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Finasteride (Propecia)

 

Finasteride (generic Propecia) Review

brand name: Propecia
generic name: Finasteride

How does it work?

Propecia tablets contain the active ingredient finasteride, which is a type of medicine called a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of a compound in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This compound is called an enzyme, and is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it.

As finasteride prevents the action of type II 5-alpha reductase it prevents the formation of DHT. This decreases the amount of DHT both in the blood and the scalp and can lead to reversal of the balding process.

The medicine is taken by mouth to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. It may take three to six months of treatment before you notice a decrease in hair loss or increase in hair density. Continued use of this medicine is recommended to obtain the maximum benefit. If you stop taking it you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.

Finasteride side effects

Stop taking finasteride and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; closing of the throat; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects have been reported but usually resolve with continued treatment. Continue to take finasteride and notify your doctor if you experience

• breast tenderness or enlargement.
• impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
• decreased volume of ejaculate;
• decreased libido (sex drive);

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Special warnings about Propecia (Finasteride)

If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Propecia (Finasteride) tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating.

Use Propecia (Finasteride) with caution if you have liver problems.

Propecia (Finasteride) lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you're taking Propecia.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Hypersensitivity reactions such as itching, rash, hives or swelling of the lips and face
  
  
• Decreased sex drive
  
  
• Ejaculation disorders
  
  
• Reduced volume of ejaculation
  
  
• Pain in the testicles
  
  
• Breast tenderness/swelling
  
  
• Impotence
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Do NOT use Propecia (Finasteride) if:

• you are pregnant or may become pregnant
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Propecia (Finasteride)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Recommended dosage

ADULT MEN

The recommended dosage, for men only, is 1 tablet daily.