Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia (Finasteride) Medication Information:

What is Propecia?

Propecia belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It is an analog of the androgens steroid hormones like testosterone and DHT. Propecia is a prescription medicine and it contains the active ingredient finasteride. It is used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and hair loss in males. Propecia should not be recommended for women and children.

Uses and benefits of Propecia:

• Enlarged prostate: Doctors prescribe Propecia for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as an enlarged prostate. The drug helps improve the symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in urination, waking up at night for urination, and decreased flow of urination.
• Scalp hair loss: Propecia is also used to treat male pattern hair loss called androgenic alopecia. The medication slows the progression of hair loss and improves hair loss significantly after three-six months of treatment. Propecia works by inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase that converts testosterone into androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In this way, it reduces the DHT levels that shrink the hair follicle and cause baldness. Eventually, the medication stops the progression of hair loss in men.

Side Effects of Propecia:

Patients taking Propecia may experience common side effects, including:

• Decreased sex drive.
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection.
• Ejaculation disorder.
• Testicular pain.
• Male infertility and/or poor quality of semen.
• Breast tenderness and enlargement.

Call your doctor immediately, if you observe serious side effects such as:

• Severe allergic reaction.
• Swelling of lips, tongue, throat, or face.
• Depression
• Lumps or pain in your breasts.
• Nipple discharge.
• Propecia can also increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer, and male breast cancer.

How to use Propecia?

Propecia comes in the form of tablets and is taken orally with or without meals. Doctors generally recommend one tablet (1mg) daily for three months or more. It is always advised to take Propecia regularly at the same time to get the most benefit.

If you forget to take the tablet, do not take an extra tablet. Just take the next tablet as usual. Do not take a high dosage or for a longer time than recommended as it may cause harmful effects. Store Propecia at 59°F to 86°F temperature in a closed and dry container.

Drug Interactions:

Before starting the treatment tell your doctor of any medications you take including non-prescription medication or any supplements. Because taking Propecia with other medications can cause serious side effects or may reduce the efficacy of the drug. Some drugs that can reduce the level of Propecia in the blood include carbamazepine and rifampin. Similarly taking Propecia with Itraconazole and erythromycin can increase blood levels of the drug.

Safety Information:

• Propecia is not safe for women and children.
• Do not take the medication if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, including prostate cancer, liver diseases, and urinary problems.
• Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets of Propecia as the drug can cause birth defects in a fetus. In case you come in contact with the drug, wash the affected area with soap and water and consult with your doctor.
• If you get a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test to screen for prostate cancer, tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA. The drug can reduce your PSA level and affect your test result.

References:

• https://www.medicinenet.com/side_effects_of_finasteride-oral_hair_growth/side-effects.htm
• https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/propecia/propecia_ppi.pdf
• https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-loss-treatments-men#1-3