Propecia (finasteride) is an oral treatment for male baldness. Propecia is dispensed in 1mg and 5mg tablets. Only adult males may use this drug. Women, children and adolescent males must not, under any circumstances, use Propecia.

Finasteride limits production of the DHT hormone. When this hormone is decreased, hair can re-grow and slow down the rate of balding. No other part of the body will be affected by Propecia.

How to use Propecia

The usual dose is 1 tablet every day, but you must follow your doctor’s prescription. You do not have to take the dose with meals. For best results, Propecia should be used regularly for 3 months. When treatment has ended, any hair that has grown will start to fall out.

In the case of a missed dose, it is advisable to ignore it.

If an overdose is assumed, get hold of emergency help. Even though an overdose with Propecia is unlikely to be fatal, the patient should be seen by a medical professional.

Precautions/Warnings

Pregnant women must not handle this medication. Finasteride can damage the sexual organs of an unborn male baby. Should a pregnant woman come into contact with the contents of a tablet, wash thoroughly and notify a doctor.

Before you use Propecia, tell your doctor about your medical history, particularly if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have had prostate cancer, liver problems, or urinary tract problems. Also give your doctor details of all other medications you use, whether they are prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.

If you feel a lump in one of your breasts, or discharge from the nipples, or any breast pain, call a doctor. These are some characteristics of male breast cancer.

Your doctor may restrict certain drinks or food while you are using Propecia. Be sure to follow this advice.

If you have been lying on a bed or sitting in a chair, get up gradually to avoid falling. Finasteride might cause you to be unsteady on your feet.

If you undergo a prostate screening test during treatment with Propecia, make sure you inform the medical staff that you are using this drug because it might interfere with the accuracy of the test.

Side effects

An allergic reaction is serious. If you cannot breathe properly, or if you have any swelling in your facial area, hives or a rash, get hold of a medical professional right away.

Propecia may cause the following temporary side effects: feeling faint, swollen hands or feet, painful testicles, loss of libido or other sexual dysfunction, tender or swollen breasts, weakness, dizziness, skin rash, or runny nose. Tell your doctor if any of these signs persist. If you do break out in a rash, it is advisable to tell your doctor just in case it is associated with an allergic reaction.

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not expose this medication to heat, humidity or direct sunlight. Store in a place where children cannot reach it.

Ask a medical healthcare professional how to correctly dispose of expired or unused medications. Do not discard with household waste, and do not flush down the toilet.

If you are a man suffering with male pattern baldness, speak to your doctor about a drug called Propecia. The other name for this type of baldness is androgenetic alopecia. Propecia contains a powerful ingredient called finasteride which enables hair to grow back. It works by preventing your system from producing the DHT hormone which attacks hair follicles until they die. When this happens, hair loss occurs.