Propecia ? Medicine for Hair Loss

Finasteride, the medical name for Propecia or Proscar, is an inhibitor of the enzyme that converts androgen testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible in the development of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss.

In males with evident hair loss or androgenetic alopecia, there are miniaturized hair follicles in the balding scalp with increased amount of DHT as compared with hairy scalp. Administering propecia finasteride helps decrease the scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men. By this method, finasteride stops the key factor in the development of hair loss in those genetically susceptible men.

Propecia is the drug used to prevent hair loss in men, while Proscar can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. Both are common names of the drug finasteride.

Precautions in Taking Propecia

Propecia is a medicine made specifically for men having genetically-inherited hair loss. Propecia should not be taken by women or children, no matter what. Moreover, pregnant women should not handle broken or crushed Propecia or finasteride tablets because it may be absorbed by the skin.

Finasteride is known to cause birth defects among male babies. Exposure in Propecia tablets or any finasteride variants should be avoided as much as possible.

It is recommended to consult a doctor or physician before taking Propecia. If a person has liver disease or complications, the doctor should be informed about it. The physician may not recommend taking Propecia, or may be taken in minimal doses and under supervision.

The patient should follow the physician?s instructions in taking Propecia. It is best to take this finasteride variant regularly to get the most benefit from it. The physician will also continuously monitor the patient taking Propecia for improvements or possible side effects.

One form of monitoring is conducting blood tests such as PSA or the prostate-specific antigen test. This test helps detect prostate cancer.

Missing a dose is not a serious issue in taking finasteride or propecia. Just take the missed dose as soon as possible. But if it?s already time to take the next dose, it is better not to take the missed one anymore. Keep in mind not to take double dose unless instructed by the doctor.

There is really no serious side effect that has yet been associated with taking finasteride or propecia. A few may experience the following, though:

- Decreased sex drive or libido

- Decreased volume of sperm ejaculated

-Difficulty getting or keeping an erection

In addition, if an allergic reaction is experienced after taking Propecia or finasteride, it is best to seek medical attention immediately. This allergic reaction can be in the form of hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face and tongue, or closing of the throat.

So, before buying Propecia or taking finasteride, consult your doctor first and discuss with him the treatment plan for your hair loss. As soon as you notice a negative effect on you after taking the drug, your doctor or any medical practitioner should be informed immediately for evaluation of your condition.