Finasteride propecia drug information

Propecia is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness. This is the most common type of male hair loss, affecting 95% of all men who are suffering from hair loss. Around 25% of men will start losing their hair by the time that they are 30 and two thirds will be bald by the time that they celebrate their 60th birthday! Male pattern baldness begins either at the crown of the head with a bald spot or at the hairline as the hair recedes. This type of hair loss appears to be hereditary and it is likely caused by dihydratestosterone, or DHT, a naturally occurring hormone. DHT shrinks hair follicles, which causes them to stop producing viable hairs.

Propecia (or finasteride to give it its technical name) stops the formation of DHT in the scalp by stopping testosterone from converting into DHT. Since DHT shrinks the hair follicles, which scientists believe causes male pattern baldness, this can stop the hair follicles from shrinking any farther. Also, Propecia seems to help some of those with existing baldness to grow back the hair that they have lost. Clinical studies have shown that the medication reduces DHT levels by around 60% in most patients.

When Propecia was in clinical trials, 90% of the men who were tested saw visible results, either in the cessation of hair loss or the re-growth of hair. Nearly half of the men in the study had visible hair re-growth as reported through self-examination. However, over 65% of the men in the study had hair re-growth when the hair was counted using a hair count per square inch measurement by healthcare professionals assisting with the clinical trial.

This medication does not work on all types of hair loss. It works only on the hair on the back of the head and in the middle of the front portion of the head. Men who are losing hair from the temples saw no significant change in their hair loss when taking finasteride.

Propecia works in line with the normal growth and shedding phase of hair growth. The hair-loss stops after about three months in most patients. If a patients ceases treatment after having had initial success he will find that his hair loss will revert to its former pattern within a year of stopping treatment. Finasteride is a prescription medication so if you think that it is the right answer to your hair loss problem you should make an appointment to talk to your doctor.

Finasteride should not be used by women. The medication is designed to work with the male hormone testosterone, so it has little to no effect on the hair loss women experience. Also, this medication is extremely dangerous for women who are pregnant or could become pregnant because the active ingredient in Propecia can cause birth defects in male babies. Women should not handle the tablets if they have been crushed or broken as this could cause them to absorb some of the active ingredient through the skin. Men rarely suffer from side effects but there are recognised side effects, as with all medications. Less than 2% of patients taking the medication reported sexual side effects, such as impotence or lack of libido. Those who suffer side effects normally continue with the treatment and the side effects generally subside with time. For those who discontinue the treatment, the side effects are temporary and disappear within a few weeks of having stopped taking the medication. As losing your hair can be one of the most stressful experiences that a man can face, most men who are losing their hair are prepared to take a risk on the potential side effects given the substantial benefits of Propecia and the relatively low level of side effect occurrence.

Propecia and Proscar are most effective medicines against prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss.

Propecia and Proscar are similar medicines - generic name is Finasteride.

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.

Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and to reduce hair loss due to male baldness.

*** Important facts about Propecia

Propecia is NOT for use by women. If taken during pregnancy, it can cause abnormal development of a male baby’s genital organs.

Propecia is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body.

You may begin to see improvement as early as 3 months after you begin taking Propecia, but for many men it takes longer. The improvement lasts only as long as you take the drug; if you stop, new hair growth will cease and hair loss will resume.

Propecia is a low-dose form of Proscar, a drug prescribed for prostate enlargement.

How to take Propecia?

For maximum benefit, take Propecia regularly once a day. It can be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

* Storage instructions

Store at room temperature in a closed container away from moisture.

* Propecia side effects

Propecia’s side effects are primarily sexual, and relatively uncommon–they strike one or two men in a hundred. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Propecia.

* Side effects may include:

Breast tenderness and enlargement, decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence, itching, rash, swelling, testicular pain.

Due to the drug’s effect on male babies, women should avoid Propecia if there is any chance that they may be pregnant.

Do not use Propecia if it gives you an allergic reaction, or if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to its chemical twin, Proscar.

If there’s even a possibility that they’re pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Propecia tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating.

Avoid even touching the active ingredient in Propecia if there’s a chance that you’re pregnant. Use Propecia with caution if you have liver problems.

Propecia lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you’re scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you’re taking Propecia.

*** Important facts about Proscar

Proscar is prescribed to help shrink an enlarged prostate. Some doctors are also prescribing Proscar for baldness and as a preventive measure against prostate cancer.

The prostate, a chestnut-shaped gland present in males, produces a liquid that forms part of the semen. This gland completely encloses the upper part of the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of the bladder. Many men over age 50 suffer from a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate.

The enlarged gland squeezes the urethra, obstructing the normal flow of urine. Resulting problems may include difficulty in starting urination, weak flow of urine, and the need to urinate urgently or frequently. Sometimes surgical removal of the prostate is necessary.

By shrinking the enlarged prostate, Proscar may alleviate the various associated urinary problems, making surgery unnecessary.

Different men have different responses to Proscar:

You may experience early relief from your urinary problems. You may need to take the drug for 6 months or even a year before noticing any improvement. Or you may find that, even after a year of treatment, Proscar simply has not helped you.

You may take Proscar either with a meal or between meals.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

* Storage instructions…

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

* Proscar side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Proscar.

* Side effects may include:

Decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence.

Benign enlargement of the prostate is not the only condition that can cause male urinary inefficiency and discomfort. Other possibilities include infection, obstruction, cancer of the prostate, and bladder disorders. Before prescribing Proscar, your doctor will want to do various tests to determine the cause of your urinary problems.

Even if Proscar does relieve your urinary symptoms, periodic checkups are necessary to test for possible development of cancer of the prostate. Proscar is not an effective treatment for prostate cancer.

* Possible food and drug interactions when taking Propecia and Proscar - no significant drug interactions have been reported.

* Recommended dosage for Propecia and Proscar - Adult men.

* Overdosage

Although no specific information is available on Propecia and Proscar overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.

Buying cheap Finasteride online can save you a lot of money but with our help you can save much more than the average online drugs searcher.

What is Finasteride?

• Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.
• Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Finasteride is also used to reduce hair loss due to male pattern baldness.
• Finasteride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Finasteride?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Finasteride, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
• Finasteride is intended for use by men only.
• Finasteride is not indicated for use by women. Do not take or handle this medication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant during treatment. The online Finasteride version is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.

How should I take Finasteride ?

• Take Finasteride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Finasteride can be taken with or without food.
• It is important to take Finasteride regularly to get the most benefit.
• Your doctor may perform blood tests or other forms of monitoring during treatment with Finasteride. One of the tests that may be performed is called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This test is used to help detect prostate cancer. Finasteride will reduce the amount of PSA measured in the blood. Your doctor is aware of this effect and can still use PSA to help detect prostate cancer.

What are the possible side effects of Finasteride?

• Stop taking Finasteride and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects have been reported but usually resolve with continued treatment. Continue to take Finasteride and notify your doctor if you experience
- decreased libido (sex drive);
- decreased volume of ejaculate;
- impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
- breast tenderness or enlargement.

Tags: cheap finasteride

Finasteride 1mg

Finasteride 1 mg contains the active ingredient finasteride, which is a type of medicine called a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of a compound in the body called type II 5-alpha reductase. This compound is called an enzyme, and is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss in men who are genetically sensitive to it. As finasteride prevents the action of type II 5-alpha reductase it prevents the formation of DHT. This decreases the amount of DHT both in the blood and the scalp and can lead to reversal of the balding process. 1mg Finasteride is taken by mouth to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. It may take three to six months of treatment before you notice a decrease in hair loss or increase in hair density. Continued use of this finasteride 1mg is recommended to obtain the maximum benefit. If you stop taking it you are likely to lose any hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.
Propecia ( Finasteride 1mg ) got US FDA approval in 1997 for male pattern baldness ( androgenetic alopecia ). Propecia acts in the body to significantly lower levels of dihydrotestosterone ( DHT ) by inhibiting the type 2 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. High amounts of DHT are believed to be a major factor contributing to hair loss in individuals with a genetic pre-disposition to it.

Finasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5a-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into DHT. Two distinct isozymes are found in mice, rats, monkeys, and humans: Type I and II. Each of these isozymes is differentially expressed in tissues and developmental stages. In humans, Type I 5a-reductase is predominant in the sebaceous glands of most regions of skin, including scalp, and liver. Type I 5a-reductase is responsible for approximately one-third of circulating DHT. The Type II 5a-reductase isozyme is primarily found in prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymides, and hair follicles as well as liver, and is responsible for two-thirds of circulating DHT.

In humans, the mechanism of action of finasteride is based on its preferential inhibition of the Type II isozyme. Using native tissues (scalp and prostate), in vitro binding studies examining the potential of finasteride to inhibit either isozyme revealed a 100-fold selectivity for the human Type II 5a-reductase over Type I isozyme (IC50=500 and 4.2 nM for Type I and II, respectively). For both isozymes, the inhibition by finasteride is accompanied by reduction of the inhibitor to dihydrofinasteride and adduct formation with NADP+. The turnover for the enzyme complex is slow (t ½ approximately 30 days for the Type II enzyme complex and 14 days for the Type I complex).

Finasteride has no affinity for the androgen receptor and has no androgenic, antiandrogenic, estrogenic, antiestrogenic, or progestational effects. Inhibition of Type II 5a-reductase blocks the peripheral conversion of testosterone to DHT, resulting in significant decreases in serum and tissue DHT concentrations. Finasteride produces a rapid reduction in serum DHT concentration, reaching 65% suppression within 24 hours of oral dosing with a 1-mg tablet. Mean circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol were increased by approximately 15% as compared to baseline, but these remained within the physiologic range.

In men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared with hairy scalp. Administration of finasteride decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men. The relative contributions of these reductions to the treatment effect of finasteride have not been defined. By this mechanism, finasteride appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of androgenetic alopecia in those patients genetically predisposed.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The recommended dosage is 1 mg orally once a day.

PROPECIA may be administered with or without meals.

In general, daily use for three months or more is necessary before benefit is observed. Continued use is recommended to sustain benefit, which should be re-evaluated periodically. Withdrawal of treatment leads to reversal of effect within 12 months.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Finasteride does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug-metabolizing enzyme system. Compounds that have been tested in man include antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin and no clinically meaningful interactions were found.

WARNINGS

PROPECIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients (see INDICATIONS AND USAGE; and PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use) or women (see also WARNINGS, EXPOSURE OF WOMEN - RISK TO MALE FETUS; PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients and Pregnancy; and HOW SUPPLIED, Storage and Handling).

GENERIC NAME: finasteride
BRAND NAME: Proscar

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: The prostate gland is located around the tube which empties urine from the bladder (urethra). As the prostate gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age, it can obstruct or partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems starting urine flow, interruption while urinating, and a feeling of incomplete emptying. Other symptoms include wetting and staining of clothes, urinary burning, and urgency.

Prostate gland enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH), is directly dependent on DHT (a hormone converted from the male hormone testosterone). Finasteride inhibits the enzyme necessary for the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the prostate. Therefore, administration of finasteride lowers blood and tissue DHT levels and helps reduce the size of the prostate gland.

Although reductions in the size of the prostate gland can occur in virtually all the patients who take finasteride, only 50% will experience improvement in the symptoms of BPH. Patients generally respond to finasteride in several weeks, but it often takes 6 months for the patient to receive the full effect of the drug.
PREPARATIONS: Tablet (5mg).

STORAGE: Finasteride should be stored at room temperature in a tight light resistant container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of BPH. Finasteride is approved for use with the alpha-blocker, doxazosin, to reduce the progression of symptoms of BPH.

DOSING: Finasteride is metabolized mainly by the liver, and caution should be used in patients with liver dysfunction. Finasteride may be taken with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions are generally not a problem.

PREGNANCY: Finasteride causes abnormal development of the sexual organs of the male fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are likely to be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets in order to prevent absorption through the skin.

NURSING MOTHERS: Finasteride is not prescribed for women.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are rare but can include impotence and decreased sex drive. Finasteride should not be used by women, children, or male partners of women trying to become pregnant. Finasteride should not be used until a thorough prostate examination has been done to exclude cancer, stricture, or infection in the gland.

CLASS and MECHANISM of Action

Generic “Propecia” is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body.
Active Ingredients: finasteride
Inactive Ingredients: titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, talc, docusate sodium, yellow ferric oxide lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose LF, , and red ferric oxide.

What is Generic “Propecia” PRESCRIBED For?

Generic “Propecia” is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Generic “Propecia” is for use by MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.

How Should I Take Generic “Propecia”?

Generic “Propecia” comes as a tablet. Generic “Propecia” usually is taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. Take Generic “Propecia” exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Generic “Propecia” even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Generic “Propecia” without talking to your doctor.
Store Generic “Propecia” at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from moisture.

What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic “Propecia”?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Generic “Propecia”, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
Generic “Propecia” is intended for men use only. Generic “Propecia” is not indicated for women use. Do not take or handle this medication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant during treatment. Generic “Propecia” is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Generic “Propecia” tablets.
The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Generic “Propecia” is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.
It is not known whether Generic “Propecia” passes into breast milk. Generic “Propecia” is not intended for women use. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drug Interactions with Propecia

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any “nitric oxide donor” medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.

Propecia Storage

Store Propecia at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep Propecia and all medications out of the reach of children.

Propecia Notes

DO NOT SHARE Or buy PROPECIA with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE or buy PROPECIA for other health conditions. KEEP PROPECIA out of the reach of children. IF USING PROPECIA FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Generic Finasteride

Generic Finasteride contains the same ingredients found in the brand name Propecia, but produced internationally (they DO need medications outside the USA you know!). Though we do not carry, nor distribute Generic Finasteride, our long term members have suggested the following online resource.

Finasteride was approved initially in 1992 as Proscar, a treatment for prostate enlargement, but the sponsor had studied 1 mg of finasteride and demonstrated hair growth in male pattern hair loss. On December 22, 1997, the FDA approved finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) showed at a dosage of 5mg per day, as is commonly prescribed for BPH, though much higher than the 1mg generally prescribed for hair loss, participants taking finasteride were 25% less likely to have developed prostate cancer at the end of the trial compared to those taking a placebo. Further, finasteride increased the specificity and selectivity of prostate cancer detection, thus, a seemly increased rate of high Gleason grade tumor.

 Generic Name: Finasteride
Manufactured by Cipla

Use
Propecia is a product for men that can prevent further hairloss and increase hair growth. The active ingredient Finasteride, blocks the formation of DHT (one of the male hormones that causes hairloss), and gives the hair follicles a chance to recover and grow.

Dosage
Take one tablet daily, with or without meals.

Side effects
In general use, the following have been reported infrequently: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face, problems with ejaculation, breast tenderness and enlargement, and testicular pain. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men.

Precautions
Results vary from person to person. Propecia lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you’re scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you’re taking Propecia. It may take several months for the Propecia to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine will result in a return within 12 months to the same amount of baldness as when you started. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of Propecia. If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the active ingredient in Propecia, either by swallowing or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities of a male baby?s sex organs.