Propecia (Finasteride) was initially a drug called Proscar, which was used to treat and decrease men’s prostate conditions for example benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Its parent company, Merck & Co., soon apprehended that the drug had a unique side effect - it grew hair on bald men's heads. On December 22, 1997, Propecia was approved by the FDA to treat male pattern hair loss. When Propecia strike pharmacy shelves this year, it brought to the balding population a huge promise--and plenty of questions.

 

There are many reasons, which bring about high hair loss in majority of people. Illness for a long period can also become one of the causes of hair loss. Excessive stress levels are another reason of hair loss. There are many people inherit this problem from their ancestors. Here genetic factors are responsible for baldness.

 

Propecia treats underlying cause of male pattern hair loss by blocking the production of DHT. DHT is a major cause of hair loss. The enzyme Type II 5-alpha-reductase produces DHT. Propecia blocks the action of Type II 5-alpha-reductase, thus reduces DHT concentrations in treated men. Male pattern hair loss is occurred by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and finasteride inhibits a key factor responsible for this miniaturization. This results in a turnaround of the process of scalp hair loss in many men.

 

The main component in Propecia is finasteride. Its job is to block an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, type 2. This enzyme intervenes in the regulation of hair follicle. If you are allergic to the ingredients of Propecia, then you should consult a doctor before taking Propecia. You should also brief your doctor about your current and past medical conditions.

If you happen to miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. On the other hand, if it is more or less time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dosing schedule.

Propecia is for use by men only. It is not for use in women or children. Women must not use Propecia when they are or may potentially be pregnant because it may cause abnormalities of the male baby's sex organs, a condition known as hypospadias. In addition, women should not handle crushed or broken tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant. Propecia tablets have a coating that will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets have not been broken or crushed.

 

Finasteride is detected to cause congenital disorder in male fetuses, so it is utterly vital that the tablets are not consumed or handled by women who may become pregnant or by children. Broken tablets pose a greater danger than whole tablets, because of the greater vulnerability of the active components to the skin in broken tablets. Propecia (Finasteride) is also known to affect blood supplies, so blood donors should hang around for no less than one month after discontinuing Finasteride before donating blood in order to reduce the risk of a pregnant woman receiving blood with hints of Finasteride in it.