Finasteride & Propecia
Generic name
Finasteride.
Product names
The two brand names of Finasteride in the USA are Propecia to treat
androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) and Proscar to treat
enlarged prostate glands.Outside the USA, there are numerous
companies that produce generic Finasteride products. These
include:
- Ajanta Pharma (product name Appecia)
- Aleppo Pharmaceutical (product name Prosteride)
- Cipla (product names Fincar and Finpecia)
- Dr. Reddy�s (product names Finax and Finast)
- Intas Pharmaceuticals (product name Finalo)
- Ranbaxy (product name Finara)
Target group
Mainly men over 18 years old.
History
Merck got Finasteride approved in 1992 by the FDA as Proscar. It is
used to treat enlarged prostate glands. While treating men for
enlarged prostate glands, it was observed that a side effect was
increased hair growth as well as diminishing hair thinning.This led
to the development of Propecia, which Merck got FDA approved in
1997 to treat androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) with.
Merck has a US patent on the Propecia until November 2013.The dose
to treat androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) is 1mg per
day. The dose to treat enlarged prostate glands is 5mg per day.
 Prescription
Propecia is available by prescription and is taken once a day in
pill form. The dose is 1mg of Finasteride per day.
Form
Pill.
How it works
Finasteride is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern
baldness). Finasteride has anti-androgen properties that halt the
conversion of testosterone to DHT in the scalp region. It works by
stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT. DHT is a hormone
that shrinks hair follicles and contributes to male hair loss.
How to use Finasteride
FDA has approved Propecia for hair loss, making it the first such
treatment for men in pill form. The active ingredient in Propecia
is Finasteride. Finasteride was approved initially in 1992 as
Proscar, a treatment for prostate enlargement. There is 1 mg of
Finasteride in Propecia and 5 mg in Proscar. It was observed that
some patients being treated for prostate enlargement had some
regrowth of hair in areas of male pattern hair loss.The sponsor
studied 1 mg of Finasteride and demonstrated hair growth in male
pattern hair loss. The number of hairs increased in the anterior
mid scalp and vertex. Patient self-assessment of hair growth was
also superior to placebo. Side effects were infrequent and were
related to sexual function.
Precautions
Finasteride is not to be used by women. It is the FDA�s pregnancy
category X, which means that it is known to cause birth defects.If
you are a professional athlete, please note that Finasteride can be
used to mask doping. As a consequence it is today on the World�s
Anti-doping Agency�s list of banned substances.
Results
Studies of Finasteride (Propecia 1mg per day dose) have some that
almost 50% of users experience some hair growth while an additional
40% had no additional hair loss.It can take several months to see
any positive results.If the Finasteride treatment is stopped, the
gained hair usually falls out within the following 6 to 12
months.
Side effects
Side effects of Finasteride is quite rare with less than 1% of
users experience side effects include diminished sex drive, sexual
function and breast gland enlargements.The benefits of Finasteride
stop if you stop using it, however, the side effects may persist
even after stopping using Finasteride.
Before you use any medication or drug, we highly recommend you
see your doctor. Also, if you are experience any side effects or
symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately. Also, you should
see your doctor on a regular basis to ensure the medication is
working properly.
How Finasteride works scientifically
Finasteride has anti-androgen properties that halt the conversion
of testosterone to DHT in the scalp region. It works by stopping
the conversion of testosterone into DHT. DHT is a hormone that
shrinks hair follicles and contributes to male hair loss.
Top
of page Finesteride Propecia
Return to Hair
Loss Treatment or Homepage.
|
