This medicine is effective in treating and preventing further hair loss in men. Propecia is the branded form of Finasteride which is used in the treatment of male pattern baldness (hair loss), a common condition amongst men. The medication works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
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What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss, typically on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas of the body. There are different types of alopecia, with the most common being (alopecia areata). In this form, the immune system.
For men with male pattern hair loss, the hair follicles become smaller over time and each hair is thinner and falls out sooner than previously. Eventually, this can lead to hair follicles so small that the hair does not reach the skin surface.
The causes of alopecia can vary, including genetic factors, autoimmune reactions, stress, hormonal changes, or other medical conditions. Treatment options, like medications or lifestyle changes, depend on the type and cause of alopecia. The main cause behind this change in the hair follicles is an androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone. It is for this reason that this hormone is the target for drugs to treat alopecia.
When the hair has been gone for extended periods of time, the hair may become permanently lost hence timely treatment is beneficial.
What is Propecia?
Finasteride, the active ingredient in brand names Proscar and Propecia among others as pills and tablets, is a medication used mainly to treat an enlarged prostate or hair loss in men. It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women and as a part of hormone therapy for transgender women. It is taken by mouth.
The reduction of DHT in the scalp is so far the only known and proven way to arrest hair loss. It is now used as the first line of attack for the treatment of male pattern baldness with Finasteride.
How does Finasteride work?
The active component if Finasteride, works to inhibit an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme usually converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the more potent androgen that has a negative effect on hair growth.
As a result of using Finasteride, the levels of the dihydrotestosterone hormone are lower and a positive effect can be seen on the maintenance of hair and hair growth of men who suffer from male pattern hair loss.
How long does it take for finasteride to work?
Finasteride typically starts working to slow hair loss on the scalp almost immediately. Because hair growth is slow, it can take from 3-4 months before the effects of finasteride are noticed. When Finasteride begins working, men should notice they are experiencing less hair loss, and that some hairs begin to grow back. After 6-9 months is when most men notice the full effects of taking finasteride.
A man should take finasteride for one year continuously before knowing the long term results and whether Finasteride works for him. The response to finasteride after the first year is also a good indicator of how successful the long-term treatment will be. Not all men experience hair growth using finasteride. In these cases, finasteride typically prevents further hair loss.
What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?
Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia and is available in a generic, unbranded tablet. Finasteride and Propecia are medically equivalent but Finasteride is available at a much lower cost.
Dosage
You should take Propecia at the same time every day with a full glass of water.
It is important that you take it regularly to see the long-term benefits, so it is a good idea to incorporate it into your daily routine. You can take it with or without food, as desired.
Timely treatment is crucial to avoid losing as much hair as possible and you should therefore talk to you doctor about treatment options as soon as you begin to notice signs.
It is best to take it exactly as prescribed. You should talk to you doctor before taking larger doses or for a longer period than recommended.
Side-effects
All medicines have the potential to cause side effects on the body, although not everybody experiences them.
Some common side effects for Propecia include:
If you decide to continue using Propecia, these side effects may lessen after some time. If the symptoms are inhibiting and do not resolve, you can consider stopping the medication with your doctor.
Some people can also have an allergic reaction to this medication and the following symptoms are indicative of this:
If you experience these signs it is essential that you stop taking the medication and see your doctor immediately.
Active ingredients
The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride.
Inactive ingredients
The inactive ingredients in Propecia are lactose, microcrystalline cellulose E460, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium starch glycollate, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate E572, hypromellose E464, hydroxypropyl cellulose E463, titanium dioxide, talc, yellow iron oxide E172, and red iron oxide E172.
Propecia 1mg tablets
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