Baldness has afflicted mankind over centuries. By a quirk of fate, as late as 1992, Proscar containing 5 mg finasteride that was being used to treat men’s prostate conditions was found to have a positive side effect! It grew back hair on the heads of bald men. This gave way, in 1997, to the revolutionary Propecia containing 1 mg finasteride, which began to be used for hair loss reversal in men. It’s now available online, against a doctor’s prescription.

Baldness occurs when dihydrotestosterone reduces the ability of certain hair follicles to produce healthy hair, and ultimately destroys them, which leads to baldness. Originally, Proscar, containing finasteride, a synthetic anti-androgen, which was being used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, was found in the early 1990s’ to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT! After centuries, a cure was found at last to cure baldness in men and Propecia generic: finasteride was formally approved in 1997 to treat androgenetic alopecia, or hair loss, in men. Unfortunately, it is ineffective in preventing hair loss in women, so women cannot use this medication, nor can it be given to children.

A study has shown that a large percentage of men treated with Propecia experienced some re- growth of hair, while a fairly large percentage did not have any further hair loss. While Propecia was found to be more effective in growing hair back at the top and middle front of the head, it was found that some hair also grew along the hairline. However, the drug is effective only as long as one takes it, so to maintain a healthy growth, one has to continue taking Propecia for as long as possible, or till such time the doctor suggests. All the hair that has been lost won’t grow back. The best part – it definitely restricts further hair loss and boosts hair growth.

Like other medicines, Propecia has some side effects. Men’s bodies also produce estrogen the female hormone that can act against the male metabolism when DHT is reduced by absorbing finasteride. This can lead to gynecomastia - breast gland enlargement/pain/nipple discharge, erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, or trouble in urinating, and maybe depression, in those taking this drug. Finasteride, even in small concentrations, is capable of causing defects in the genitalia of a developing male baby, so pregnant women are advised not to handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets, as the finasteride in it can be absorbed through the skin and harm the developing male fetus.

For those taking Propecia, you must inform the doctor if you are allergic to finasteride or any other drug, also any other medication you may be taking, and especially if you have any liver problems. If you have to go for any medical tests or surgery, consult your treating doctor. Potential blood donors are advised to wait for at least one month after their last dose of finasteride before going in for a blood donation. Don’t take any OTC medication without your doctor’s clearance.

Propecia is available only against a prescription. It comes in tablet form containing 1 mg finasteride and is meant to be taken orally once-a-day. The dose must not be doubled to make up for one that has been missed. The medicine should be stored away from heat and direct light. Patients may be required to take Propecia daily for 3 months before they can see the advantage for themselves - hair growth on a bald pate, but well worth the wait.