Propecia (finasteride, MSD)

Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. In almost 50% of cases, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs, helping to fill in thin or balding areas of the scalp.

Propecia lowers the levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp and serum by blocking 5 α-reductase, an important enzyme involved in regulating the hair follicle. Studies have shown, In general, men who took Propecia maintained or increased the number of visible scalp hairs and noticed improvement in their hair in the first year, with the effect maintained in the second year. Hair counts in men who did not take Propecia continued to decrease. This study is now in its fourth year and results will be updated in the near future. 86% of the men treated with Propecia had no further hair loss, compared to 42% in the placebo treated group (based on any decrease in vertex hair growth compared with 7% of men receiving placebo).

Propecia and Pregnancy - special notice

Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should not be taken by women or children. Anyone allergic to any of the ingredients. A warning about Propecia and pregnancy. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia or handle crushed or broken tablets of Propecia.

If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the active ingredient in Propecia, either by swallowing or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in Propecia, a doctor 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.

Side Effects of Propecia?

Like all prescription products, Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. These also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia.

The active ingredient in Propecia is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash. In clinical studies with Propecia, these side effects occurred as often in men taking placebo as in those taking Propecia. Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual effects. Propecia can effect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.

Storage and Handling

Keep Propecia in the original container and keep the container closed. Store it in a dry place at room temperature. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed. Do not give your Propecia tablets to anyone else. It has been prescribed only for you. Keep Propecia and all medications out of the reach of children.