Hair Loss and Propecia

INTRODUCTION:

Finasteride is a drug widely used all over the world to treat hair loss. This drug is available in the market under several names, such as Finara, Finpecia, Finax, etc

BACKGROUND:

Approved initially in 1992 as Proscar, a treatment for prostate enlargement, finasteride was approved on December 22 by FDA as treatment for male pattern hair loss after running through trials between 1997 and 2002.

MODE OF ACTION:

Finasteride is basically and antiandrogen. This works by slowing down the enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

INDICATIONS:

• benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [low doses]
• prostate cancer [higher doses]
• androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

DOSE:

• 5mg per day for BPH
• 1mg per day for alopecia

SIDE EFFECTS:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Gynaecomastia
• Depression

BRAND NAMES:

The trade names for this drug also include Proscar (used for the treatment of BPH) and Propecia (used for the treatment of male pattern baldness). They are produced by Merck and Co., and contain different doses of Finasteride in each of them.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Finasteride tablets which are broken or crushed should not be used or handled by pregnant or to be pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects in male babies.

EFFECTIVENESS:

A 5 year research was carried out. The subjects of this research were men having hair loss which was either moderate in condition or mild. When treatment using Propecia (which contains 1mg of finasteride) commenced, results showed that in some cases there was re-growth of hair, while in others there was no further hair loss. The latter belonged to the 42% category, while the former to the 48% category.

But it should be kept in mind that Propecia works as long as it is continued to be taken by the user. If the doses are stopped, the hair loss prevention, or gain in hair ceases after six to twelve months.

Propecia works on the hairline as well as the crown.