Different definition / meanings for the word "propecia":

The first FDA approved pill for hair loss. Propecia contains 1mg of Finasteride which inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type 2 that converts testosterone into DHT. This lowering of DHT in the body leads to a halting of hair loss and causes regrowth of hair in people suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia.

The brand name for 1mg dose of finasteride , approved for the prevention and treatment of male pattern baldness.

Finasteride is an antiandrogen which acts by inhibing 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme the converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and in prostate cancer in higher doses. Additionally, it is registered in many countries for male-pattern baldness. Drug trade names include Propecia® and Proscar ® both products of Merck & Co. (the former is marketed for hair loss in male pattern baldness, and the latter for BPH).

DE: Propecia ist der Handelsname eines Mittels gegen androgenetische Alopezie (genetisch bedingter Haarausfall des männlichen Typs) der Firma MSD. Propecia enthält als Wirkstoff 1mg Finasterid je einmal täglich zu nehmender Tablette.

Propecia is believed to be quite safe, and it is said that this drug is a milder dose of what men have been taking for years to treat prostrate gland swelling. Propecia is just a one milligram a day dosage, and is believed to return hair growth for some men. In accordance with Merck’s studies that they presented to the FDA, 86% men had managed to get a significant amount of hair growing again.

Though there have been other drugs that have had success regarding their success with growing hair back again, Propecia is the first FDA approved one that is believed to be successful.

The success of Propecia has generally been measured by studies that have varied degrees of success. Some studies that have focused on males between the ages of 18-41 with hair loss and thinning determine that Propecia’s success is limited and in some cases non-existent with receding headlines and at the temples. Propecia is believed to have significant success with growing hair at the top of the head and the middle front as well.

Particularly, Propecia is a drug that aims at treating male patterned baldness and is strictly not recommended for women or children. This is because it is a drug that targets a particular enzyme in the body that children and women may not have. For this reason, they could react to it in any way. For men however, there are also side-effects reported. Some men complain about decreased sex-drive.

Some also say that erection is not as it used to be and that semen production is reduced considerably. These side effects were demonstrated in hardly 2% of men. However, it is clear that on discontinuing Propecia these side effects also disappeared.

Coming back to the restriction on using Propecia, women are not to use this drug particularly if they are pregnant. They should not even be allowed to handle this pill especially if it happens to be in a crushed form.

The reason for this is the ingredient in the pill is highly active, and may result in a male child being born with abnormalities of the sex organs. In case, a pregnant woman comes in touch with this pill a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Aside from the risks towards those who are not supposed to consume Propecia, one who takes this pill needs to stick to the recommended dosage. This dosage may need to be continued for as long as three months before a significant hair growth change is visible. In addition to this, it also should be noted that if there are no benefits visible after taking Propecia for a year it is most unlikely that it would benefit an individual. 12 months is a significant period for the drug to take effect.

As opposed to this, it is said that Propecia can only prove to be successful if it is taken for a significant length of time. It is suggested that one should not discontinue using Propecia before 12 months of its use has expired even if there is no improvement. This is because one is most likely to start losing hair.
As a result of the rules that have been laid down regarding the use of Propecia, it is obvious that one would have to use this drug for a period of at least one year regardless of the results. This is because one has to wait for at least three months to experience any degree of success and at the same time cannot quit the drug before a year has elapsed as it would trigger hair loss.