Propecia

Propecia Information

Brand Name: Propecia

Generic Name: Finasteride, Generic Propecia

Propecia (Finasteride) is the first oral prescription medication to stimulate hair growth on the top and crown area of the head. Propecia is an androgen hormone inhibitor used to treat male pattern hair loss in men only.

Researchers have found that DHT hormone levels play a key role in the development of male pattern baldness. While this hormone is essential for proper genital development in male babies, DHT levels during mature ages contribute to the shortening of the hair growth phase, ultimately thinning the hair until hair is no longer grown from the follicle. Propecia works to inhibit DHT levels in the scalp and interrupting the natural progression of male pattern baldness.

How To Take Propecia and Propecia Dosage and Administration

Follow the directions for using Propecia provided by your doctor and pharmacist. A single 1 mg pill of Propecia is taken once a day, with or without meals. Never take 2 doses at one time.

Propecia Side Effects

Propecia Precautions and Contraindications

Do not stop taking Propecia without checking with your doctor. Stopping usage will result in a return within 12 months to the same amount of baldness as when started. Maintain all medical appointments while taking Propecia. Check with your physician before you start taking new medication, either over the counter or prescription. For a woman, during pregnancy, handling Propecia is not recommended, especially if it is broken or crushed. (Notify your doctor if you are pregnant and your skin has contact, as soon as possible.

Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA used for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your physician that you are taking Propecia.

Propecia Drug Interactions

Consult your physician of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.

If You Miss a Dose of Propecia

For missed dosages, remembered on the same day, take Propecia as soon as possible. If the forgotten dose is not remembered until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once

Storing Propecia

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Experiences, Testimonials and Reviews of Propecia

Additional Notes

Do not use Propecia for other health conditions. Do not share the prescription with a person who is not prescribed the medication. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children. For extended use of Propecia, remember to obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Propecia was not effective in the treatment of hair loss in women (androgenetic alopecia).

Taking Propecia during Pregnancy or Breast-feeding

Why are Propecia Tablets Coated

Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia. They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets of Propecia. If the active ingredient in Propecia is absorbed after oral use or through the skin by a woman who is pregnant with a male baby, it may cause the male baby to be born with abnormalities of the sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in Propecia, a physician should be consulted. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

Propecia