- Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. Source: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf
- Propecia works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and stop producing hair. Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/description/drg-20063819
- In clinical trials, Propecia has been shown to be effective in slowing down or halting hair loss in up to 90% of men who take it. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481923/
- Propecia is most effective for treating hair loss at the crown and middle of the scalp, but it may not be as effective for treating hair loss at the front of the scalp or the hairline. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/
- The most common side effects of Propecia include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate volume. These side effects usually go away once the medication is stopped. Source: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf
- Propecia is not recommended for women, as it can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/precautions/drg-20063819
- Propecia should be taken once a day, with or without food, and it may take up to three months to see noticeable results. Source: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf
- Propecia is a brand name drug, and it can be expensive. However, generic versions of finasteride are available and may be more affordable. Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/propecia-proscar-new-warnings-201110053643
Sources:
US Food and Drug Administration: Propecia Label Information. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic: Finasteride (Oral Route). (2019). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/description/drg-20063819
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481923/
National Center for Biotechnology Information: Finasteride and Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314881/
Harvard Health Publishing: Propecia/Proscar: New Warnings. (2011). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/propecia-proscar-new-warnings-201110053643