Propecia® is used to treat hair loss problems caused by male pattern baldness, called 'androgenetic alopecia'. It works by blocking DHT, a hormone produced by glands located near the scalp. Finasteride blocks DHT production by preventing 5 alpha reductase enzyme activity. This prevents further conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Proscar®, the brand name for finasteride, is used to prevent hair loss. The drug works by preventing DHT (dihydrotestosterone, the main hormone responsible for causing hair follicles to shrink). Finasteride was approved by FDA back in 1997 – however, its effectiveness had been proven since 1993 when the Urology Study Group published data about Propecia® helping maintain hair growth after stopping treatment.

Finasteride For What Conditions?

Propecia® is prescribed for treating scalp hair loss due to hereditary factors known as androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Your doctor will decide whether Propecia is appropriate for you based upon medical history, physical examination findings, blood tests, and imaging scans.

Side Effects

There are risks associated with taking prescription medications. Finasteride should be taken under close medical supervision since its use may cause unwanted changes in libido and erectile function. However, according to a large trial conducted by Pfizer Inc. about 4% of participants had mild or moderate adverse events related to decreased sex desire and erection difficulties. The incidence rate rose to 5%-9% among men who used higher doses. Side effects were similar regardless whether men took the drug orally or topically. Patients using both forms experienced fewer complaints overall.

Finastride (proscar) treats hair loss related to testosterone levels in both men and women. Men who use Finastride must avoid using alcohol while taking proscar and it shouldn't be taken near baby bottles or children under 12 years old.

Finasteride blocks 5 alpha reductase enzyme activity which decreases levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), resulting in thicker hairs and less scalp itching due to excess sebum production. Finasteride does not affect hair growth elsewhere on the body.

Do NOT take this medicine if you are pregnant.

The FDA hasn't evaluated Propecia for preventing prostate cancer; however, evidence suggests it increases the chance of getting another type of aggressive disease called "high grade" prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Be aware that taking extra hormones raises your chances of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, diabetes mellitus, liver damage, mood changes, impotence, water retention and breast enlargement. Discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare professional before taking Propecia.

A recent review found evidence suggesting that Finasteride prevents hair fall and re growth in certain cases. The authors reviewed three clinical trials involving 2179 participants who had received either placebo or Finasteride 0.5mg daily for 4 months. All patients showed improvement regardless of whether they began treatment before or after surgery. However, researchers emphasize that while results were positive, patient response varied widely.

About nine million Americans receive prescriptions annually for Propecia pills. This medication is legally authorized for use by both men and women; however, there exists evidence suggesting that the medicine should be used primarily for treating male patterns baldness -- which accounts for 90% of all forms of hair disorders -- rather than hormonally related hair loss in females. Since side effects can arise after prolonged usage of drugs prescribed for medical purposes, physicians must carefully monitor the health condition of each patient before administering Propecia.

Propecia, known generically as finasteride, was originally marketed by Merck & Co under its brand name Proscar®, which began selling worldwide in 1993. The company later launched another product called Progenics®, which contains dutasteride instead of finasteride. Both products contain 5mg of active ingredient per tablet. Finasteridenextraordinary effects were observed throughout clinical trials involving patients taking either formulation of the drug.

Generic Propecia works by blocking DHT, which causes hair loss.

Proscar, a generic version of Finasteride – the drug used to treat male pattern baldness – comes without prescription. Since its introduction, millions have been using this product daily while waiting for positive effects on their thinning scalp. Many patients report noticeable improvement within months of use. However, those taking Prozac should consult with their doctor before stopping treatment due to potential side effects including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and temporary loss of vision. The company recommends discontinuing usage after two years under medical supervision.

Finasteride is used primarily for treatment of hair loss associated with female hirsutism (excessive facial and body hairs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP; enlargement of prostate gland causing urinary tract obstruction) and testosterone replacement therapy. Its efficacy was established through clinical trials conducted in healthy volunteers who were recruited based upon known factors influencing drug absorption including sex, ethnicity, genetics, diet and weight \[1\]. The majority of subjects enrolled had Caucasian ancestry, which limits generalizability of findings \[2,3\].

Take generic propecia

Finasteride (propecia), which treats both male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), comes in 2 doses: 1mg and 5mg. Proscar® (1mg) is used by patients who wish to treat scalp hair thinning caused by hormonal changes; while Dutantra® (5mg) works better against BHP and enlarged prostrate glands due to its higher strength.

Propecia requires daily ingestion; therefore, patients must remember each day to swallow the tablet without chewing it. Take the pills right after breakfast, before lunch, and then again before dinner. Continue this pattern until you finish all three tablets per week. Don't stop taking them suddenly due to side effects. Your doctor may change your dosage frequency based upon how you respond to the drug.