PROPECIA
is the first and only FDA-approved pill proven to treat male
pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of the head)
and anterior mid-scalp area in men.
How does it
work?
Propecia tablets contain the
active ingredient finasteride, which is a type of medicine
called a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of a compound in the
body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This compound is called
an enzyme, and is responsible for converting the male hormone
testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone
that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who
are genetically sensitive to it.
As finasteride prevents the action of type II 5-alpha reductase
it prevents the formation of DHT. This decreases the amount of
DHT both in the blood and the scalp and can lead to reversal of
the balding process.
The medicine is taken by mouth to increase hair growth and
prevent further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. It
may take three to six months of treatment before you notice a
decrease in hair loss or increase in hair density. Continued use
of this medicine is recommended to obtain the maximum benefit.
If you stop taking it you are likely to lose any hair you have
gained within 9 to 12 months.
Warning!
- Propecia tablets are not
prescribable on the NHS.
- Women who are pregnant or of
childbearing age should not handle broken or crushed tablets
of this medicine, as the medicine may be absorbed through
the skin and be harmful to an unborn child.
- You should not exceed the
prescribed dose of this medicine as this will not make it
any more effective.
Not to be used in
- Children
- Men taking 5-alpha reductase
inhibitors for an enlarged prostate or other condition
- Women
This medicine should not be used if
you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform
your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced
such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop
using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist
immediately.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible
side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The
following are some of the side effects that are known to be
associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated
here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will
experience that or any side effect.
- Impotence
- Breast tenderness/swelling
- Pain in the testicles
- Reduced volume of ejaculation
- Ejaculation disorders
- Decreased sex drive
- Hypersensitivity reactions
such as rash, itching, hives or swelling of the lips and
face
The side effects listed above may not
include all of the side effects reported by the drug's
manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated
with this medicine, please read the information provided with
the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be
used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines
may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the
benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby.
Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy, before using any medicine.
- This medicine must not be
taken by women due to its risk in pregnancy. Women who are
pregnant or of childbearing age must not handle crushed or
broken tablets, as the medicine may be absorbed through the
skin and cause abnormalities in a male foetus. Whole tablets
are coated to prevent contact with the active ingredient
during normal handling, provided they are not broken or
crushed.
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