propecia

What is the most important information I need to know about PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) on the top of the head and the anterior mid-scalp. There is insufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for hair loss in the temporal areas. PROPECIA is for use by men only. Importantly, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities in the development of a male baby's sex organs in the foetus. In addition, a small number of men experience certain sexual side effects. PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA.

What is Propecia (finasteride)?

Propecia (finasteride) is a medical breakthrough, a pill that treats male pattern hair loss effectively. Propecia is primarily successful in treating hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and the mid-scalp area.

Will Propecia really work for all men?

Only a doctor can determine if PROPECIA is right for you. PROPECIA is for MEN ONLY.

Taken once a day in tablet form, PROPECIA is simple, easy and clinically demonstrated to be effective in most men. PROPECIA helps grow natural hair and is as convenient to take as a daily vitamin pill.

Based on two 24-month vertex studies of men ages 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss, the clinical results of PROPECIA were impressive: 83% maintained their hair based on hair count (vs. 28% with placebo), 66% had visible regrowth as rated by independent dermatologists (vs. 7% with placebo), 80% were rated as improved by doctors (vs. 47% with placebo) and most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss and improvement in appearance.

Are there any known drug interactions with Propecia when using other medication?

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Any questions that you may have regarding this product should be discussed with your doctor. There is no correlation between Propecia and Prostate cancer.

How does PROPECIA work?

Researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the balding area of their scalps. Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase, and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in a thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Finasteride (the active ingredient in PROPECIA) blocks the formation of DHT, and in this way interrupts a key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, a very small number of men experienced certain side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects (which may be attributable to the placebo effect) occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who discontinued taking PROPECIA.

What is dihydrotesterone (DHT)?

DHT is one of many male hormones in the body. DHT is responsible for the development of the external genitals in the male foetus, however, it appears to be a cause of male pattern hair loss as men get older. DHT decreases and miniaturises the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. DHT also appears to be responsible in adult males for shortening of the growing phase of hair, prostate enlargement and acne.

Is Propecia suitable for women?

No. PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities in the development of the male sex organs in the foetus. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

How long will it take for PROPECIA to work?

Although PROPECIA begins to block the formation of DHT almost immediately, because hair grows slowly, visible results from PROPECIA take three to six months. In clinical trials, most men began to see the first benefit of PROPECIA i.e. slowing hair loss, as early as 3 months. After 6 months, men may begin to experience regrowth. If PROPECIA does not work within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

What is the recommended dose?

The recommended dose is 1 mg once per day. Propecia is taken by mouth with or without meals. If a dose is missed do not take an extra tablet; just take the next dose as usual.

Can I get better results by taking PROPECIA more than once a day?

Take PROPECIA as prescribed, and always follow your doctor's instructions. PROPECIA won't work any faster or better if you take a tablet more than once a day.

How long do I have to take PROPECIA?

You need to take PROPECIA for as long as you want to continue to benefit from use. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

What about long-term use of PROPECIA?

PROPECIA has been tested for two years in clinical studies of 1,200 men.

How is PROPECIA supplied?

PROPECIA is available as a 1-mg tablet. This tablet is tan in color and is octagonal (has eight sides). It is film-coated, rounded, and has a somewhat elevated surface. Each PROPECIA tablet is marked with a "stylized P" logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other.

Do you have visit the doctor in order for this to be prescribed?

Yes. PROPECIA is available only when prescribed by a doctor.

Will PROPECIA have an effect if I am trying to father a child?

There was no effect observed on the sperm count or sperm quality (motility or structure) in men treated with PROPECIA who took a 1mg tablet a day for 12 months.

Does PROPECIA help at all with receding hairlines?

There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works in the treatment of receding hairline in the temporal area on both sides of the head. However, for most men, PROPECIA can slow the loss of hair at the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. For many men, PROPECIA can also increase hair growth, helping to fill in thin or balding areas on the scalp. Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all of the hair that you have lost. Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time. On average, healthy hair grows only about half an inch each month. Therefore, it will take time to see any effect.

PROPECIA is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc.