Propecia® (Finasteride)

Propecia® (finasteride) works by preventing testosterone from being converted into DHT, so in theory it might prevent or improve male-pattern baldness, and it can now be prescribed by doctors in the USA for this purpose. It works best if the ‘bald’ areas have lots of fine, thin hairs. Also, younger candidates seem to respond slightly better than older subjects. In any case, if your hair loss is extensive, it will not work. It has to be taken indefinitely if hair growth is to continue.

The most common side effects

Clinical tests showed PROPECIA was very well tolerated. Only a very small number of men had sexual side effects, with each occurring in less than 2% of men. They included less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. When the men who had these side effects stopped taking PROPECIA, the side effects went away.

Important safety information

PROPECIA is for men only. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA because of the risk that the active ingredient may cause a specific kind of birth defect. (See Patient Product Information for details.) Likewise, women should avoid handling tablets that are crushed or broken. PROPECIA tablets are coated to prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

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