Propecia FAQ

What is Propecia?

This drug was initially developed as a treatment for growths in the prostate. During the clinical trials, the research team noticed that many of the balding men were experiencing some hair regrowth. This unexpected side effect has been approved by the FDA as a hair-loss drug.

How does it work?

It stops the natural process of testosterone turning into dihydrotestosterone which is connected with the loss of hair.

What is it used to treat?

Propecia is only a treatment for the so-called male pattern baldness where hair grows thinner, receding from the temples and slowly shedding in the center of the scalp. It does not treat hair loss for any other reason.

Confirm the diagnosis of male pattern baldness

Propecia does not offer any remedy for general hair loss. It’s therefore vital you have a formal diagnosis before you start. Why? Because it takes between three and six months for there to be any visible change in your appearance. You could therefore waste six months of watching your hair fall out only to discover you do not have male pattern baldness.

Is Propecia for everyone?

No. This drug should never be taken by a woman or a child. Indeed, there’s a very slight risk the drug can be absorbed through the skin so pregnant women should avoid touching any broken or damaged tablet. Even a small amount can cause birth defects. Other than this, adult men can take Propecia unless they have liver disease or any disease or disorder of the bladder or urethra.

Dosage

Take the dose as indicated once a day at about the same time. If you forget, take the pill as soon as you remember unless you are into the next day. In such a case, just take the next day’s dose. Do not double up. Whether you take Propecia with food is irrelevant. Remember, if you stop taking this drug, the hair loss will resume and you will have lost all the benefit within twelve months. There are no adverse interactions with other drugs to worry about.

What are the side effects?

In a small number of men, there can be dizziness, a sense of weakness and a feeling you might faint. There can also be a general loss of interest in sex. But the more serious symptoms are the development of any lumps or pain in your pectoral muscles — this can be a sign of male breast cancer.