Propecia

Propecia was the first prescription treatment approved for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). First prescribed in 1997, it is still one of the most effective, FDA-approved medications for hair loss.

Male pattern baldness, particularly at a younger age, can have devastating effects on self-esteem. The immediate benefit of taking prescription Propecia is to slow down hair loss and restore partial to full regrowth of hair in the affected areas.

Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride, which is also available as a generic* medication from SpeedyHealth. It belongs to the class of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Please note that this medication is only effective for men. For female hair loss, alternatives like Diannette can be explored. You should contact your doctor for more information.

*A generic is an unbranded version of a medication. It has the same ingredients and properties as the branded version.

What do the results show?

Clinical trials were conducted over five years to measure hair count in men with mild to moderate hair loss. The breakdown of the results were as follows:

• at 12 months, fewer than 1 in 5 men who were treated experienced any further hair loss
• after 2 years, 83% of men using treatment with vertex pattern-baldness experienced no further hair loss. 70% of men using treatment and suffering from frontal hair loss experienced no further hair loss after 1 year
• at 5 years, 90% of the men treated with Propecia had no visible hair loss compared to just 25% of those on placebo

Propecia and prostate cancer

The active ingredient, finasteride, is known to provide benefits in combating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement, in men.

Propecia is not currently prescribed for this condition. However, generic finasteride is. You should contact your doctor to ask more about this treatment.

Related enlarged prostate medications include Dutasteride and Combodart.

Male pattern baldness is caused by a susceptibility to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This chemical is a by-product of testosterone (called an androgen) that is produced when the hormone is broken down in the body.

It is a completely natural process. However, for many men, a process that they are overly-sensitive to. DHT attacks their hair follicles, thinning hair and eventually causing it to fall out.

The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride. Finasteride works by stopping the conversion of testosterone, lowering DHT levels. This slows, stops, and even (in some cases) reverses hair loss and receding hairlines.

Please note that this medication will take between 3 and 6 months of use before visible results. It may take up to 12 months until optimum results are experienced.

Clinical studies have also shown that men who used an anti-inflammatory shampoo (e.g., Rogaine, minoxidil) alongside Propecia experienced the best results.

Diet

To complement treatment and for overall well-being, you should combine a course of Propecia with a balanced diet, high in iron and protein. Foods like fish, eggs, and beans are known to promote healthy hair growth. Over-the-counter vitamins can also help you get all the nutrients you need – although, these should not be taken in place of fruit and vegetables,

If you are not sure if your diet is healthy, you should speak to your doctor or a medical professional for advice.

You should always follow the medical advice of your doctor when taking any medication.

For full instructions, you should read the patient information leaflet (PIL) – this will be included with your order.

Propecia comes as 1mg tablets, to be taken every day as 1, 3, 6 and 9 month courses.

The following is a summary:

• one tablet should be taken daily, orally
• you should take doses around the same time every day
• doses can be taken with or without food
• if you forget to take your daily dose of Propecia, you do not need to take an extra tablet, just continue as normal
• do not take a double dose to make up for the one you have missed
• do not break or crush tablets
• store tablets at room temperature, in a dry location

If you miss more than one tablet, please refer to the patient leaflet found below, or speak to your doctor.

Taking more than the specified dosage will not make Propecia work any faster.

You will need to take the tablets for three or more consecutive months before you see optimum results. Our doctors recommend long-term use with this treatment.

Once you stop taking treatment, balding may resume within 6 to 12 months.

Side effects from taking Propecia are not very common. However, a small number of men may experience the following reactions:

• erectile dysfunction
• loss of sex drive (libido)/sexual dysfunction
• ejaculation disorders

Rarer side effects of this treatment include:

• depression
• breast growth
• pain in the testicles

If you do experience any of these side effects and they persist, then stop using the treatment and speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience depression or suicidal thoughts, you should get immediate medical help.

You should report any changes to breast tissue or your testicles to your doctor – these may be symptoms of more serious conditions, such as breast cancer.

You can find a full list of drug interactions and precautions in the patient information leaflet (PIL).

Propecia should only be used by men with hair loss. Women (especially breastfeeding and pregnant women) and children should avoid handling tablets.

You should ask your doctor about other treatments if any of the following apply to you:

• you have an alcohol problem
• you have a history of prostate cancer
• you have an increased risk of fertility issues
• you have allergies to any of the ingredients (ingredients are listed in the PIL)

What precautions should I take?

You should inform your doctor about your use of Propecia if you are going to have a prostate-specific antigen blood test for prostate cancer. This medication can affect the accuracy of test results – altering PSA levels.

If you use Propecia for a long time, it may affect fertility. This is not a problem for most men. However, those with existing problems should consider other treatment.

One rare side effect of this treatment is depression. You should be aware of the signs, e.g., sadness, anxiety, fatigue, suicidal thoughts. If you think you have depression, see your doctor.

It is safe to buy Propecia online from SpeedyHealth – your health is our priority.

Before our doctors can issue a prescription, we ask you first to fill out a quick medical consultation. In this consultation, you will have to answer a few short questions. Our doctors will then accurately determine if Propecia is safe for you to use.

If your order is approved, it will be delivered with free next-day delivery. If your order is not approved, a reason will be given, and you will NOT be charged.

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