PROPECIA® (finasteride) is a medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss. Only your doctor can decide if it is right for you. These questions and answers contain important information about Propecia. However, they are not meant to take the place of your doctor's advice. Read this information carefully before you start taking Propecia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand any of this information or if you want to know more. Propecia (finasteride), is an exciting weapon in the battle against male pattern hair loss. Propecia blocks the formation of DHT and in this way appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men. Propecia was developed to treat male pattern hair loss in the vertex (at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. PROPECIA is for use by MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women.

Will Propecia work for me? (back to top)

For most men, Propecia increases the number of scalp hairs, helping to fill in thin or balding areas of the scalp. Men taking Propecia noted a slowing of hair loss during two years of use. Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all of the hair you have lost. There is not sufficient evidence that Propecia works in the treatment of receding hairline in the temporal area on both sides of the head. Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time. On average, healthy hair grows only about half an inch each month. Therefore, it will take time to see any effect.

How should I take Propecia? (back to top)

Follow your doctor's instructions. Take one tablet by mouth each day. You may take Propecia with or without food. If you forget to take Propecia, do not take an extra tablet. Just take the next tablet as usual. Propecia will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day.

Who should not take Propecia?(back to top)

Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should not be taken by women or children. Or anyone allergic to any of the ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of PROPECIA?(back to top)

Like most products, Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia.

The active ingredient in Propecia is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash. In clinical studies, these side effects occurred as often in men taking a placebo as in those taking Propecia.

Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual effects you may experience whilst taking propecia.