Propecia

Propecia is a finasteride-based drug to stop hair loss

What is finasteride?

Finasteride is a drug used to treat male pattern baldness.

It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, preventing testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone responsible for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It binds to hormone receptors in hair follicles, causing them to contract and eventually stop producing hair.

How does it work?

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

The medicine helps to block the newly formed hormone, as well as to lower its content by 70%. Finasteride is not able to eliminate the root cause of the pathology, however, it helps block the harmful effects of the hormone. For this reason that, after drug withdrawal, the hair can thin again within a year.

Therefore, in order to preserve hair, it is necessary to use the remedy constantly. The tool helps to block the effects of the hormone immediately after use. However, it takes time for new hair to appear. Healthy new hair grows back about one centimeter in 30 days. A visible result can be achieved after six months.

It happens that the hair grows back in a few months. But this is all individual and depends on the characteristics of the organism.

If the effect is not visible after prolonged use of finasteride – for a year or more, you need to stop using it, and then use a different composition. However, most often the drug helps men fight against baldness.

According to the studies, more than 80% of men have achieved a positive result. The hair began to grow more actively, in particular in the region of the crown.

How to use Propecia?

Take one tablet every day, with or without food as directed. Some participants in the hair loss forums believe that it is better to take the pill on an empty stomach.

Side effects

The drug is generally well tolerated. Side effects, which are usually minor, generally do not require interruption of therapy. Finasteride has been tested for safety in clinical trials in more than 3200 men for the treatment of male pattern baldness.

Discontinuation of therapy due to any clinically significant side effects occurred in 1.7% of 945 men who took Propecia and 2.1% of 934 men who took a placebo.

Decreased libido in 1.8% versus 1.3% in people taking placebo;
Erectile dysfunction – 1.3% versus 0.7% in the placebo group;
Reduction of ejaculate volume in 0.8% of men versus 0.4% in men who received a placebo.

These side effects disappeared in those who stopped taking the drug, as well as in many who continued taking it. In another separate study regarding the effect of Propecia on ejaculate volume, no difference was found between those taking the drug and those receiving a placebo.

The following side effects have been reported in the post-study period:

Ejaculation disorders;
Breast tenderness and enlargement;
Hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the drug;
Rash, itching, urticaria (allergic rash), swelling of the lips and face;
Painful sensations in the testicles.

We have several testimonials from people who experienced side effects in their first week while taking finasteride. They completely disappeared after a month.

Hair can sometimes begin to fall out all over the body.

How long should I take Propecia to treat hair loss?

Finasteride does not eliminate the causes of androgenic alopecia, but only blocks their effect on the hair follicles. For this reason, after treatment cancelation, the regrown hair falls out within one year and the progression of baldness continues.

In this regard, men who are happy with the results of hair restoration or would like to at least slow down the process of hair loss should take finasteride continuously.

Contraindications

The medicine is not intended for use in children. The use of the drug is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance, as well as those suffering from obstruction of the urinary tract, prostate cancer, and also liver malfunctions.

The drug must not be taken by women, especially during the period of gestation and breastfeeding. This can adversely affect the fetus.

Drug interactions

No clinically significant interactions with other drugs were found.