What
is Propecia?
Propecia (finasteride) is an oral
medicine that treats male pattern
hair loss. Propecia is primarily effective
in treating hair loss on the vertex
(top of the head) and the mid-scalp
area.
How does Propecia work?
Researchers have discovered that
men who suffer from male pattern hair
loss have increased levels of dihydrotestosterone
(DHT). DHT is produced from testosterone
by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase.
Biochemical analysis reveals higher
levels of 5-alpha-reductase in the
scalp of balding men, and less of
it in men with no hair loss. Propecia
inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, blocking
the formation of DHT. This interrupts
a key element in the development of
male pattern hair loss.
What is dihydrotesterone
(DHT)?
DHT is one of several male hormones
in the body. DHT is responsible for
the development of the external genitals
in the male foetus. However, as an
adult DHT appears to cause:
- Male pattern hair loss
- shortening of the growing phase
of hair
- progressive miniaturisation of hair
follicles
- decreasing number of visible hairs
- prostate enlargement
- acne
What case studies have been
done concerning Propecia?
Clinical studies were conducted in
men age 18 to 41 with mild-to-moderate
degrees of male pattern hair loss.
Clinical improvements were seen as
early as three months into the treatment
with Propecia. In men with vertex
hair loss, global photographs revealed
hair re-growth in 66 percent of men.
Furthermore, hair counts with these
men indicated that 83 percent of the
recipients had no further hair loss
over the two-year clinical trial period.
Will Propecia work for all men?
For most men, Propecia increases
the number of scalp hairs, helping
to fill-in thin areas of the scalp.
Men treated with Propecia also noted
a slowing of hair loss. Although results
will vary, generally men will not
re-grow all of the hair they have
lost. Male pattern hair loss occurs
gradually over time, Propecia can
significantly reduce or delay hair
loss.
How long will it take before
I start to notice the benefits of Propecia?
Hair naturally grows at
a rate of about a half an inch per
month, so it may take up to six months
for the effects of Propecia to be
visible. However, most men begin to
see some results early in the first
three months. These results include
a decrease in the amount of hair loss,
general improvement in the condition
of the hair with noticeable re-growth
occurring after six months.
What are the side effects of
Propecia? In clinical studies,
side effects associated with Propecia
were uncommon and did not affect most
men. Less than 2 percent experienced
sexual side effects (which may be
attributable to the placebo effect).
Side effects were resolved in all
cases by discontinuing Propecia.
Is Propecia
appropriate for women or children?
No, Propecia
is for treatment of hair loss in men
only. Furthermore, women who
are or may potentially be pregnant
must not use Propecia and should not
handle crushed or broken tablets.
Propecia may cause a potential risk
to the development of the male sex
organs in the foetus. Propecia tablets
are coated and will prevent contact
with the active ingredient during
normal handling, provided that the
tablet has not been broken or crushed.
Are there any known drug interactions
that occur while taking Propecia?
No drug interactions of clinical
importance have been identified. There
is no correlation between Propecia
and Prostate cancer.
What is the recommended dose
for Propecia? The recommended
dose is 1 mg once per day. Propecia
may be administered with or without
meals. If a dose is missed do not
take an extra tablet; just take the
next dose as usual. There are no added
benefits to taking more than the recommended
dose.
Is it possible
to overdose on Propecia?
Should a significant overdose of
Propecia occur, individuals should
seek immediate medical attention.
Propecia Disclaimer:
This FAQ is for information only,
and has been compiled from a number
of sources to give an overview of
the use and effects of Propecia. It
is not a definitive guide to the effects
or implications of use of Propecia,
nor is it intended replace the advice
of qualified healthcare professionals.
If you have any concerns about the
use of Propecia or any possible side-effects,
consult your healthcare provider.
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