Propecia
Propecia is a tablet intended to help combat androgenetic alopecia (hair loss). It is a relatively recent treatment for men who suffer from baldness or thinning hair, having been available in the UK since 2002. Studies have shown that it is an effective way to combat hair loss for most men.
How Does Propecia Work?
The active ingredient in Propecia is a hormonal agent known as finasteride. Finasteride is an antiandrogen, meaning that it suppresses the effects of androgen hormones. Specifically, it prevents the body from converting testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is one of the main causes of hair loss. By stopping your body's production of DHT, finasteride permits hair follicles to regrow. As a result, it is possible to halt or reverse hair loss. Propecia is manufactured by Merck.
Propecia Dosages
The standard dosage for Propecia is 1 mg per day, taken orally, preferably at the same time each day, with or without food.
How Long Does Propecia Take to Work?
Those taking Propecia usually notice improvement within about four months. Full recovery of lost hair, if it occurs, typically takes longer—one to two years in most cases. If the patient discontinues use, the effects also cease within a year.
How Effective is Propecia?
Propecia is a fairly effective treatment if taken daily. Approximately two out of three men who regularly take finasteride report at least some regrowth of lost hair, making it significantly more effective than the other common treatment for hair loss, the lotion called minoxidil. Even among the rest, it is usual for there to be no further hair loss. Only about 1% of patients using finasteride report no improvement in their situation. Again, it is important to note that Propecia's reversal of hair loss only works for as long as the patient continues to take the drug.
Propecia Side Effects
Any medication can result in side effects. There are a number of side effects associated with Propecia. Various kinds of sexual dysfunction are the most common, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and decreased sex drive. Some men have reported that they continue to suffer these effects even after discontinuing use of Propecia.
Propecia may also cause a delay in detection of prostate cancer, leading to a greater risk that the patient will develop a high-grade form of this condition. However, evidence regarding Propecia's connection with prostate cancer is currently inconclusive. The same is true of male breast cancer.
Although finasteride has been linked to birth defects when taken by women, there is no evidence that this is true when men take the drug.
What Other Medications Affect Propecia?
There is currently no evidence that other medications interact negatively with Propecia.
Who Should Not Take Propecia?
Women and children should not take Propecia. A doctor can give you more information on whether Propecia is right for you.
