Propecia Frequently Asked Questions

What is PROPECIA® (finasteride)?

PROPECIA is a medical breakthrough - the first pill that effectively treats male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area.

What is some of the most important information I need to know about PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at the top of the head) and the anterior mid-scalp. PROPECIA was studied in men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate amounts of hair loss. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas. PROPECIA is for use by men only. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. In addition, a small number of men experience certain sexual side effects. PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA.

Does PROPECIA really work?

Based on two 24-month vertex studies of men ages 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss, the clinical results of PROPECIA are impressive:

83% maintained their hair based on hair count (vs. 28% with placebo), 66% had visible regrowth as rated by independent dermatologists (vs. 7% with placebo), 80% were rated as improved by clinical doctors (vs. 47% with placebo), and most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and improvement in appearance.

Only a doctor can determine if PROPECIA is right for you. PROPECIA is for MEN ONLY. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

You may need to take PROPECIA daily for 3 months or more to see visible results. PROPECIA may not regrow all your hair. And if you stop using this product, you will gradually lose the hair you have gained. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas. If you haven't seen results after 12 months of using PROPECIA, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, a very small number of men experienced certain side effects, such as 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. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA.

Taken once a day in tablet form, PROPECIA is simple, easy, and - most important - clinically demonstrated to be effective in most men. PROPECIA helps grow natural hair - not just "peach fuzz" - and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day.

How does PROPECIA work?

The causes of hair loss are not well defined; however, researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase, and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in a thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Finasteride (the active ingredient in PROPECIA) blocks the formation of DHT, and in this way appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men. PROPECIA has been proven to effectively lower DHT in the scalp.

Most important, PROPECIA helps grow natural hair, not just "peach fuzz," and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day.

Who should not take PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

Does PROPECIA work for all men?

At the conclusion of a 24-month study of men age 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss at the top of the head, 83% treated with PROPECIA maintained their hair as determined by hair count (vs. 28% with placebo). Most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and improvement in appearance. Although results will vary, generally men will not be able to grow back all of the hair they have lost.

How long will it take for PROPECIA to work?

PROPECIA begins to block the formation of DHT almost immediately; however, because hair grows slowly, visible results from PROPECIA take some time. In clinical trials, most men began to see the first benefit of PROPECIA - slowing hair loss - as early as 3 months. After 6 months, men may begin to experience regrowth. If PROPECIA does not work within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

Can I get better results by taking PROPECIA more than once a day?

Take PROPECIA as prescribed, and always follow your doctor's instructions. PROPECIA won't work any faster or better if you take a tablet more than once a day.

How long do I have to take PROPECIA?

You need to take PROPECIA for as long as you want to continue to benefit from use. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

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