Propecia

PROPECIA is the only once-a-day pill that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of certain types of hair loss in men. And most importantly, it’s been demonstrated to be generally effective in FDA reviewed clinical trials to maintain or improve hair count in most men.

Talk to your doctor

Ask your doctor about PROPECIA today. He or she knows what treatments could work and can determine what might work for you. The sooner you begin treatment, the more hair you may have in the months and years ahead.
If you stop taking PROPECIA, however, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months.

How Propecia Works

PROPECIA works on a key cause of hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of DHT. Specifically, PROPECIA inhibits the formation of DHT in your scalp. Lowering DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles. DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Scientists believe DHT and family history are key factors in hair loss. PROPECIA helps visible hair grow again and reduces further hair loss.
It is, in fact, the first and only FDA-approved pill proven to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in men.
(See Figure 1.)

Possible Side Effects

PROPECIA was developed to treat mild to moderate male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in MEN ONLY. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for receding hairlines at the temples.
PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.
You should not use PROPECIA if you are allergic to finasteride or any of the ingredients of PROPECIA.
Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in PROPECIA, a doctor should be consulted. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
Contact with the semen from a man being treated with PROPECIA is not a risk to the unborn child of a pregnant woman.

Clinical studies showed that side effects were uncommon and did not affect most men

A small number of men had sexual side effects, with each occurring in less than 2% of men. These include less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them. In addition, these side effects decreased to 0.3% of men or less by the fifth year of treatment.
PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA.
In general use, the following side effects have been reported: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; and testicular pain. You should promptly report to your doctor any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. Tell your doctor about these or any other side effects.