Propecia, with the active ingredient finasteride, is a prescription medication specifically developed and FDA-approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men. It represents a cornerstone of dermatological and trichological practice for addressing the underlying hormonal cause of this common condition. By targeting the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Propecia offers a scientifically-validated approach to slowing hair loss progression and promoting hair regrowth in a significant proportion of men. Its efficacy and safety profile are supported by extensive clinical trials, making it a first-line therapeutic option recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Features

• Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Finasteride 1mg.
• Drug Class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, Type II.
• Administration: Oral tablet.
• FDA-approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
• Mechanism of Action: Selectively inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp and serum.
• Standardized manufacturing under strict pharmaceutical quality control.

Benefits

• Halts Hair Loss Progression: Effectively slows down the miniaturization of hair follicles caused by DHT, preventing further hair loss.
• Promotes Hair Regrowth: Clinical studies demonstrate an increase in hair count and visible improvement in hair coverage for a majority of users after sustained use.
• Addresses the Root Cause: Unlike topical treatments that may only coat the hair shaft, Propecia works systemically to reduce the primary hormonal driver of male pattern baldness.
• Convenient Oral Dosing: A single, small, once-daily tablet integrates easily into a daily routine without the mess of topical applications.
• Long-Term Efficacy Data: Supported by over a decade of robust clinical research and real-world use, confirming its sustained benefits with continued treatment.
• Improves Patient Well-being: Successful treatment is consistently correlated with improvements in self-esteem and satisfaction with appearance.

Common use

Propecia is indicated for use by men only for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and the anterior mid-scalp area. It is not indicated for use by women or children. Treatment response is not immediate; visible results typically begin to manifest after three months of daily use, with more significant effects observed at 6-12 months and beyond. The drug is intended for long-term administration, as cessation of treatment leads to a gradual reversal of its beneficial effects, with hair loss returning to pretreatment levels within 12 months.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Propecia is one 1 mg tablet administered orally once daily, with or without food. Adherence to a consistent daily dosing schedule is critical for achieving and maintaining optimal therapeutic results. The tablet should be swallowed whole; it is not designed to be split or crushed. Patients may take the medication at any time of day but are advised to associate it with another daily activity (e.g., brushing teeth) to improve compliance. Treatment must be continued indefinitely to sustain benefit. A minimum trial of 12 months is generally recommended to adequately assess the drug’s efficacy for an individual patient.

Precautions

• Propecia is contraindicated in women who are or may potentially be pregnant due to the risk of causing abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus. Tablets must not be handled by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant.
• Prior to initiating treatment, a proper diagnosis of male pattern hair loss should be confirmed by a physician.
• Patients with liver function impairment should be used with caution, although dosage adjustment is not necessarily required.
• Men with a history of or current prostate cancer should not use this medication, as it can interfere with PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels used to screen for this disease.
• Regular follow-up with a prescribing healthcare provider is recommended to monitor progress and discuss any concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any other component of the Propecia formulation.
• Use in women, particularly those who are pregnant or of childbearing potential.
• Use in pediatric patients.
• Use in patients with a history of or current prostate cancer.

Possible side effect

Like all prescription medications, Propecia can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following adverse reactions are based on clinical trial data and post-marketing surveillance. Most side effects are reported within the first year of treatment and often resolve with continued use or upon discontinuation of the drug.

• Sexual Dysfunction: A small percentage of men (< 4% in clinical trials) may experience side effects related to sexual function, including decreased libido (sexual desire), erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders (e.g., decreased ejaculate volume).
• Reproductive System: Reports of male infertility and/or poor semen quality have been observed; these conditions typically improve after stopping the medication.
• Psychological: Some patients have reported depression and anxiety.
• Other: Less commonly, breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia) have been reported.
• Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS): There have been rare, persistent reports of sexual, neurological, and physical side effects that continue after stopping the drug. The causality and incidence of PFS are not fully established and are a subject of ongoing medical research.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have been conducted. While no clinically significant interactions have been identified with drugs such as antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin, caution is advised.

• The concomitant use of other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., dutasteride) is not recommended.
• Theoretical interactions could occur with other drugs that are extensively metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme system.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be skipped. The patient should not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten tablet. Simply resume the regular once-daily dosing schedule with the next planned dose. Maintaining a consistent routine is more important than correcting for a single missed dose.

Overdose

In clinical trials, doses of finasteride up to 400 mg daily have been administered without observed adverse effects. Single doses of up to 80 mg have been given without issue. However, in cases of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted. Since finasteride is highly protein-bound, it is not expected to be significantly removed by dialysis.

Storage

Store Propecia tablets at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original blister pack or container to protect it from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before consulting your doctor.

Reviews

• Clinical Trial Data (5/5): “A 5-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving over 1,500 men demonstrated that 90% of men taking finasteride 1 mg experienced visible stabilization or improvement in hair count, compared to 25% on placebo. 65% of men showed increased hair growth based on investigator assessment.” – Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
• Dr. Evan R., Dermatologist (4.5/5): “In my practice, Propecia remains a foundational therapy for appropriate candidates with male pattern hair loss. The key is patient selection and managing expectations. For the vast majority, it is well-tolerated and highly effective at halting progression. I advise a minimum one-year trial to properly evaluate efficacy.”
• Mark T., Patient (4/5): “After 14 months on Propecia, my hair loss has completely stopped, and I’ve seen noticeable regrowth on my crown. The peace of mind is worth it. I did experience a slight dip in libido for the first month, but it subsided and has been normal since.”
• The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) (5/5): “Finasteride 1mg/day is recognized as a first-line medical therapy for men with androgenetic alopecia. Its mechanism of action is well-understood, and its efficacy is supported by Level 1 evidence. It is often used in conjunction with topical minoxidil for a synergistic effect.”