Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Finasteride is prescribed solely for adult men to address androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, particularly at the crown and center of the scalp. Its mechanism involves lowering the levels of the natural hormone DHT in the body, which in turn slows hair loss and boosts hair regrowth. This drug does not impact hair growth on other areas of the body.
Uses and Dosage
To take finasteride, it should be swallowed in tablet form with or without food, usually once a day at the same time. Carefully follow the instructions on your prescription label, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify any unclear parts. Never take more or less than prescribed, and avoid taking it more frequently than instructed.
If you’re using finasteride for BPH, note that it won’t cure the condition but can manage it. It may take up to six months for your symptoms to improve, so keep taking the medication as directed even if you feel better.
For male pattern hair loss, it might take about three months to observe any improvement since hair loss and regrowth occur gradually. Expect to notice some progress within the first year of treatment.
If you’ve been on the medication for 12 months with no improvement, further treatment may not be necessary. Speak with your doctor about continuing with the treatment.
While taking finasteride, hair loss will slow down, but only for as long as you keep taking the medication. Do not stop taking it, even if you observe improvement. Once you stop, any hair that grew back will likely fall out within the first year.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- inability to have or maintain an erection
- decreased sexual desire
- problems with ejaculation
- pain in the testicles
- depression
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
- rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling of the lips and face
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
Caution
Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you have any allergies, including allergies to finasteride or other substances present in the product. Inactive components may cause allergies or other complications.
Before taking this medication, disclose your medical history to your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, or urinary problems.
This medication is not recommended for women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the unborn or nursing baby.
Contact your doctor if you have any questions regarding this medication.
Form and Strength
Propecia is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Propecia tablet:
- 1mg
-
finasteride tablet:
- 1mg
FAQ
What is the downside of Propecia?
The most common side effects of using Propecia include decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection and a decrease in the amount of semen.
Does Propecia lower testosterone?
Propecia’s mechanism of action is blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Therefore, since less testosterone is being converted, serum levels of testosterone increase in patients taking Propecia.
Resources
- https://www.drugwatch.com/propecia/#:~:text=According%20to%20Merck%2C%20the%20most,Depression
- https://solveclinics.com/does-propecia-impact-testosterone-levels/#:~:text=Propecia%27s%20mechanism%20of%20action%20is,increase%20in%20patients%20taking%20Propecia
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/propecia
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5471/propecia-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html
- https://www.drugs.com/propecia.html
