Propecia
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.
More information
PROPECIA tablets are provided in a dosage of 1 milligram. The Propecia pills are tan, octagonal (8 sided), film coated convex tablets with a “P” on one side and the word “PROPECIA” on the other side.
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 Propecia and Rogain combination is the fastest way to get results.
PROPECIA DRUG INTERACTIONS
Propecia does not appear too have any significant interactions with other drugs taken concomitantly.
WARNINGS ON USING PROPECIA
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 Propeciacan cause hepatitis (liver inflammation), although this problem is seen very rarely.
Propecia side effects:
PROPECIA ADVERSE REACTIONS AND PROPECIA SIDE EFFECTS
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.
Propecia success stories:
Propecia success story submitted by Steve
I’ve been taking Propecia for about 2 years now. The hair has regrown on the crown area and the hair loss/thinning has all but stopped but is still thin. This is exactly what I expected. I have not experienced a decrease in sex drive or any of the potential Propecia side effects. The regrown hair has actually increased my confidence and therefore increased my sex drive. I see a lot of negative comments about Propecia but I feel that the issue there is that people are apt to complain when something does not work but do not bother to contribute when something is working great for them (I work in customer support, so I know!). Propecia doesn’t work for everybody and all the studies show this to be true; 80% stop hair loss and 40% regrow hair. There’s really no way to tell unless you give it a shot.
Propecia success story submitted by Bryan
I have recently began to experience some erectile dysfunction while having sex. I’ll get an erection and then lose it. I have been taking propecia for 7 months and recently began having sex with my girlfriend. For several weeks my erections were fine, but I noticed not as hard as they had been before taking the Propecia medicine. I also seem to have lost my libido. Is this a common side effect after 7 months? I have been to my family doctor and urologist and both assure me the problem is not physical. They have suggested that I may be experiencing some performance anxiety, but I have backed away form having sex with my girlfriend and I do have firm erections when I kissing her and stuff, but I still feel like something is not right.
