Propecia is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness. It works by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
Key Features:
How to Use:Take one tablet daily for 4-6 weeks, once daily for up to 6 weeks.
Potential Side Effects:DHT is known to cause side effects like mood changes, hair loss, and erectile problems. It's important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
How to Store:Store Propecia in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom or near the sunlight.
Storage Advice:Keep Propecia under lock andady store it away from children and pets.
Warning:Not recommended for use by women and children.
Get emergency medical help if you havesigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of an allergic reaction:tenderness, swelling, or rashes on your skin; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common Side Effects:hives; depression; itching or rashes; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious Side Effects:fainting; thoughts of suicide; problems with vision; breast enlargement; heart attack; low blood pressure; seizures; hallucinations; back pain or muscle aches; allergic reactions (like pain in the chest with tight chest, swelling, and pain in the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating, and chest pain); seizures; problems with bone density; low white blood cell count; depression; chest pain; seizures; irregular heartbeat; seizures; liver or kidney problems; irregular bleeding or bruising; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; pain or tenderness in the upper stomach; trouble breathing; feeling tired or lightheaded; yellowing of the skin or eyes; nausea; itching; dizziness; weakness; seizures; seizures; skin rashes; nausea; vomiting; chest pain; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; skin rash; back pain; muscle aches; muscle pain; urination problems; seizures; sexual side effects (like difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, or weak or tired); sexual side effects (like loss of libido); severe allergic reactions (like swelling, hives, or difficulty with breathing); skin rash; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; fever or flu-like symptoms; persistent or recurring vaginal discharge; pain or swelling in your face or throat.
This leaflet answers some common questions about Propecia. It does not contain all of the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Propecia against the benefits they expect it will have for you.
Propecia is used to treat the following conditions in adults:
Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride. This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you can take Propecia you must speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist.
Take the medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
Propecia is to be taken with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine.
You may experience a few mild side effects.
If these do not go away, or if they become serious, talk to your doctor.
Propecia is a medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. It is used to:
1. Treat male pattern hair loss:
Propecia increases the amount of male hormone testosterone in your body. This hormone helps to reduce the growth of hair in areas of male pattern hair loss.
2.
This medicine treats male pattern hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink over time. This effect is increased when DHT is also present in your body.
3.
The use of Propecia in men is not recommended as it may cause a decrease in male sexual desire.
4. Propecia may increase DHT levels in your body.
Before you take Propecia talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Medicines have risks and side effects. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you have any questions.
Propecia may cause nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness. This is usually mild and usually resolves when you stop taking the medicine.
Propecia does not usually cause an allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Gastrointestinal upset is rare and is usually mild.
Propecia may cause depression. It is not known whether Propecia affects the way other medicines work or affects how well it works. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Propecia may affect your hair loss. It may cause hair to fall out more easily or hair to thin faster.
Last updated on April 26, 2025
Hair loss is a common concern for many individuals and a leading cause of hair loss globally, with the leading cause being male pattern baldness. Understanding the underlying causes and treatments for hair loss is essential to slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
Hair loss can be a distressing event, as it can lead to temporary hair loss. The good news is that there are several effective hair loss treatment drugs that can help manage this condition and provide individuals with the necessary support.
Propecia, also known as Finasteride, is a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss.
When taken orally, Propecia is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased semen volume. It is important to note that Propecia may also cause side effects such as decreased semen volume, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual drive.
For individuals who may not have had previous medical issues, understanding the potential side effects and drug interactions is crucial. Understanding these side effects is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options.
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is a medication commonly used to treat hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth, which can help promote hair growth and slow down hair loss. Minoxidil is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate hair loss, as it can promote hair regrowth and reduce scalp sensitivity.
Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and headaches. It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects or concerns before starting minoxidil treatment.
Finasteride, which is also known as Propecia, is a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, Finasteride can slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.
For individuals with mild to moderate hair loss, Finasteride is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and headaches. It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects or concerns before starting finasteride treatment.
Propecia, or Proscar, is a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, Propecia can help slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.
For individuals with mild to moderate hair loss, Propecia is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased semen volume. It is important to talk to your doctor before starting this medication.
For those who are considering using Propecia, understanding its benefits and potential side effects is crucial for informed decisions regarding hair loss treatment.
The FDA approved Proscar in 2003. Originally developed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the condition that causes urinary problems in men, it was later approved to treat hair loss in men after a successful clinical trial of it. The drug is widely used by millions of men worldwide and has received FDA approval in over 80 countries.
In a clinical trial conducted in 2012, patients who took Proscar experienced a reduction in hair loss, compared to those who did not take the drug. These results indicate that Proscar is not a viable treatment option for individuals with male pattern baldness.
While Proscar has not yet been approved for hair loss treatment, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for you.
»Most common questions about Propecia
Erectile Dysfunction can cause distress for men, so questions about sexual issues may help you make informed decisions about your health.
There are two ways men can help with erectile dysfunction: either by understanding its causes and symptoms and seeking treatment options.
Propecia is an oral medication that works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This reduces the amount of circulating testosterone in the body. By lowering testosterone levels, Propecia helps men to get or maintain an erection.
It’s important to note that Propecia is not approved for use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating erectile dysfunction. It’s also not approved for use in men who have a history of prostate cancer or liver problems.
Erectile dysfunction treatment options can include lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and psychological support.
Propecia works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This reduces the amount of testosterone in the body.
Propecia is approved for use in men with erectile dysfunction. It’s important to understand that it doesn’t work for everyone. Eating a well-balanced, low-fat, low-sugar diet can help manage erectile dysfunction.
While it can help improve erectile function, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid or try to avoid certain foods and beverages. If you choose to eat a low-fat, low-sugar diet, talk to your healthcare provider about dietary changes and lifestyle changes.
If you have concerns about erectile dysfunction, you may have other questions you should be aware of.
If you have questions about how to treat erectile dysfunction, you may have a. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your erectile dysfunction, such as:
In addition to talking to your healthcare provider about diet and lifestyle changes, you may have other questions you should be aware of.
Propecia may help men with erectile dysfunction by:
It’s important to note that Propecia is not approved for use in men who have a history of prostate cancer or liver problems. It’s also not approved for use in men who have a diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged and causes urinary problems, such as frequent and urgent urination. Propecia works by blocking the effects of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into a potent male sex hormone.
Men with a prostate cancer may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Men with a history of prostate problems, such as the enlargement in their prostate gland or male pattern baldness, may have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Men with a history of BPH or prostate cancer may have an increased risk of developing urinary retention, a common condition in men with prostate cancer. Propecia can reduce prostate cancer risk by half, and it may help reduce the symptoms of BPH by 50 percent.
If you have questions about how to treat erectile dysfunction, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you’re ready to ask the questions about erectile dysfunction, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can provide you with the right treatment options for erectile dysfunction and questions about lifestyle and diet.
If you don’t understand how to treat erectile dysfunction, or don’t want to discuss your options, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you’re ready to answer the questions about how to treat erectile dysfunction, talk to your healthcare provider.