Lawyers and Settlements

Propecia Finasteride Side Effects Fail to Get a Rise out of Patients
Lawyers and Settlements
Newark, NJ: A drug that was originally formulated to treat enlarged prostate in men but has more recently found traction as a treatment for male pattern baldness has come under fire for various side effects some claim will not subside when the drug is …

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Male hair loss treatment has evolved a great deal from traditional times. Earlier, men had only a few options to conceal their baldness; wigs, hats or maybe some ingenious ‘comb over’ techniques were all that you could possibly rely on to hide your condition. But with advancement in medical sciences, you can now prevent and even trigger hair regrowth. If you are suffering from male pattern baldness, the most common type of male hair loss, you can try Propecia finasteride to make sure you retain your locks. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved finasteride as a safe drug to treat the hormonal factors that often lead to male pattern hair loss. But there are still concerns over its side effects. It is important for you to find out how this medicine works before you can understand its potentially harmful secondary effects.

How does finasteride work?

Concerns over finasteride side effects generate from its working mechanism. This drug prevents hair loss by correcting the imbalance of a secondary male sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone is a derivative of one of the primary male sex hormones known as testosterone. An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase acting as a catalyst, decrease in the total amount of testosterone can trigger this type of hair loss. 5-alpha-reductase usually converts free testosterone to DHT, causing increase of androgenic hormones in the scalp. Finasteride can counter this increase by inhibiting the formation of DHT in your scalp.

What causes the side effects?

It is because of the inhibitory action of Propecia finasteride that you may experience some of its side effects. The commonly reported finasteride side effects include itching, rash, allergies, hives and swelling of the face and lips. In rare cases, men taking Propecia for the treatment of male pattern baldness have experienced sexual side effects such as pain in the testes, ejaculatory problems, and erectile difficulties. Some men have also reported breast problems such as nipple discharge, tenderness or enlargement; low semen volume and decreased libido. But don’t get panicky, for there is good news for you.

Finasteride side effects may be harmful, but they usually go away after you stop taking the drug

Results from clinical trials have shown that sexual side effects caused by finasteride can affect only 2 out of 100 men. And those who experienced such side effects got immediate relief after they stopped taking Propecia. Also, only 3 out of 1000 men experienced low sexual desire or erection problems after they continued using finasteride for 5 years. In case you don’t know, this medicine can work best if used for 2-5 years. So the benefits clearly outweigh the risk factors when you use the medicine for long-term baldness treatment.

You would like to know:

It is estimated that about 50% men go bald by the time they reach 50 years of age. And the process of balding starts at an early age for many of them, as early as when they are in their teens or 20s. Most of them suffer from hormonal imbalances that cause male pattern hair loss, the most common type of male baldness. As for treatments, drugs which usually help are those that can work on hair follicles and a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride is one of the most effective medicines belonging to this class of drugs. Sold under the brand name Propecia, finasteride can help you not just prevent male pattern hair loss, but also to regrow new hair within a year. Want to how? Read the FAQ section below.

How does Propecia finasteride help stop male pattern hair loss?

Propecia can stop you from balding in just a year, given that you take it on medical advice. Its active ingredient finasteride is basically a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drug that can reduce DHT levels to stop hair loss.

How does it help regrow new hair?

Finasteride can stimulate new hair growth by preventing hair follicles from getting exposed to DHT. It makes sure the follicles remain alive and capable of producing new hair.

What is the success rate of this medicine?

According to clinical trials, 33% men taking Propecia continuously for 2 years did not experience any further hair loss while 66% men were able to regrow new hair.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

Propecia side effects may include allergic reactions to the ingredients of the medicine, sexual problems, testicular pain and breast tenderness. If you experience any sexual problems such as premature ejaculation, low semen volume or erectile difficulties after taking Propecia pills, stop taking the medicine and report to your doctor immediately. Having said that, only 2 out 100 men taking this medicine is likely to experience any such adverse side effects.

When can I know I need medication?

It is often seen that people with male pattern baldness have or had someone bald in their immediate families. So a good way to spot the risk factor early is by doing a little family background research. It will also help you start treatment early, so as to reduce the amount of hair fall.

From where can I buy Propecia?

You can buy Propecia online from the comfort of your home. Just visit a registered online clinic and fill up a consultation form online. A doctor will review your form and depending on your present and past health conditions and the degree of hair loss you are experiencing, may prescribe Propecia finasteride for you. Then you can place an order for a short-term course of Propecia, just to see if it works for you.

What if Propecia doesn’t work for me?

You should know by a year if Propecia is working for you. If the rate of your hair loss does not decrease by this period, it is very unlikely that you will get any further benefit by continuing to use finasteride tablets. Results you will get in the first 3 months should tell you what to expect in the coming months. Just in case you don’t get the results after a year, talk to your doctor for alternative hair loss treatments.

Finasteride is a synthetic antiandrogen, a drug that is considered to be very effective in the treatment of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH). The drug is used alone or in combination with the other drug doxazosin (Cardura) to treat prostate gland enlargement. The drug improves symptoms of BPH such as frequent and difficult urination and may reduce the chance of acute urinary retention. Finasteride is also considered to be very effective against male pattern baldness. Regular intake of the drug as per the prescribed dosage may prevent hair loss and may help in re-growth of hair.

Side Effects:

No drug is free from side effects and so is Finasteride, the drug is known to be carrying a number of side effects. The drug is said to be causing impotency among men, abnormal & decreased volume of ejaculation, reduction in the sexual ability, breast enlargement in male, erectile dysfunction and testicular pain. The drug is not indicated for use by women as it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Worse still, the drug is known to cause birth defects in a developing baby as well.

Functioning of the Drug:

Finasteride is a synthetic antiandrogen; the drug is a potential inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. The drug is known for its properties of blocking this enzyme. It blocks the conversion of testosterone into the more powerful androgen DHT. This reduces androgenic activity in the scalp, treating hair loss at its hormonal source. In the prostate, inhibition of 5-alpha reductase leads to a reduction of prostate volume, which improves the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

Preparations:

The drug Finasteride is marketed by Merck under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. The drug is also marketed by Merck under several generic names to suit individual market requirements. Proscar is a brand marketed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Propecia for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Proscar is available in 5mg preparations (tablets) and Propecia is available in 1 mg preparations (tablets). It is available in blister packing of 10 tablets.

Finasteride, though known to be very effective against prostate enlargement and male pattern baldness, carries a number of side effects. Hence, the drug should be taken very carefully as per the advice of registered medical practitioner only. If taken as per the prescribed dosage and recommended duration, the drug can be highly effective. The drug is also easily available online across various registered pharmacies at attractive discount and offers.

Propecia Finasteride, an FDA-validated pill is the only once-a-day capsule verified by the FDA for the curing of certain kinds of men pattern hair loss (MPHL) in males. Propecia minimizes DHT, the first ground of hair loss condition development. Official studies of Propecia Finasteride delivered good treatment results.

Finasteride is a formulation for treating men prostate diseases and for those targets is utilized in higher contents – for example, in Proscar Finasteride formula.

Proscar and Propecia Finasteride contain the same functionating element which helps to cut Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and known as Finasteride. The only discrepancy between these two pills is the concentration measured in milligrams (mg). Propecia carries 1 milligram of Finasteride while Proscar includes 5 milligrams of Finasteride.

Propecia Finasteride has been originated to handle mild to moderate men pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) plus anterior mid-scalp zone (middle front of head) only in males. There is not enough validation that Propecia acts for receding hairlines at the temples.

Propecia is a distribution leading product for men baldness in lots of locations globally – in the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand and many others.

Essential Facts About Propecia Finasteride

Women who are or may soon get pregnant can not ingest Propecia and must avoid to handle crushed or destructed Propecia Finasteride pills because its key part is able to cause disorders of a men baby’s sex functions. When a female who is pregnant touchs with the functioning part in the formula, a therapist should be visited.

Finasteride Propecia items are coated and will make impossible touching the main compound during regular handling, provided that the tablets are not crushed or destructed. Apply one pill by mouth on the daily basis, with or without meals. Propecia Finasteride will not perform more rapidly or more efficiently when you utilise it more frequently than once per 24 hours. When you forget to consume Propecia Finasteride, do not take an extra tablet. Just only swallow the next portion as regular.

In general, daily consumption for ninety days or longer is necessary before raised hair growth and/or prevention of further loss of hair is observed. Prolonged taking is advised to reach maximum benefit.

In official trials, single dosages of Finasteride up to 400 mg and multiple dosages of finasteride up to 80 mg per day in period of twelve weeks did not provoke side effects.

Medical Facts About the Product:

A 5-year medical research studies indicated the efficacy of Propecia:

- 90 % of trialists who consumed this aid noted notable effects — either growth of hair (48% [134 of 279 males]) or stopping hair loss (42% [117 of 279 males]) — versus 25% [4 of 16 males] who used a placebo (sugar supplement), due to the verification of photographs by a professional panel of doctors.
- Two of three consumers who applied Propecia Finasteride regrew their hair, as evaluated by hair count. All of the trialists in the trial who were not taking Propecia Finasteride have lost their hair.
- A majority of patients who took Propecia Finasteride were considered as bettered by doctors — 77% (210 of 271 participants) versus 15 percents (2 of 13 of patients) who were supplemented with a placebo product.
- A majority of persons who applied Propecia stated that their bald spot became smaller, their hair loss slowed down, and the outlook of their hair has been rejuvenated.

AstraZeneca Laboratories AB, the London-headquartered pharma giant, is set to ink a deal with Aurobindo Pharma for supply of generic finasteride, which is used in the treatment of prostate issues and male pattern baldness.

Officials of Aurobindo refused to comment on the issue, but two sources familiar with the development said the deal is more or less sealed.

AstraZeneca has already completed a product audit for finesteride at one of the manufacturing facilities of Aurobindo.

AstraZeneca officials could not be reached for comment.

The UK firm may look at supply of other products too over a period of time, said one person. “Typically, a stake sale would involve the buyer conducting a facility audit. In this case, it was just a product audit so it’s more about a supply contract,” he said.

Once a formal agreement is inked, Aurobindo is also expected to receive an upfront fee may be up to $100 million for assured product supply. “Like in Pfizer Inc’s case, the new deal also would mean adhering to the schedules. Supplying the product as per AstraZeneca’s specifications and the schedules provided by the company are very important. Aurobindo has established that by having a successful relationship with Pfizer,” the source said.

Generic Propecia was developed to treat mild to moderate male pattern hair loss. As a hair loss treatment, Finasteride was approved by US Food and Drug Administration in 1997.

The primary contributing factor in male pattern baldness is DHT – 5-Dihydrotestosterone. Researchers have brought open the role of DHT in male and female pattern baldness and the preventive measures were targeted to prevent this hormone from acting on receptors present in human scalp.

Finasteride or Generic Propecia works by inhibiting the formation of DHT in the system. Within days of administration, the overall DHT levels are reduced and the adverse effects of DHT on the follicles stop.

1 mg of Finasteride (Generic Propecia) acts as a DHT inhibitor since results show that it blocks approximately 55% of DHT action. As a result, the hair loss process is reversed. Sustained treatment of 1 mg daily is required, in order to maintain reduced DHT levels and hence keep ones hair; discontinuation of hair loss treatment will result in loss of all hair gained or kept via treatment within 6-12 months.

According to the available statistics as a result of research carried out, approximately 85% of Generic Propecia users report new hair growth on bald patches, and 36% report that their hair has become thicker. As such, the signs are not only encouraging, but highly conclusive.

Though theorists say that there is no guaranteed hair loss treatment to prevent or stop hair loss, Generic Propecia has shown encouraging results in last few years. Do not expect quick results be patient and let Generic Propecia do its work, you have got 83% chances to protect the hairs you have today.

Finasteride is not applied on hairs rather taken orally with water. It is the only approved drug by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for MPHL. Generic Propecia works on men of all ages. Medical reports suggest that this drug has long term effects and is very safe. Many men have got relief from hair loss after using this drug. Finasteride is not recommended for use in women. Even pregnant women are strictly prohibited from even touching it as it interferes with fetus and may harm it severely.

Hormonal changes in the body lead to hair loss in men. Androgen, a male sex hormone, is equally responsible for hair growth and hair loss. It causes hair loss when androgen get involves with an enzyme 5 alpha reductase which further combines with testosterone and converts it into DHT i.e.
Dihydrotestosterone. This DHT is the main cause of hair loss. In short can be said that when testosterone converts into DHT the problem of hair loss takes place.

Finasteride drug does not let this conversion happen. It eliminates the root cause of it that is an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. The drug inhibits the production of this enzyme and relieves a man from hair loss. Finasteride is also helpful in regrowing hair. Taking Generic Propecia in the right time and in the right dosage is must for preventing hair loss. Doctor’s recommendation is very important before taking the drug. Do remember it always.

This hair loss treatment drug should be taken only once in a day. If not satiated with the results seek help of your doctor and ask him or her to make amendments in the drug. Self changes are not allowed. It can be taken anytime in the day with and without food both. But timing of taking the drug should be same every day. It helps a lot. The course dictated by doctor is must to be completely with full sincerity. Thus take Finasteride regularly. Being a human if ever forgets to take the drug take it as soon as you recall. But skip the missed dose if by the time you remember it is time for your next dose. Most importantly, do not take overdose of Generic Propecia. Overdose causes severe side effects.

Hair loss problem is no more a problem for men. Fantastic solution in the form of Generic Propecia or Finasteride has made it happen for men. Make up your mind for few things while taking the drug like if allergic to the drug avoid it completely, do regular blood tests while taking the drug and if suffering from any health maladies first take doctor suggestion before taking Finasteride. Taking Finasteride with these safety measures will surely show successful results.

Finasteride is not applied on hairs rather taken orally with water. It is the only approved drug by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for MPHL. Generic Propecia works on men of all ages. Medical reports suggest that this drug has long term effects and is very safe. Many men have got relief from hair loss after using this drug. Finasteride is not recommended for use in women. Even pregnant women are strictly prohibited from even touching it as it interferes with fetus and may harm it severely.

Hormonal changes in the body lead to hair loss in men. Androgen, a male sex hormone, is equally responsible for hair growth and hair loss. It causes hair loss when androgen get involves with an enzyme 5 alpha reductase which further combines with testosterone and converts it into DHT i.e.
Dihydrotestosterone. This DHT is the main cause of hair loss. In short can be said that when testosterone converts into DHT the problem of hair loss takes place.

Finasteride drug does not let this conversion happen. It eliminates the root cause of it that is an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. The drug inhibits the production of this enzyme and relieves a man from hair loss. Finasteride is also helpful in regrowing hair. Taking Generic Propecia in the right time and in the right dosage is must for preventing hair loss. Doctor’s recommendation is very important before taking the drug. Do remember it always.

This hair loss treatment drug should be taken only once in a day. If not satiated with the results seek help of your doctor and ask him or her to make amendments in the drug. Self changes are not allowed. It can be taken anytime in the day with and without food both. But timing of taking the drug should be same every day. It helps a lot. The course dictated by doctor is must to be completely with full sincerity. Thus take Finasteride regularly. Being a human if ever forgets to take the drug take it as soon as you recall. But skip the missed dose if by the time you remember it is time for your next dose. Most importantly, do not take overdose of Generic Propecia. Overdose causes severe side effects.

Hair loss problem is no more a problem for men. Fantastic solution in the form of Generic Propecia or Finasteride has made it happen for men. Make up your mind for few things while taking the drug like if allergic to the drug avoid it completely, do regular blood tests while taking the drug and if suffering from any health maladies first take doctor suggestion before taking Finasteride. Taking Finasteride with these safety measures will surely show successful results.

Developed by Merck pharmaceuticals, Propecia is licensed for use in men only. Women and children should never take this medicine. Male pattern baldness is one of the most common causes of hair loss. In this condition, men lose hair in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair loss also occurs in the crown area and in some men, the hairline also recedes. If not treated in time, male pattern hair loss can result in partial or complete baldness.

How does Propecia work?

Finasteride – the active ingredient in Propecia belongs to the class of medicine known as type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. The reason why Propecia works so effectively is that it has been able to strike at the root cause of male pattern baldness. It prevents the conversion of testosterone into its active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting the action of the enzyme type II 5-alpha reductase that facilitates this conversion. Although DHT is an important sex hormone, in some men the level of DHT becomes quite high. When in excess, DHT shrinks the hair follicles in the scalp, which leads to hair fall. Propecia helps to keep the DHT levels in check and thereby prevents further hair loss. When taken regularly, Propecia also stimulates the growth of new hair.

Propecia finasteride is available in the dosage strength of 1mg. You need to take the medicine daily, preferably at the same time of the day. The effects of Propecia should be noticeable within three to six months. To maintain the benefits of Propecia, you would need to continue taking the medicine. If you discontinue taking Propecia any hair gained during the treatment will be lost in 12 months time.

Side effects of Propecia

Like most other prescription medications, Propecia is also associated with side effects. However, side effects of Propecia are few and not all men are affected with these. A very few men report sexual side effects such as loss of sexual desire, problem having erections or decreased semen volume. These side effects subside when the treatment is stopped. Other Propecia side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face, breast tenderness and enlargement and testicular pain. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge or if any other side effects of Propecia become bothersome.

How do I get Propecia finasteride?
As Propecia finasteride is a prescription medication, you should always consult your doctor before taking this medicine. These days, you can also get Propecia through online clinics. This method will save you both time and money. Once you place your order for Propecia, you’ll be requested to fill-in online medical consultations form asking details about your health conditions. Your medical details will be reviewed by a specialist doctor. If the online doctor finds Propecia suitable for you, you’ll receive prescription via email. Following this, your Propecia pills will reach your doorstep in a safe and discreet packaging. Reputed online clinics do not charge for the consultation

Now what exactly happens is that the male hormone testosterone is converted into dehydrotestoterone (DTH) when the male suffers from the hormone disorder known as the androgenic alopecia. This disorder is termed as being hereditary. What happens is that the DTH that is formed weakens the hair roots and thins out the hair follicles thus causing them to fall. Hair loss follows a pattern and is known as the ?male hair loss pattern?. The whole process spread over a seven stages marks loss of hair either from the anterior known as the receding hair line or from the vertex. It is a sure and gradual process but all is not lost, there are many solutions to the problem, the most of these effective being Finasteride.

Finasteride is an antiandrogen available in form of hair loss pills which helps in curbing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestoterone. These hair loss pills have many other used besides being commonly used to treat hair loss issues in men. It is extremely helpful in treating prostate cancer; it also helps to cure a condition where one experiences an enlarged prostate. Finasteride is also the same drug that is used as the generic Propecia.

Finasteride was duly tested and passed by the U.S. Food and drug Administration in 1992 for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and then again in 1997 for treatment of male pattern baldness. It was passed under the brand names of Proscar and Propecia hair loss pills (thus also being referred to as Generic Proscar and Generic Propecia).

There are certain traits of Finasteride or generic Propecia hair loss pills though, that raises serious doubts about the usage of the drug. In many cases it has been found that show that Finasteride is known to have caused sexual problems in men like erectile dysfunction in men, loss in the sexual appetite of men so on and so forth. There are cases too where after men who have had such problems get back to their usual sexual activity after discontinuing the use of generic Propecia.

Such side effects are but bound to occur as DTH is the one that stops or say curbs the female hormone estrogen in males. When Finasteride decreases the production of DTH it also by and by causes increase in the production of the female hormone which causes a change in the sexual activity and decrease in the male libido.

Whatever the side effects of these hair loss pills maybe, but they have been very beneficial for scores of people who were otherwise at loss and badly affected with the hair loss issues.

The main difference between minoxidil and finasteride is the application process. Minoxidil is sold as a liquid solution that must be applied directly to the scalp in the area of hair loss. Finasteride is an oral tablet.

Tips on Using Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Men:

Rogaine, the brand name for minoxidil, was the first FDA approved medication for the treatment of hair loss. Rogaine is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It can now be purchased without a prescription and in generic formulations in concentrations of 5% (for men) and 2% (for women). The exact mechanism by which minoxidil works is not known, but the drug is felt to increase the duration of the hair follicle growth cycle (called anagen), improving the length and thickness of miniaturized follicles. Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is available in brand only (Rogaine Foam).

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to all areas that are thinning.

:: Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald)
:: Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin – so it is important to apply it to the front part of your scalp and hairline if you are thinning in these areas.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se.

:: Minoxidil 5% solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.
:: If the 5% solution is irritating to your scalp, try the 5% Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
:: If the 5% solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.

Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).

:: Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.
:: When using minoxidil once a day, use at least double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.

Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.

For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).

Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride (Propecia). Of the two medications, finasteride is more effective.

Tips for Women Using Minoxidil (Rogaine) – Women:

Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter. The foam is still available in brand only.

Minoxidil is generally prescribed as a 2% solution for women to be used twice a day. If twice a day is inconvenient, then use the 5% men’s formulation just once a day.

Minoxidil can cause increased facial hair. Although the 5% is more likely than the 2% to cause this, when the 5% is used one a day, the side effects seem to be about the same.

Minoxidil only works where you apply it. Apply it to all areas that are thinning.

:: Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald).
:: Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin.

Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se.

:: Minoxidil solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.
:: If the solution is irritating to your scalp, try the Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
:: If the solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.

Tips on Using Finasteride (Propecia):

male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is caused by the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible hair follicles that are present mainly in the front, top, and crown of the scalp (rather than the back and sides).

Finasteride causes a significant drop in both scalp and blood levels of DHT and its effect is felt to be related to both of these factors. Finasteride 1-mg/day decreases serum DHT levels by almost 70%. Finasteride is a prescription oral medication that is now generic (in the 5mg dose). This formulation is just as effective as the brand name Propecia and is about 1/3 the cost.

The general starting dose of finasteride for hair loss is 1mg a day. For this dose, you can either take one 1mg Propecia tablet or ? of a 5mg tablet of generic finasteride each day. Your doctor may increase the dose over time, based on your response to the medication.

If you chose to use the generic medication, a pill-cutter can be purchased from any pharmacy for a few dollars. Please cut only two pills at a time.
Finasteride does not have to be cut into equal parts to be effective. Just cut it into the recommended of pieces and take one piece each day.
Finasteride can be taken any time of the day without regard to food or other medications.

You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working. Do not stop the medication if you see shedding.

It takes up to a full year to see the effects of Finasteride, so be patient.

Common Misconceptions about Finasteride -

Myth: Women can’t touch the medication.
Fact: Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
Myth: It only works in the crown.
Fact: It potentially works any where on the scalp where there is some hair, even in the front of the scalp.
Myth: Once you start it you must take it for ever.
Fact: You can stop the medication any time you want – you just lose its benefits when one stops.
Myth: Finasteride lowers testosterone
Fact: The medication, on average, causes a rise in serum testosterone levels by 9%.
Myth: The sexual side effects are frequent and irreversible.
Fact: The sexual side effects occur in 2% and are reversible when the medication is stopped.
Myth: Finasteride causes birth defects if a man takes it when his wife is pregnant.
Fact: Exposure of pregnant women to semen from men treated with Propecia poses no risk to the fetus.
Myth: Propecia was originally a prostate medication that was found to prevent hair loss.
Fact: Propecia is not a prostate medication that was by chance noted to have a side effect of hair growth, it is a medication that was known since its discovery that it could grow hair.

Of course, in some advanced cases of hair loss and balding, medication is not an effective treatment option. Individuals in these cases are often candidates for receiving a hair transplant or other forms of hair restoration surgery.

Only 10 to 15% of older teens and twentysomethings have the problem. While it is easier to have thinning hair these days when many young guys are shaving their heads completely, not having a choice in the matter is one of a man’s greatest fears.

When you’re older, having thinning hair doesn’t matter because it looks more natural. But when you’re younger it can look out of place. The psychological effect of hair loss, especially for someone in their teens or twenties, is similar to being permanently scarred or losing a body part in a car accident, according to some psychologists. Hair loss is seen as an old man’s condition.

There are a number of reasons why men start to go bald, but if you are between 20 and 45 and you start to lose scalp hair, it’s 95% certain that you are experiencing male pattern baldness.

Most men are genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness. It is the effect of testosterone, a hormone present in high levels in males after puberty, converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme, which has an adverse affect on hair follicles. Some males start to see hair loss at the age of 17 or 18.

There are now medicines available to treat premature hair loss. Propecia (the brand name for finasteride), a prescription medicine pill, prevents hair loss and may even stimulate some regrowth in 85 to 87%.

Rogaine (the brand name for minoxidil), a medicated liquid solution that is applied to the scalp is effective for some people.

A hair transplant is another possible treatment, but perhaps not for someone younger, when it’s too early to tell how extensive the hair loss will be. It might end up looking unnatural if the person starts to lose hair around the hair that was transplanted.

A cheaper solution to hair loss, and maybe the healthiest, is to accept it. So a guy who shaves his head, for example, is happier than someone hiding his hair loss under a hat.