Propecia is an offshoot of another medication called Proscar, which has been widely used since 1992. This 5mg tablet containing the active ingredient "Finasteride" was used to reduce the adverse effects of DHT on the system. As hair loss is primarily linked to the effects of DHT, it was reasoned that Finasteride would help stop or reverse the process. FDA trials on 1,500 men yielded shocking results. Nearly 83% of men who continued treatment for 2 years either saw a complete stop of hair loss, an increase in hair growth, or both. Results were confirmed by actual hair counts and nearly 80% of men were categorized by visual assessments that their appearance had improved. A 1mg version called Propecia was released in 1998. To date, Propecia has the longest, most successful run of any hair loss treatment to have undergone FDA trials. Propecia, is the first and only approved medication that has been clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and anterior (mid-scalp area) in men.

How does Propecia(Finasteride) Work?

Testosterone floating in the bloodstream of the typical adult male routinely combines with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. The result of this interaction forms the more potent sexual hormone known as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). When a man begins to lose his hair, certain genetically programmed follicles begin to develop DHT receptor sites. The DHT attaches itself to these receptor sites and begins to treat the follicle as a foreign object in the body. This chemical change not only affects hair. It can cause itching, inflammation, and oiliness. During this time, the follicle, under the attack of DHT, begins to miniaturize with every growth cycle, until after several years, it simply is too small and short to be seen. When Propecia is taken, it works to inhibit the formation of DHT in the system. Within a few months, the overall DHT levels will have remained low enough on a constant basis that the adverse effects DHT is having on the follicles will stop, resulting in a cessation of hair loss.

How to use

Generic Propecia (Finasteride) should be taken orally, once a day or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without meals. Generally, you will need to use This medication daily for a period of three months or more before any effects or benefits are noticeable. Continued use is necessary for benefits to be sustained. Once treatment is stopped, it may lead to the reversal of the effects within 12 months.

Take Generic Propecia (Finasteride) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. An overdose of Generic Propecia (Finasteride) is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store Generic Propecia (Finasteride) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C), away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN..