Propecia

What is Propecia?

 

Propecia is a prescription pill which treats male pattern baldness. It is used to treat the most common form of baldness in men. Merck manufactures Propecia and markets in countries worldwide. It is available in the UK and many other European nations, as it is approved by the European Union. It has also been approved by the FDA for use in the US.

 

How does Propecia work?

 

Propecia contains finasteride, as active ingredient, which works by slowing down hair loss among men. It helps in both hair re-growth and stopping hair loss. Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Propecia works by blocking the enzyme, Type II 5 alpha-reductase and prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is held mainly responsible for damaging hair follicles. Propecia reduces the level of DHT in the scalp, which shortens the hair growth cycle and allows hairs to revert to a normal growth cycle. This can result in stopping further hair loss and increasing new hair growth in men with male pattern baldness.

 

What is the dosage of Propecia?

 

Propecia is available in tablet form in 1mg tablets. The standard dosage should be determined as recommended by the doctor. The standard recommended dosage of Propecia is one pill a day. The dosage should be taken with full glass of water. Propecia can be taken with or without food.

 

What are the contraindications for Propecia?

 

·                      Propecia is not meant for women or children. It can be used only by men who have male pattern baldness

·                      Pregnant women or breast feeding should avoid exposure to crushed tablets

·                      Alcoholic beverages should be avoided during course of treatment with Propecia

·                      The doctor should be informed about intake of other prescription medicines

·                      Patients should not start a new medication without informing the doctor

·                      Propecia should not be taken by men for hair-regrowth who have lost hair due to chemotherapy

 

What are the side effects of Propecia?

 

Some mild side effects of Propecia are swelling in the hands or feet, pain in the testicles, less sex desire, abnormal ejaculation, breast tenderness, runny nose, skin rash, and headache. Other side effects of Propecia are breast lumps, nipple discharge, or difficulty of breathing. Patients should report the doctor in eventuality of these side effects.

 

What are the precautions for Propecia?

 

·                      Patients should take the missed dosage of Propecia as soon as they remember, but if it time for another scheduled dosage, then missed dosage should be avoided

·                      In case of over dosage, patients should seek immediate medical help

·                      Propecia is specifically developed to treat hair loss on the head. If the hair starts growing in other parts of the body due to intake of Propecia, then the patient should consult the doctor

·                      Growth of hair in other parts of the body should be taken as side effect of Propecia

 

Brief description

 

Propecia is prescription pill for male pattern baldness. It is manufactured by Merck and is available in many countries worldwide including the UK and the US. It is available only in 1mg dosage strength and should be taken once a day or as directed by the doctor. The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride and it belongs to a class of drugs known as 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Propecia should not be taken by women and children. Some of the side effects of Propecia are low semen volume, less sexual desire and pain in testicles.