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Propecia FAQ
What is PROPECIA?
PROPECIA is a medical breakthrough — the first pill that effectively treats male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area.
What is some of the most important information I need to know about PROPECIA?
PROPECIA is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at the top of the head) and the anterior mid-scalp. PROPECIA was studied in men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate amounts of hair loss. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas. PROPECIA is for use by men only. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. In addition, a small number of men experience certain sexual side effects. PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA.
How does PROPECIA work?
The causes of hair loss are not well defined; however, researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase, and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in a thinning of the hair on the scalp. Finasteride (the active ingredient in PROPECIA) blocks the formation of DHT and, in this way, appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men. PROPECIA has been proven to effectively lower DHT in the scalp. Most important, PROPECIA helps grow natural hair, not just "peach fuzz," and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day.
Can PROPECIA increase as well as maintain my hair count?
At 24 months, 66% of the men in our studies regrew hair at the top of the head (vs. 7% with placebo) as determined by an expert panel of dermatologists. An assessment by the study investigators rated 80% of men on PROPECIA as improved (vs. 47% with placebo). This was not just "peach fuzz," but real hair — and growth occurred in both the vertex (at top of the head) and anterior mid-scalp area. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas.
How long will it take for PROPECIA to work?
PROPECIA begins to block the formation of DHT almost immediately; however, because hair grows slowly, visible results from PROPECIA take some time. In clinical trials, most men began to see the first benefit of PROPECIA — slowing hair loss — as early as 3 months. After 6 months, men may begin to experience regrowth. If PROPECIA does not work within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.
How do you use Propecia?
Propecia should be administered at 1mg daily in pill form, with no exceptions. Many people talk about custom dosing, skipping days, doubling up, etc. This will not only do nothing to help your hair loss, but will also do your system more harm than good. Hormones are very delicate chemicals that operate in conjunction with each other Therefore a constant daily dose will ensure a stable hormonal environment, and keep your biology in harmony.
It is a little known fact that the FDA trial participants all used a shampoo like Nizoral for the duration of the trial. This was required, as the increased sebum production, inflammation, and irritation caused by the balding process can limit the effectiveness of any treatment. This is why it is STRONGLY recommended that a regimen including Propecia also include Nizoral shampoo used once every 3 days in rotation with your normal shampoo. You will not see optimum results without Nizoral, or a shampoo like it, in your regimen.
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