Description
Propecia contains finasteride 1mg. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor: it reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for the shrinking of hair follicles in male pattern hair loss. The tablets are licensed for that condition in men and are taken once a day, with or without food. Progress is slow, and several months of unbroken use are usually needed before any effect can be judged; benefit is held only while the tablets continue.
Recognised side effects include reduced sexual desire, difficulty getting an erection and problems with ejaculation, which have been reported to persist in a small number of men after stopping. Mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts, have also been reported. Finasteride lowers PSA blood test results, so mention it if a prostate test is arranged.
Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets.
- Finasteride 1mg; a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for male pattern hair loss
- One tablet daily, with or without food
- Several months of continuous use before the effect can be judged
- Sexual side effects and mood changes are recognised risks
- Lowers PSA readings; mention it before a prostate test
- Broken tablets must not be handled by women who may be pregnant
