Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is taken daily to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
How Finasteride (Propecia) works:
This medication is used to treat hormone associated male pattern baldness, known formally as androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride (Propecia) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme (protein) that changes testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT can cause hair loss. By blocking 5-alpha reductase, finasteride (Propecia) lowers the levels of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, promotes scalp hair growth and prevents further hair loss.
It typically takes 3-6 months to notice the benefits of Finasteride, but can take up to one year. This medication is not a “cure”, so once it is stopped there can be progression of male pattern baldness within 1 year of stopping treatment.
Research studies show that 70-83% males who took Finasteride (Propecia) for 1-2 years didn’t experience additional hair loss. In addition, data showed that males who took finasteride (Propecia) had a higher chance for hair regrowth within 1-2 years of treatment.
Typical dosing for Finasteride (Propecia)
- 1 mg daily is the FDA approved dose of Finasteride for hair loss
Side Effects:
Common Side Effects
This is a well tolerated medication with minimal side effects. If side effects are experienced, they tend to lessen over time.
- Lower sex drive (2%)
- Erectile dysfunction (1%)
- Ejaculation problems (1%)
Other less common side effects have been reported and can include: chills, cold sweats, confusion,dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet, breast enlargement and tenderness, hives or welts, itching, skin rash, rapid weight gain, swelling of the lips and face, tingling of the hands or feet, unusual weight gain or loss.
Post-finasteride syndrome?
Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) is a rare condition in which men continue to have side effects from finasteride for at least 3 months after stopping the medication. Symptoms of PFS include 1) sexual side effects (e.g., low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low semen production), 2) physical side effects (e.g., breast growth, muscle pain or weakness, joint pain), or 3) mental health side effects (e.g., memory issues, depression, anxiety). Males who take finasteride (Propecia) for a longer period of time seem to be at higher risk. There are no known treatments or cures for PFS.
Finasteride (Propecia) interactions with other drugs:
The over the counter supplement St John’s wort may decrease the effectiveness of Finasteride (Propecia).
See detailed Warnings section. (link to warnings)
mensRxplus Recommendations:
- Finasteride (Propecia) can be taken with or without food.
Frequently Asked Questions
It will take at least 3 months to notice the benefit of Finasteride on hair preservation and growth. It may take up to a year.
Possibly. In one study 37% of males with a receding hairline who were taking Finasteride (Propecia) experienced hair regrowth in the front of their head when evaluated after one year.
Finasteride (Propecia) has not been shown to lower testosterone. In fact, it may actually raise testosterone. Since finasteride (Propecia) prevents 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to DHT, there’s more testosterone hanging around.
Finasteride is only FDA approved in the male population. Clinical studies have shown benefit to hair growth and thickness in females, however, mensRxplus currently only treats male patients.
Warnings
Blood Donation
You may not donate blood while taking Finasteride (Propecia) because the medication can affect unborn babies if donated to a pregnant woman.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant females, females of childbearing age, or females trying to conceive shouldn’t touch Finasteride (Propecia) tablets with bare skin, especially tablets that are broken or crushed. This is because it can get absorbed through the skin and cause harm to unborn babies. Wash your hands after handling broken / crushed Finasteride tablets.
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