Propecia

Propecia for Hair Loss

Propecia is a medication used to treat male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Propecia increases hair growth on the scalp and prevents further hair loss in men. It can only be useful for those who have mild to moderate hair loss.

Hair loss or male pattern baldness affects up to 50% of men aged over 50 but can also affect younger men. It is defined as the thinning of hair on the scalp which often results in a receding or balding hairline on the top of the head.

What is Propecia and how does it work?

The tablets contain a medicine called finasteride which belongs to a group of medications called Type II '5-alpha reductase inhibitors'. Propecia works by reducing the levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that causes hair loss.

Propecia is intended to be used to prevent further hair loss in men aged over 18 and cannot be taken by women.

Is Propecia right for me?

If you are looking for an effective hair loss treatment, Propecia may be right for you. However, it may not be suitable for you if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to finasteride or any other ingredients in this medication
• If you are a child or adolescent
• If you are female
• If you are already taking finasteride or any other 5α-reductase inhibitor

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects of Propecia. However, these do not always occur and are mostly mild in nature. But if you experience any prolonged or worrying side effects of Propecia, please discontinue the medication immediately and consult your doctor.

Common side effects include:

• Testicular pain
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased volume of ejaculate
• Nausea
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Rashes, itching and swelling of the lips and face
• Skin rash

To view Propecia Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Propecia (finasteride) works by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a role in hair loss. It's important to note that Propecia only works for male pattern baldness; it does not help with other types of hair loss. Results from taking Propecia can take up to 6 months to be visible. Some men may experience side effects like decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and depressed mood while taking Propecia. If you experience any of these side effects, talk to your doctor about whether or not Propecia is right for you.