Basic Information: Common Brand Names - Propecia / Fincar

Generic Name - Finasteride

Propecia is a capsule taken by mouth that is a new and effective treatment for male pattern baldness. A net increase in scalp hair count and hair regrowth was seen in over 80% of men for whom it was prescribed.

Information:

HOW DOES PROPECIA WORK?

PROPECIA is the brand name for finasteride, which acts to inhibit the conversion of the androgen (male hormone) testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotesterone (DHT). In men each hair follicle contains tiny amounts of DHT. As male pattern baldness begins the amount of DHT contained in each follicle increases. PROPECIA through its inhibitory action serves to reverse this process by decreasing the amount of DHT in the hair follicle and in  blood.

HOW EFFECTIVE IS PROPECIA?

Numerous studies have been done looking at the efficacy of PROPECIA. Assessments were done by looking at photographic enlargements of sections of the scalp. Investigators have found that PROPECIA increases hair growth in over 80% of men. Overall improvements were seen as quickly as 3 months after starting the medicine. PROPECIA not only led to a decrease in hair loss but also significantly increased the rate of hair regrowth. These effects were maintained for over 2 years with continued PROPECIA therapy. It was concluded from these studies that as long as PROPECIA therapy is continued it will remain effective in facilitating hair regrowth.

CAN I USE PROPECIA WITH ROGAINE AND/OR RETIN-A?

Yes. PROPECIA when used with ROGAINE and/or RETIN-A is much more effective than using ROGAINE alone. People who have been long time users of ROGAINE with little or no effect have reported almost an immediate start of hair growth after starting PROPECIA. Since PROPECIA works against the cause of hair loss, it allows ROGAINE to work better. This combination is the fastest way to get results.

ADVERSE REACTIONS:

In multiple clinical studies adverse reactions were noted to be rare and did not affect most men. The most common adverse reaction was decreased libido that appeared to occur in less then 2.0% of men taking this medicine. The problem quickly resolved in all cases upon the discontinuation of the medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

PROPECIA does not appear too have any significant interactions with other drugs taken concomitantly.

WARNINGS:

PROPECIA tablets are film coated; therefore women can safely handle the intact tablet. Nonetheless, a crushed or broken tablet should not be handled by women who are pregnant or who may be pregnant due to potential adverse effects of this medication on the male fetus.

Caution should be used when men with liver disorders take PROPECIA. This medicine is broken down by liver-enzymes. Therefore, in patients with liver disease PROPECIA can cause hepatitis (liver inflammation), although this problem is seen very rarely.