Main information about Propecia
Propecia is used during pathologic hair loss which is caused by the hormone disorder. It contains an active ingredient finasteride which restores a hair growth and prevents a formation of alopecia.
Hair follicles contain enzyme of 5-alpha reductase which interacts with testosterone and turns it to the active androgen dihydrotestosterone. The increased concentration of dihydrotestosterone leads to dystrophy of the hair follicles, so that they stop producing hair. Over several years, openings of the hair follicles can be covered with the connective tissue, and then alopecia is irreversible.
Propecia blocks 5-alpha reductase as a result, the level of dihydrotestosterone is reduced, and a normal work of hair follicles is restored. Using Propecia can stop alopecia and restore a hair growth on the areas where hair is completely gone.
Propecia acts only during androgenic form of alopecia. This drug does not help to improve hair follicles during nidal, cicatrical, or other forms of alopecia.
The hair follicles of women also have 5-alpha reductase but the causes of the female alopecia are different because the male sexual hormones do not dominate in the female body. Due to this reason, women are not prescribed Propecia and the use of the drug is contraindicated. The use of Propecia in women will lead to the serious hormone disorders and even a reduction of the reproductive function.
Use and dose of Propecia
To restore the affected hair follicles, time is needed, and therefore the treatment of the androgenic alopecia takes 6 to 12 months.
The daily therapeutic dose of Propecia is 1 mg (1 pill). A pill of Propecia 1 mg should be used at the same time regardless of meals. You should remember that Propecia 1 mg should be regularly used, without skipping a day. In case of the irregular use of Propecia 1 mg, you will not completely block the production of dihydrotestosterone and restore the functions of the hair follicles.
In 3 months of the treatment, the first medical results will appear. In 6 months of taking Propecia 1 mg, the hair growth should be restored in the areas of alopecia. Propecia 1 mg may be used for not more than 12 months. If the alopecia treatment should be continued, take a break for 3 months.
Recommendations for the use
- Do not take Propecia if you are under 18 years old or if you are a woman
- Propecia (Finasteride) does not interact with other medicines, and therefore you may take Propecia without any problems
- If you have severe chronic diseases of heart, kidneys, liver, consult a doctor whether you are allowed to take Propecia
Side effect
The side effects of Propecia is not felt. In rare cases, negative reactions may occur during the use of Propecia such as disorder of ejaculation, pain in the chest, increased breast, and low sexual desire.
If a man does not tolerate Finasteride, the skin allergic reactions are possible. In this case, the treatment should be stopped.