| Propecia Information For Hair Loss Treatment |
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The following Propecia frequently asked question
section is for informational purposes only. The information has been
compiled from a variety of resources in order to give the reader an
overview of the use and various effects of Propecia to stop hair loss.
What
is Propecia?
How
does Propecia work?
Why
is Propecia sometimes referred to as finasteride?
Will
Propecia work for all men?
How
long does it take before individuals start to notice the benefits of
Propecia?
What
are the side effects of Propecia?
Is
Propecia appropriate for women or children?
Is
it safe for a man taking Propecia to conceive a child with his spouse?
Are
there any known drug interactions that occur while taking Propecia?
Does
Propecia effect any routine tests?
Can
I get Propecia over the counter?
What
is the recommended dose?
What
about an overdose of Propecia?
How
should Propecia be stored?
What is Propecia?
Propecia (finasteride) is the first oral medication that effectively
treats male pattern hair loss. Propecia is primarily effective in treating
hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and the mid-scalp area.
How does Propecia work?
Researchers have recently discovered that men who suffer from male pattern
hair loss have increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is
produced from testosterone through the activity of an enzyme called
5-alpha-reductase. Biochemical analysis reveals elevated levels of 5-alpha-reductase
in the scalp of balding men and the lack of the hair loss in men with
5-alpha-reductase deficiencies. Propecia inhibits 5-alpha-reductase,
thus blocking the formation of DHT. This appears to interrupt a key
element in the development of male pattern hair loss.
Why is Propecia sometimes referred to as finasteride?
Finasteride is the generic name for Propecia. The generic name represents
the medications nonproprietary or chemical name, whereas, the brand
name is the name a pharmaceutical company gives to a medication for marketing
purposes.
Will Propecia work for all men?
For most men, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs, helping
to fill in thin areas of the scalp. Men treated with Propecia
also noted a slowing of hair loss. Although results will vary,
generally men will not re-grow all of the hair they have lost.
Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time, Propecia can significantly
reduce or delay the hair loss process.
How long does it take before individuals start to notice the benefits
of Propecia?
Hair naturally grows at a rate of about a half an inch per month, so
it may take up to sixth months for the effects of Propecia to be visible.
However, most men begin to see some results early in the first three
months. These results include a decrease in the amount of hair
loss, general improvement in the condition of the hair with noticeable
re-growth occurring after sixth months.
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What are the side effects of Propecia?
Similar to all prescription medications, Propecia may cause some side
effects. In clinical studies, side effects associated with Propecia
were uncommon and did no affect most men. In fact, more individuals
discontinued the placebo as compare to Propecia secondary to adverse
experiences. A very small percentage of men (less than 2 percent)
experienced sexual side effects (which may be attributable to the placebo
effect).
Resolution occurred
in all men who discontinued therapy with Propecia. The side effects
also resolved in 58 percent of the men who continued to take the medication.
Is Propecia appropriate for women or children?
No, Propecia is for the treatment of hair loss in men only. Furthermore,
women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia and
should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Propecia may cause
a potential risk to the development of the male sex organs in the fetus.
Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active
ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablet has not
been broken or crushed.
Is it safe for a man taking Propecia to conceive a child with his spouse?
Yes, it is quite safe. Propecia does not effect a man's ability
to have a child (fertility). There have been no studies that even suggest
any risk to the fetus if the father is taking Propecia.
Are there any known drug interactions that occur while taking Propecia?
No dug interactions of clinical importance have been identified.
Compounds that have been tested in man include: digoxin, propanolol,
theophylline, warfarin, etc. Additionally, although no specific
interaction studies were performed on the following medications, finasteride
doses of 1 mg or more were concomitantly used in clinical studies with
the following: acetaminophen, a-blockers analgesics, angiotension-converting
enzymes (ACE) inhibitors, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, betablockers,
calcium-channel blockers, cardiac nitrates, diuretics H2-antagonists,
HMG-Coa reductase inhibitors, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (NSAIDS),
etc. without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions.
Does Propecia effect any routine tests?
Yes, men undergoing a prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) test while taking
Propecia, consideration should be given to doubling the PSA level.
In clinical studies with Propecia men 18-41 years of age, the mean value
of PSA decreased from 0.7 Ng/ml at baseline to 0.5 Ng/ml at month
12. When finasteride is used in older men who have benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), PSA levels are decreased by approximately 50 percent.
Note: There is no correlation between Propecia and Prostate cancer.
Can I get Propecia over the counter?
No, Propecia should only be taken by prescription from a licensed physician.
Regulations do not permit Propecia to be taken without prescription.
Secondary to the advent of the internet individuals may now order Propecia
online simply by completing an online medical questionnaire. Subsequently,
a licensed physician will review your medical history and patient profile.
If approved for a Propecia prescription, your order shipped discreetly and promptly to your home or office.
What is the recommended dose?
The recommended dose is 1 mg once per day. Propecia may be administered
with or without meals. If a dose is missed do not take an extra
tablet; just take the medication as usual. There are no added
benefits to taking more than the recommended dose.
What about an overdose of Propecia?
Should a significant overdose of Propecia occur, individuals should
seek immediate medical attention.
How should Propecia be stored?
Propecia should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F) Keep
container closed and out of the reach of children.
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