General Information
Propecia, generic name Finasteride is a treatment in tablet form for male pattern hair loss (MPDL).http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/index.jsp?WT.svl=2 The male suffering from this disorder has elevated level of DHT in their scalp. DHT shrinks the hair follicle so that the follicle no longer produces visible hair.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/understanding-male-pattern-hair-loss/role_dht_hair_loss.jsp?WT.svl=2 Propecia works to block the formation of DHT in the scalp, reducing hair loss and helping to regrow new hair.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/how_propecia_works.jsp?WT.svl=2
Propecia is the only FDA approved pill used to treat hair loss, and is approved for use in males only.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/how_propecia_works.jsp?WT.svl=2 It is only used for the hair loss on the top of the head and in the middle front of the head and not for receding hairlines at the temples.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/how_propecia_works.jsp?WT.svl=2
Propecia was formulated to work over the long term. Propecia must be taken daily for effects to be seen, and sometimes the effects will not be seen for 3 months from the start of the Propecia program.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/how_propecia_works.jsp?WT.svl=2 If the patient stops taking the pill any hair growth that was achieved will be lost and the typical male pattern balding will continue.
Propecia History
Propecia started out in the 1980's as a drug designed for enlarged prostate in males.http://www.drpistone.com/Hair-Restoration-Library/History-of-Propecia/Hair-Restoration/ In the 1990's it was accidently discovered that Propecia helped remedy hair loss.http://www.drpistone.com/Hair-Restoration-Library/History-of-Propecia/Hair-Restoration/ It immediately became available to the public and was the first oral pill that was FDA approved for the remedy of male pattern balding. It has become a popular, convenient choice of the public since that time. Other products, such as Rogaine, that were offered at the time required a lot more time and had a different application process.
Side Effects
The side effects for Propecia vary from individual to individual, and studies showed that side effects were uncommon. There are some reliable clinical studies offered by the company that list these as possible side effects of the Propecia program.
- Allergic reactions: this includes itching, swelling of the lips and face and hives.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/possible_side_effects.jsp?WT.svl=2
- Problems with ejaculation.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/possible_side_effects.jsp?WT.svl=2
- Breast tenderness or enlargment.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/possible_side_effects.jsp?WT.svl=2
The Propecia company advises the patient to contact his doctor if he finds any lumps, has discharge from thenipple, or pain. Remember to always report any unusual side effects to your doctor immediately.
Women who are or may possibly be pregnant should not handle the Propecia pills if they become crushed or broken. Propecia contains an active ingredient that may cause defects in the male sex organs of an unborn baby.http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/about-propecia-finasteride/possible_side_effects.jsp?WT.svl=2 There is a coating on the pill that aids in reducing this effect but if the pill is broken the coating is as well. If a pregnant woman does come in contact with a Propecia pill that has been crushed, please notify here doctor immediately.
Propecia Explained
In this 54 sec. video Dr. Gregory Nikoladi from the Westlake Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery explains in detail the mechanism by which Propecia works and who should use it (he makes note that pregnant women should not take the drug). He also states that it takes 3-6 months to see results, this is adds three months to the time given by the Propecia site, and that it is best if used in conjunction with Rogaine.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Propecia or any other prescription medication.