A good few men sooner or later face them the problem of going bald, which is no wonder. Constant stress, eating disorder, lack of sleep, among other things, are the main causes. Genetics is key here, too. Not infrequently quite youthful guys seek advice on the web to avert premature loss of hair and often see disappointing replies saying that there is no hope but to accept the grim reality. And while for some it may not be a problem that much, others are bound to feel excessively self-conscious and have low self-esteem.
We will not try to console or tell you about some magic tricks, because the aforementioned factors play a huge role, and in some cases hair regrowth is impossible. Yet there’s no room for panic. There are certain medications that can help you deal with the problem. And Propecia is one of them — by far the strongest and simplest tool at your disposal.
Propecia: what you should know
Propecia, or finasteride (generic name), is a medication initially used to treat enlarged prostate in men. Later, it was also approved as a drug for treating baldness. Propecia is prescribed only for men. Both versions of this drug require a prescription. Once you get it from your doctor, you can purchase the drug.
This drug belongs to the class of medications known as 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors. They are used to block enzyme 5α-reductase that transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This enzyme damages sensitive hair follicles, making them produce thinner hairs or stopping the process altogether. Once you prevent the excessive production of DHT in your body, hair follicles will start to function as usual.
Consider this before starting to take Finasteride!
Before deciding to start the course of administration, consult your medical expert to have the full picture of all the pros and cons of this drug. Though clichéd it may sound, self-treatment can always be dangerous, especially when it comes to drugs that can potentially cause serious problems when used in the wrong way.
Propecia is contraindicated for children and women, particularly pregnant (though why would they even take it?), because after absorbing, the drug can damage a male fetus. Additionally, handling crushed tablets is also dangerous, as they can be absorbed right through the skin.
As far as men are concerned, Propecia can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Should you have any issues with that, it can be a red flag not to use the medication. Second, there is a chance that the drug may be harmful to kidneys. Also, if you have ever had problems with urination, liver disease or stricture of the urethra, make sure the drug is safe to use. And of course, avoid Propecia in case of allergic reactions to any component of it.
How to use the drug properly
Before doing anything, agree on the dosage with your doctor.
Propecia is taken orally. As a rule, the recommended dose is one tablet (1mg) a day, however, it can vary depending on the patient’s health condition, age and the need to take the drug.
For male pattern hair loss treatment, the course of administration lasts at least 3 months according to statistics.
It is worth mentioning that Propecia doesn’t cure hair loss, yet it stimulates the process. When you stop the course of treatment, the hair growth will stop, and over a certain period of time, the newly grown hair will be lost as well. Thus, to maintain stability, you have to take the drug more or less regularly, with short intervals.
When treating prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia), you should take Propecia at least 6 months to see any positive changes. Here, the recommended dose is 5 milligrams once a day. But then again, a prostate will enlarge after some time; the effect will last only as long as you take the drug.
If you forgot or for some reason had to miss a dose, take the next one as soon as possible. Of course, do not take two doses at a time.
Be careful not to overdose the drug because it can lead to negative consequences. Yet it shouldn’t pose a threat to your life anyway. Despite that, you should immediately contact the poison center or get emergency medical attention.
Finally, Propecia can be taken with or without meals. Either way, it’s OK.
Possible side effects to expect
Along with the desired result, you are likely to experience some side symptoms. In some cases, they can go away more or less quickly, yet there are also situations when special medical attention is needed. The list of side effects is too long, so we just show you the most common reactions this drug can cause.
Should you experience any of the following symptoms, you had better seek medical attention immediately:
- Confusion
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Chills and cold sweat
- Swelling of the face or limbs
- Hives
- Skin rash
- Rapid weight gain or weight loss
There are also a number of side effects that do not require immediate medical treatment. Symptoms can often mitigate or go away as your body adapts to the active ingredients. These side effects include:
- Decreased sex drive (libido)
- Difficulty keeping an erection
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Ejaculation disorder (decreased amount of semen)
- Pain in the testicles
Bear in mind that most of these symptoms will probably not occur. Some of them may occur very rarely, but still, be careful. Even after you stop taking Propecia, certain symptoms can still persist.
Be careful with interactions
Although it was not proved, in some cases Propecia seemed to interact with alcohol drinks, causing dizziness and tiredness. The same goes for tobacco products. Try to live on a healthy diet. This way, the medication will certainly be even more effective.
As for other medications, Propecia doesn’t have particularly dangerous interactions. Most of them are either moderate or minor. It doesn’t mean, however, that all the drugs you take will flawlessly work together with Propecia. Go to your doctor to get more accurate information or discuss whether any other medications you take may potentially interact with this drug.
Think of generic Propecia to cut down expenses
As you already know, Propecia is the brand version of the drug, while finasteride is the cheap generic alternative. Generic Propecia has basically the same effect, which means treating hair loss or enlarged prostate will not put a strain on the budget. Yet bear in mind that some inactive ingredients can slightly differ, which means some interactions and side effects will be different, too.
Developers of brand-name drugs win the market and then try to maintain their position by carrying out countless tests and spreading advertisements, thereby attracting patients through their recognition. On the other hand, generics are also subjected to numerous tests, which means they are absolutely safe to use. Think of it.
Remember that neither drug that belongs to the category of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors will stimulate hair regrowth when there’s the advanced stage of hair loss. To get the maximum benefit from the drug, build a suitable course of treatment with your doctor. And, of course, cheer up! After all, no medicine is helpful if a patient has a pessimistic outlook and prepares for the worst. For many men, Propecia has turned out to be a success, and you are no exception!
Important information: This article is published for informational only, it is not a piece of medical advice. Since Propecia is a prescription medicine, it cannot be used without getting approval from your doctor. To avoid adverse health consequences, please, use this medication in strict compliance with the specialist’s recommendations. Do not exceed the dosage prescribed regardless of your state or the effect received. Our company does not bear any responsibility for any health or financial consequences associated with your use of the product mentioned or the content presented above.