Propecia

Propecia is a prescription-only, daily tablet used to combat male pattern hair loss. Propecia’s active ingredient is finasteride, which reduces DHT in men.

The drug works primarily at the top and back of the head and has not been proven to reduce hair loss at the temples. Propecia requires a long-term commitment; it can take three months for results to show. If no results show after 12 months, it is safe to say Propecia is not going to work for you. 48 percent of Propecia’s users have reported hair re-growth, and 42 percent have reported no further hair loss; however, the drug is not to be expected to completely restore hair. Common side effects include rash, hives, facial swelling, tenderness in the chest muscles, and/or testicular pain. Less common side effects are loss of sexual desire, difficulty attaining an erection or semen decrease; these effects will go away when the patient stops taking the drug.

Propecia can also affect some prostate cancer screening tests; if you take Propecia and are having a PSA test, inform your doctor of your prescription. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, so one must be careful when handling a broken tablet. Propecia should never be taken or handled by a woman or child. There are no food restrictions for Propecia; it is not recommended to take more than one dose a day. Do not take Propecia if you have had an allergic reaction to finasteride or dutasteride. Talk to your doctor before taking Propecia if you have liver disease, prostate cancer, bladder muscle problems, urethra stricture or difficulty urinating.