About Propecia

This is a simplified report on Propecia and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. Do not use this information as a substitute for your doctor's advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any drug and follow your doctor's directions.

What is Propecia?

Propecia is the brand name of the drug finasteride, also sold as proscar. It's the first pill approved by the FDA to treat male pattern baldness or hair loss on the top of the head and mid-scalp areas. Finasteride is pronunciation: fin AS ter ide.

Propecia was originally developed to treat an enlarged prostate condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The FDA approved it in December 22, 1997. It's manufactured by Merck and Company, Inc.

How does Propecia work?

Male pattern baldness is medically called androgenetic alopecia. It accounts for 95% of all hair loss. In women, it appears as a diffuse thinning over most of the scalp. In men, it starts with a receding hairline that gradually develops over the top of the head. This hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia because the male hormones (androgens) and hereditary factors (genetic) that determine the loss of hair.
Specifically, the enzyme 5 alpha reductase converts the male hormone testosterone into a male hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The DHT is believed to cause hair loss in those who are genetically disposed. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer grows visible hair.
Propecia works by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase that lowers the levels of DHT in the body. This normalizes hair growth and reverses hair loss. The advantage of Propecia is that it selectively targets the appropriate hormone without causing undesirable changes in other hormones.

What side effects do users of Propecia report?

98% of men taking Propecia had no side effects. Clinical tests show PROPECIA is very well tolerated. A small number of men (1.8%) experience some sexual side effects. 1.3% reported erectile dysfunction.
Tell your doctor if you experience
Decreased libido (1.8%)
Decreased volume of ejaculate (0.8%)
Impotence
Breast tenderness or enlargement.
May cause birth defects in male baby's sex organs if taken by women.
In all cases of men who reported side effects, stopping the medication resolves the problem. In those who stopped taking it, the benefits gradually declined and hair loss resumed.

Storing Propecia

Store Propecia in a tightly closed container at room temperature ( 59 - 86 degrees F or 15 - 30 degrees C) away from heat and moisture.

Conditions you should tell your Doctor about before taking Propecia:

If you're going to get a blood test for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), the Propecia will alter the results.
Liver disease - you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during therapy.

Tell Your Doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Though no known conflicts have been reported, you should still tell your doctor in case something new has been discovered.

General Notes on Propecia

If you miss a day, do NOT take an extra tablet. Taking more than one a day is NOT recommended.
You may use it for 3 months or more before you notice an increase in hair growth and/or prevention of hair loss. If you haven't seen results within 12 months, you probably won't.
You have to use it continuously for maximum benefit. If you stop taking it, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months.
Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces).
Propecia has been studied in men with mild to moderate hair loss, aged 18 to 41.
Not to be used or given to anyone under the age of 18.
Not to be used by women - causes birth defects.
Women should not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets. It can be absorbed through the skin. Whole tablets are coated to prevent this.
Can be taken with or without food.
According to Merck Pharmaceuticals, Propecia stops the progression of hair loss in the majority of patients (83%), and results in hair regrowth in over 65%.
Tests were performed for semen levels in 35 men taking PROPECIA® daily for 6 months. PROPECIA® levels were undetectable in 60% of the samples. The highest level measured was 1.52 ng/mL and the mean was 0.26 ng/mL. Using the highest semen level measured, a woman's exposure through vaginal absorption would be 750 times lower than the exposure from the no-effect dose in Rhesus monkeys tests.
PROPECIA® helps grow natural hair not just "peach fuzz" and it's as convenient as taking a vitamin: one pill a day.
Some studies shown Propecia to be about 80% effective in preventing future hair loss and about 40% - 50% effective in restoring hair growth.