Propeciais used for the treatment of a common hair loss condition in men called androgenetic alopecia, widely known as male pattern baldness. This is indicated by a receding hairline with thinning or loss of hair on the top of the head.
Propecia is the only oral prescription medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a hair loss treatment for men.
It has not been established if Propecia is effective in treating bitemporal recession (thinning or loss of hair over each temple).
Propecia is not indicated for use in women.
How Does Propecia Work
During the first year of usage, Propecia increases the hair quantity thereby reducing the balding or thinning areas in the scalp. There is also a notable slowing down of the hair loss. Although there is a considerable hair regrowth, you will not be able to grow back all of the hair you have lost.
Who Should Not Take It
It is contraindicated in pregnant women or those who are possibly pregnant. Accidental exposure by a pregnant woman to Propecia through ingestion or skin contact with a crushed or broken tablet may cause abnormalities in the male fetus’ external genitals.
Patients who have hypersensitivity reactions to any of the ingredients in Propecia should not take this medication.
What to Do Before Taking It
Before using Propecia, tell your doctor about the following:
- Medical problems that you have including those involving your prostate, liver, bladder and urethra.
- All the medicines, both prescription and non-prescription, vitamins and herbal products that you take.
- Any hypersensitivity to dutasteride (Avodart), a medication belonging to the same family as finasteride.
How to Take Propecia
The general recommendation is one tablet (1mg) a day, or as prescribed by your doctor. Propecia is to be taken orally with a full glass of water, with or without food and should be ingested at the same time every day.
It will normally take three months or more of regular use to see some results. Keep taking the medicine as directed. If treatment is discontinued, the hair loss condition will return within a year. To maintain hair growth, daily use is recommended for a certain period as determined by your doctor.
If the medication has been ineffective for you in twelve months, there is no benefit in continuing the treatment.
If you missed a dose. Take it as soon as possible but if it is almost time for the next one, follow your regular dose of once a day. Do not take two tablets to compensate for the missed dose.
If you take too much. Get emergency medical care or contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
Propecia will not work quickly or efficiently if you take more than the required 1 tablet a day.
What Are the Warnings and Precautions in Taking Propecia
Propecia is not approved for use in women or children.
Pregnant women or those who are possibly pregnant should not be exposed to a broken or crushed Propecia tablet as any skin contact may cause possible birth defects in a male fetus.
Propecia can bring down the levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood. You should inform your doctor if you are taking Propecia and having a PSA test (a blood test that can reveal the presence of prostate cancer). You should also tell your doctor if you have not been taking Propecia as recommended because this may also alter the PSA test results. Any increase in PSA levels should be carefully assessed as it may indicate the possibility of prostate cancer even if it is within the normal limits as those who are not on Propecia. Consult your doctor about this.
Men aged 55 and above who are using finasteride at a dosage of 5mg/day may have a higher risk of acquiring an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Propecia should be administered with caution in patients with liver function disorders as finasteride is largely processed in the liver.
What Are the Side Effects of Propecia
The most common side effects of Propecia are:
- Decreased interest in sex
- Failure to gain or sustain an erection
- Low ejaculate volume
These adverse reactions have also been recorded with the use of Propecia:
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Hypersensitivity reactions like hives, rash, itchy skin and swollen lips, face, tongue and throat
- Chills, cold sweats, severe dizziness, trouble breathing
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts (rare)
- Sexual impairments
- Testicular pain
- Male infertility and/or poor semen quality
- Inability to urinate
- Male breast cancer (rare)
- Seizures
- A condition with muscle tissue breakdown called rhabdomyolsis (rare)
Call your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects.
Consult your doctor about your adverse reactions to Propecia. You may also contact FDA to report the side effects that you experienced at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada, consult your doctor about the side effects of Propecia in your case. You may also provide the same details to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
How to Properly Store Propecia
Store Propecia at room temperature between 59oF-86oF (15oC-30oC). Always close the container lid after use to maintain efficacy and safety. Avoid exposure to moisture, heat and light.
Lock up all medicines in a safe place to prevent access by children.
General Information
Use Propecia as strictly prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it to treat other medical problems. Do not share your prescription of Propecia with other people who may have similar symptoms of your medical condition. It may prove harmful to them.
Always read the patient package insert before using Propecia to keep abreast with the current information or updates.
Product disclaimer:
The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This article shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a one-on-one consultation with a medical professional. It is important to analyze the risks before consuming Cialis and make sure that there aren’t any contraindications. You may need to undergo a physical examination and/or certain laboratory tests to assess the state of your health. While this drug is tolerated well by most patients, it should be safe in your particular situation. Being monitored by a medical specialist is the best way to avoid any unwanted adverse effects and complications.