propecia had visible results (maintenance or improvement) according to photographic assessments by an independent panel of dermatologists.

An expert panel of dermatologists also confirmed that 90% (251 of 279) of men who took Propecia at 5 years had improvement or no visible hair loss vs. 25% (4 out of 16) who took placebo (sugar pill).

What results should I expect after I take Propecia?

You can expect results in three months; however, this can vary from a person to person.

Propecia can also improve the condition and thickness of existing hair. Nevertheless, it is important to keep your expectations realistic.

What is the recommended standard dosage for Propecia?

The dosage of Propecia for male pattern baldness is 1mg tablet (as per prescribed) once a day.

It takes at least three months before you notice a prevention or decrease in hair loss and increase in hair growth. For best results, it is advisable to continue the treatment for at least 12 months. If you stop Propecia treatment before this time, you might lose all the hair you gained in the treatment period.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

Like all other prescription medications and some over the counter drugs, you might experience some side effects with Propecia too. However, it is not compulsory that everyone who takes Propecia will experience side effects. You may or may not get following side effects: sexual side effects including less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in semen amount.

These side effects go away in men who stop taking Propecia because of them. If you experience any side effects from Propecia, talk to your doctor immediately. Your doctor will determine if you should continue Propecia treatment or not.

Are there any reasons for which I should not take Propecia?

Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only and women or children should not take it. In fact, pregnant women should not even handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets. You should not take Propecia if you are allergic to finasteride or any of the ingredients of Propecia.