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What is Propecia
FinasterideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFinasteride is a synthetic drug that blocks the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is approved by the FDA to treat two conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Finasteride can be taken orally and is often combined with an alpha-blocker such as doxazosin to treat BPH. By blocking the effects of DHT, finasteride can reduce symptoms related to BPH and slow hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia.
Propeciais the brand name
Propecia Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Propecia
Finasteride
1997
58
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses which include Prostatic Hyperplasia and Androgenetic Alopecia .Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Doxazosin
Androgenetic Alopecia
Helps manage Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Doxazosin
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
Used to treat a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score in combination with Doxazosin
Effectiveness
How Propecia Affects PatientsFinasteride is a drug used to reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It works by blocking an enzyme that makes DHT and reducing the amount of DHT in the body. After taking finasteride, DHT levels can drop by up to 70% within 8 hours and will usually return to normal within 14 days of stopping the medication. Finasteride is used to shrink enlarged prostates, prevent further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness, and reduce the risk of disease progression in those with enlarged prostates. In clinical trials, finasteride was found to promote hair growth
How Propecia works in the bodyFinasteride works by targeting and blocking an enzyme known as Type II 5α-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone that helps to stimulate prostatic growth. By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride can reduce prostatic volume and slow hair loss. It also may help to reduce bleeding from prostate issues by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the prostate.
When to interrupt dosage
The dosage of Propecia is contingent upon the observed condition, including Enlarged Prostate, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The amount of dosage also varies, in accord with the application approach outlined in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hirsutism
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Androgenetic Alopecia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Enlarged Prostate
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Prostatic Hyperplasia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Warnings
Propecia has two recognized contraindications and thus should not be consumed for the conditions given in the following table.Propecia ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Finasteride may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Propecia Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Clonidine
Major
The metabolism of Clonidine can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Propecia Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of finasteride in rats is 418mg/kg. In mice, a single dose of 400mg/kg for males and 1000mg/kg for females has been found to be fatal. In a 24-month study, no signs of tumorigenic potential were discovered. In a 19-month study, high doses caused an increase in the incidence of testicular Leydig cell adenomas and increased serum LH levels. In vitro tests showed no signs of mutagenicity. Taking finasteride has been linked to erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and loss of libido, but these usually
Propecia Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Propecia?
38 active studies are currently underway to assess the effectiveness of Propecia in providing relief from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Enlarged Prostate and a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hirsutism
0 Actively Recruiting
Enlarged Prostate
20 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3
Androgenetic Alopecia
11 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
0 Actively Recruiting
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1
Propecia Reviews: What are patients saying about Propecia?
5Patient Review
11/8/2015 I've been using this medication for three months now, and it has stopped my hair loss by about 90%. There are some side effects that come with it, like no morning wood and a lower libido. However, I'm hopeful that things will go back to normal if I give it a few more months.
5Patient Review
10/22/2017 I've been taking 5mg daily for about a year for enlarged prostate, and am seeing significant hair regrowth, and shrinkage in my prostate. Also, I am urinating more frequently along with the regrowth. I can still obtain a nice erection, hard as a rock.
5Patient Review
10/16/2019 I started to see results within four months of using this product. My hair is now thicker than it was before, and I'm no longer finding any hairs on my keyboard.
5Patient Review
7/23/2020 I've been using this treatment for 25 years and have had no observed side effects. I'm also happy to report that I still have a full head of hair!
5Patient Review
3/19/2022 I started losing my hair at 27, and after six months of taking Propecia, my hair was noticeably better. I tried switching to the cheaper generic version, Finasteride, but it didn't work at all. So I would recommend just sticking with Propecia--even though it's more expensive, it's worth it.
5Patient Review
11/8/2015 I've been taking this medication for three months now and it has stopped my hair loss by about 90%. There are some side effects, like morning wood being a thing of the past, but I can still get erections--just not as quickly as before. My doctor said that if I stop taking the medication for three months, everything should go back to normal.
5Patient Review
10/22/2017 I've been taking 5mg daily for about a year for enlarged prostate, and am seeing significant hair regrowth, and shrinkage in my prostate. Also, I am peeing like a racehorse along with the regrowth.
5Patient Review
10/16/2019 I started taking finasteride when I noticed my hair was thinning and falling out. Within a few months, there was a noticeable difference not only to me but also to my barber. My hair has stopped falling out and is even thicker than before.
5Patient Review
7/23/2020 I've been using this treatment for 25 years and have had no adverse effects that I can tell. Plus, it seems to be working great--I still have a full head of hair!
5Patient Review
3/19/2022 I started losing my hair at 27, and after I began taking propecia, my hair gradually got better and better. However, when I switched to the generic brand finasteride, I stopped seeing results. In conclusion: Propecia is expensive but it works--no side effects for me, fortunately.
4Patient Review
3/5/2017 I started at a high dose but had to reduce it due to testicular pain. The lowerdose has no side effects that I've noticed. My libido hasn't been affected, which is great.I'm using this treatment for my receding hairline and saw small results after 10 months.
4Patient Review
1/20/2015 I've noticed that Propecia (or the generic equivalent) can lead to some pretty significant erectile dysfunction and fluctuations in sex drive. I was wondering if taking it at night would help alleviate these problems during the day.
4Patient Review
1/20/2015 I've noticed that Propecia can cause erectile dysfunction and a decrease in sexual drive. I'm wondering if taking it at night will help me function during the day.
4Patient Review
7/15/2012 I've been on this medication for over two decades. While it did help to halt my hair loss, I never saw any regrowth. Additionally, my libido has all but disappeared and the amount of semen I produce has decreased significantly. These may be permanent side effects that I'm not willing to risk by stopping the medication, even though I don't like the idea of being reliant on a drug forever.
4Patient Review
3/5/2017 I started seeing small results after 10 months of use.
4Patient Review
7/15/2012 I've taken this drug for 20+ years. It stopped the onslaught of hair loss pretty quickly for me but I never regrew what I already lost. HOWEVER, my libido is practially non-existent and the amount of semen I now produce is down to a mere dribble. I'm concerned these may be permanent but I'm also fearful that if I stop taking it, I'll be bald in no time.
3.7Patient Review
1/20/2012 I started the medication at 25 and while I didn't see a full head of hair regrow, there was enough coverage to fill in all the empty areas. However, I experienced serious erectile dysfunction as a side effect and stopped taking it. Now I'm just hoping the ED isn't permanent for long-term Propecia users.
3.7Patient Review
1/20/2012 I was 25 when I started the medicine. While I certainly didn't regrow a full head of hair, it did cover all empty areas quite well. Unfortunately, one major side effect that I experienced was ED. I just stopped taking it and am hoping that the ED is not a permanent side effect for long-term Propecia users.
3.3Patient Review
5/12/2013 I took propecia for over 10 years and then switched to finestaride when I learned they were the same drug. They both work well for hair loss, but after noticing issues with my erections and other sexual problems, I did some research and found that these side effects are all directly related to Propecia/finestaride. So if you're taking this medication, please be aware of the potentially devastating consequences it can have on your sex life.
3.3Patient Review
1/28/2013 Propecia was great for my hair, but the acne and sexual side effects were not worth it.
3.3Patient Review
5/12/2013 I have taken propecia for over 10 years. I then found out propecia is finestaride. So I started saving money by buying finestaride instead. Anyway, they work great for the hair, but after noticing my ED and other sexual related issues,I started to look into my medications,and there it was "POW" All of my sexual side effects are directly related to "PROPECIA". Please ,if you are taking this medication,"STOP" It has long term and possibly life consequences that will destroy your sex life.
3.3Patient Review
1/28/2013 Propecia was great for my hair, but it came with some major drawbacks. My skin became incredibly acne-prone, to the point where I looked like a hormonal teenager. Additionally, I had real difficulties sustaining an erection. Thankfully, all of these side effects went away after I stopped taking the medication.
2.3Patient Review
7/13/2012 I experienced ED while taking this medication, and even after I stopped. This was really discouraging and frustrating for me, especially because it never occurred to me that the Propecia could be the cause.
2.3Patient Review
7/13/2012 I stopped taking Propecia a while ago after hearing that it can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Unfortunately, I've still been experiencing ED long after I stopped taking the medication.
1Patient Review
3/11/2022 I would recommend avoiding this medication. It had a seriously negative impact on my sex life, causing low libido and impotence. Additionally, it changed the pitch of my voice.
1Patient Review
3/11/2022 I would strongly recommend avoiding this medication. It had a profound negative impact on my sex life, including loss of desire and impotence. Additionally, it caused my voice to change to a higher pitch.
Patient Q&A Section about propecia
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does Propecia do?
"Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss, which is when the hair on the scalp gradually becomes thinner, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head."
Answered by AI
What does Propecia do to your hair?
"This medication is used in men and women
This medication works by decreasing the amount of DHT, a natural body hormone. This leads to increased hair regrowth and slower hair loss."
Answered by AI
What are side effects of Propecia?
"Some potential side effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculatory disorder, and swelling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet. Other potential side effects, though rarer, include male breast cancer, dizziness, and headache."
Answered by AI
Why you shouldn't take Propecia?
"About 50 lawsuits have been filed against Merck, alleging that Propecia can cause prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or male breast cancer, according to a financial statement from the company. Other lawsuits have been filed against Merck over claims of memory loss, or a combination of sexual side effects and memory loss."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of Propecia?
"Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculatory disorder, swelling in face, arms, hands, legs, or feet, breast tenderness or swelling, male breast cancer, dizziness, headache."
Answered by AI
What is the drug Propecia used for?
"Finasteride is a medication that is used to treat male pattern hair loss and balding. It works by preventing the production of a hormone called DHT, which can lead to hair loss. Finasteride is available in two forms: Propecia and Proscar. Propecia is a lower-dose form of finasteride that is used to treat male pattern hair loss, while Proscar is a higher-dose form that is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia."
Answered by AI
Can Propecia regrow hair?
"The text is saying that while Propecia has been shown to slow down hair loss, it cannot regrow hair that has already been lost."
Answered by AI