Finasteride

Uses

Finasteride is used to treat hair loss in men.

Finasteride (Trade Names: Proscar and Propecia) is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland (under the Proscar trade name) and treat male pattern hair loss (under the trade name Propecia).

Propecia treats male pattern hair loss by blocking the body's production of a male hormone in the scalp that stops hair growth. Finasteride has not been shown to treat thinning hair at the temples and is not used to treat hair loss in women or children. It has been shown that 2 out of 3 men who take Finasteride regrow some hair; nearly half demonstrated visible regrowth while another 42 percent experience no more hair loss. However, Finasteride only works for as long as its taken; once it has ceased, hair loss will return within six to 12 months.

Dosage

For hair loss, Finasteride is a pill taken by mouth once a day. It can be taken with or without food, any time of day.

Side Effects

Side effects are rare, but may include: inability to have or maintain an erection, decreased sexual desire, decreased volume of semen, and pain in the testicles. If you experience any other side effects, notify your doctor immediately.

Notes of Precaution

Finasteride is not proven to work in women.

Finasteride is not effective on all men, and its effectiveness varies.

It has not been studied on men who have already gone completely bald.

Finasteride should be stored at room temperature and out of reach of children.

If you stop taking Finasteride, you will probably lose the hair you have regrown within 12 months.

* Pregnant women should not come into contact with Finasteride as it could cause abnormalities in the fetus.