Propecia finasteride is by far the most successful treatment for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) - the primary cause of hair loss in men. Once taken on a regular basis, Propecia not only helps to control hair loss but also stimulates the growth of new hair. The drug has proven to be a boon for men who are desperately searching for a convenient and effective hair loss treatment.
About Propecia finasteride
The active ingredient in Propecia is a compound called finasteride. Developed by Merck pharmaceuticals, finasteride is sold by the trade name Propecia. The medicine has been extensively studied in various long-term clinical trials and is proven to be both safe and effective for the treatment of male pattern baldness in men only. Propecia received the approval of the FDA as a prescription only treatment for male pattern baldness in 1997. Propecia is not recommended for use by women and children. Women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant must not even handle crushed Propecia tablets as it may lead to abnormalities in the unborn male foetus.
How does Propecia work?
Propecia finasteride strikes right at the root cause of male pattern baldness which is the elevated levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in some men. When in excess the effect of DHT helps shrink the hair follicle so that the growth of new hair is inhibited. Propecia's active ingredient, finasteride, belongs to a class of medications called type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It works by interfering in the mechanism that leads to the higher than required levels of DHT. Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone into DHT by inhibiting the action enzyme type II 5-alpha reductase that facilitates this conversion. Propecia therefore helps to stabilise the levels of DHT so that any damage to the hair follicle is prevented and excess hair fall is controlled. The hair growth cycle gradually reverses and new hair starts to grow.
How long before Propecia shows results?
Propecia finasteride needs to be taken on a regular basis. The drug does not claim to be a miracle cure and hence you should not expect results overnight. It may take up to 3 months to witness reduced hair loss. Noticeable improvement such as thickening and strengthening of miniaturized hairs may be seen after 6-12 months of regular use. And within 5 years, Propecia can result in a full head of hair. Results may vary in individuals depending on the intensity of their hair loss when they started the treatment. Once you stop Propecia treatment, any hair gained because of the treatment, will be lost within 12 months.
Ingredients in Propecia
Each Propecia tablet contains 1 mg of finasteride as its active ingredient
Inactive ingredients in Propecia include: monohydrated lactose (110.4), microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, sodium starch glycolate, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate, talc, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide (colour E171), yellow and red ferric oxide (colour 172).
Please report to your doctor if you have a known sensitivity to any of the active or inactive ingredients in Propecia.
By John Linney
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