Propecia

Propecia is an effective remedy for male pattern baldness. Losing large amounts of hair in men at an early age is not only an aesthetic problem. In most cases, the cause of baldness is the excess production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone in the male body. Accumulating in the hair follicles, this substance provokes the death of hair. Propecia cures excessive hair loss of hormonal nature, and the active ingredients in the pill formulate the formation of new hair follicles and the growth of healthy hair.

Indications for use

The drug is used to treat an androgenic type of baldness. The drug is not intended for the treatment of focal baldness, baldness amid a lack of vitamins and nutrients, and baldness in women.

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient of Propecia – finasteride – neutralizes the action of the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to its active form. Finasteride reduces the dihydrotestosterone level in the blood and preserves a significant part of the hair.

The drug slows hair loss in 85% of patients taking pills. The use of the drug for at least a year leads to the formation of new hair in half of the patients with baldness. When taking medication for 2 years, this figure increases to 55% of men suffering from alopecia.

A noticeable increase in the density of the hairline requires taking the drug for at least 3 months. The first hair that appears at the place of hair loss is observed after six months. The most active restoration of hair is observed in the crown and in the areas adjacent to it.

You can check the susceptibility of the body to the active components of the drug during the annual application. If the product did not give visible results within 12 months, then its use in the future will not lead to an increase in the quantity and quality of hair.

Instructions for use

Take one tablet once a day, regardless of food intake. If the patient has diseases of the stomach or intestines, it is better to use the drug with food. The course of treatment lasts one to two years. Do not crush or grind the tablet. If necessary, the medicine is washed down with a small amount of water. It is recommended to take the drug at the same time. Dose adjustment for older men is not required. If there are no visible improvements within 10-12 months, stop taking the drug. If the result is visible and the treatment is interrupted prematurely, this can lead to the loss of already restored hair. If you missed taking tablets, you need to use only one dosage of the product the next day. Do not increase the dose, as this will not improve the therapeutic effect. Store the product in a dry and cool place, avoid direct sunlight. Do not use the drug after the expiration date. The average temperature of the room in which the product is stored should not exceed 77-86°F. Store away from children and pets. If the baby swallowed at least one capsule, rinse the baby’s stomach immediately. Follow the rules given in the instructions.

Contraindications

Propecia is contraindicated to lactating women. Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with this medicine. The drug can cause abnormalities in the development of the external genitalia of the male fetus. The drug is not used during lactation since there is no information about whether the active substance penetrates the milk. It is not recommended to use tablets in men who have prostate diseases, urinary tract infections, impaired renal function, endocrine disease and liver failure. The drug is contraindicated for children under 12 years old, young men under 18 years of age and elderly people. Propecia is also contraindicated in the presence of individual intolerance to the active substance.

Side effects

In some cases, the drug can cause the following side effects:

  • decreased potency and / or libido,
  • impaired ejaculation,
  • decreased ejaculate volume,
  • increased and tenderness of the mammary glands,
  • increased levels of LH and FSH in the blood,
  • decreased concentrations of prostate-specific antigen,
  • allergic reactions (rash, skin itching, urticaria, swelling of the lips and face).

Overdose

Studies have shown that taking finasteride at a dose of 400 mg and 800 mg over a long period of time does not cause side effects. Therefore, there are no ways to treat an overdose. Taking high doses does not improve the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women of childbearing age and pregnant women should avoid contact with the drug, as it has teratogenic properties (the ability to suppress the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone can cause impaired development of the genital organs of the male fetus) and penetrates the seminal fluid.

Interaction with other drugs

Propecia can be taken in combination with other drugs. Studies have not revealed any interactions.

Benefits of the drug

Propecia has the following advantages:

  • low cost;
  • the guaranteed effect, active growth of new hair and the prevention of new foci of baldness;
  • can be taken by young and old men;
  • does not interact with other medicines;
  • minimum number of contraindications and rare side effects;
  • can be combined with a small amount of alcohol and fatty foods;
  • does not cause addiction.