Propecia

Propecia is an oral prescription drug for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Propecia is the first and only FDA-approved drug proven to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in men. Merck & co. INC manufactures Propecia which is only available on prescription. Hair loss occurs in half of all men before they turn 50. Hair loss can occur in men from their teenage years to their late thirties and at any age after that.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia works on the key cause of hair loss and works to significantly reduce the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia blocks the formation of DHT in the scalp. Lower levels of DHT inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles.

Is Propecia clinically proven?

The effectiveness of Propecia has been demonstrated in several clinical studies. Men aged 18 to 41, with mild to moderate hair loss at the top and middle front of the head were placed on Propecia. In the first year of the study, 86% of the men on Propecia maintained their hair (no further hair loss) or increased the number of visible hairs on their head. The majority of men who took Propecia reported visible improvements in their condition with their bald spot getting smaller, hair loss slowing down, and their hairs appearance improving.

What results should I expect after taking Propecia?

Propecia increases the rate of hair growth, at around 1 centimetre per month. Consequently, you can see noticeable results within 3 months. Propecia also helps to improve the condition and the thickness of existing hair. However, results vary from person to person.

What is the standard recommended dosage of Propecia?

A Propecia 1mg pill should normally be taken once a day for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It takes approximately 3 months before you notice any improvement in your condition. Propecia should be taken for at least 12 months continuously for the best results. If you discontinue the treatment before this time, you may lose all the benefits you had previously gained.

You should not increase the dosage of Propecia for better results as this may not add to the benefits, but instead brings a whole host of side effects.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

The probability of experiencing side effects with Propecia is very rare and occurs in less than 2% of men. The most common side effects of Propecia are sexual side effects such a decreased desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in semen production.

You may experience allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, hives, and a swelling of the lips and face as well as ejaculation problems, breast tenderness and enlargement, and testicular pain whilst taking Propecia.

What are the precautions and contraindications for Propecia?

Propecia is a safe drug, but women and children should not take it as it is only meant for men. Pregnant women should not even handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets as the active ingredient may cause abnormalities to a male baby’s sex organs. Propecia’s active ingredient is called finasteride and if you are allergic to it or any other ingredients of Propecia, you should not take it to avoid any preventable reactions.