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Propecia Information

Propecia (Finasteride) is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), a condition in which hair follicles on the scalp physically shrink over time, producing thinner, more brittle hair until it eventually stops producing hair altogether, all due to the influence of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone. It is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which is common as men age. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine), an enlarged prostate can squeeze that tube, leading to difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or the frequent urge to urinate.

Its active ingredient is finasteride, and it belongs to a class of drugs known as 5a-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride works by binding to and inhibiting type II 5a-reductase, thereby blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. By lowering scalp dihydrotestosterone levels by roughly 60–70%, this medication helps arrest the miniaturization process, allowing existing hair follicles to maintain their size and, in many cases, return to a healthy growth cycle. Much like hair follicles, prostate tissue grows in response to dihydrotestosterone. By lowering dihydrotestosterone levels, finasteride can reduce the prostate's physical size over several months, thereby relieving urethral pressure and improving urinary flow.

Finasteride is a versatile medication with additional uses. Its effect on dihydrotestosterone makes it effective in treating excessive or unwanted dark/thick hair growth on the face or body in women, a condition called hirsutism. It is also sometimes used as part of hormone therapy for transgender women to help reduce male-pattern hair loss or body hair growth.

Propecia Side Effects

Like all medications, finasteride can cause some side effects. Some common side effects include decreased amount of ejaculate (i.e., semen), decreased interest in sex, and erectile dysfunction. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Blood in semen;
• Breast lump or tenderness;
• Continued ejaculation problems after stopping the medication;
• Depression, with or without suicidal thoughts and ideation;
• Pain in the testicles;
• Reduced libido after stopping this medication

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Propecia Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to finasteride or any other ingredients in Propecia. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Breast cancer;
• Depression;
• Liver disease;
• Prostate cancer

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should never handle broken or crushed Propecia tablets. The active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin and may cause abnormalities in the sex organs of a male baby. If you are planning to conceive with a partner, you may need to use some form of barrier contraceptives, like condoms, or stop using this medication. Children should not use this medication. It should be used with caution in older adults, as they may be more sensitive to its side effects.

Finasteride is processed primarily by an enzyme in your liver called CYP3A4. If you are taking other medications that strongly inhibit this enzyme, such as antifungals and certain antibiotics, this may lead to higher levels of finasteride in your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, that you are taking before starting Propecia to prevent potential drug interactions.

Take Propecia tablets at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your system. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you based on your condition. You may swallow the pills with or without food, as a meal does not affect the medication's absorption. Consistency remains the most critical factor, so doctors often suggest incorporating it into your morning or evening routine. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Propecia?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Propecia.