Brand Name: Propecia
Generic Name: Finasteride 1mg

Propecia [Finasteride 1mg] Description

The interaction of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme with testosterone leads to the creation of a more potent hormone - dihydrotestosterone [DHT]. DHT acts on genetically vulnerable hair follicles in a manner that reduces their capability to produce strong hair, which leads to baldness. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which slows down the functioning of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, thereby reducing production of DHT and preventing hair loss in men.

Uses of Generic Propecia

This is an oral medicine that treats androgenic alopecia - hair loss - in adult men. Young adults stand to gain the most, as usage of Propecia has been known to grow back their hair on the top, crown and frontal areas, totally reversing the hair loss process. Older adults also benefit - though to a lesser extent - as hair often grows back in the crown area, and, at times, on the top and along the sides as well.

Propecia is not meant for children, and it is dangerous for women.

How to Use Propecia

Finasteride 1mg is a single dose. Take the dose exactly as prescribed. The dosage depends on the individual medical condition. The medicine can be taken with water, without regard to meals, but try to take it at the same time each day.

Missed Dose of Propecia

If you miss a dose, speak to your doctor. Since it is a single dose, you are not likely to miss it, but if you do, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember but don't double your dose.

Side-effects of Propecia

Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-

• Feeling faint/dizziness/weakness
• Swelling in the hands/feet
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Stuffy/runny nose
• Dyspnea [shortness of breath]
• Postural/orthostatic hypotension [lowering of the blood pressure when a person suddenly gets up].

An allergic reaction such as:- itching, rash, hives, labored breathing, tightness in the chest, or swelling in the face/lips/tongue/throat, means that you should stop the medicine and ask your doctor for help.

Overdose of Propecia

If anything bothers you, or if you think you've overdosed, contact your local poison control center or emergency room at once. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Interactions of Propecia

Your physician, or pharmacist, will be able to tell you more about this.

Storage of Propecia

After you buy Propecia, store it at room temperature with the bottle properly capped, safe from heat, light and dampness. Keep it out of reach of women, children and pets.

Precautions of Propecia

• When you purchase Propecia just remember that it may take 3 months before your hair grows back, but if it does not show any results even after 12 months of using it, then further use is not likely to help.
• As long as you take this medicine your hair will continue to grow, although all the hair lost may not grow back.
• Blood donors will have to wait for at least 1 month after the last dose of the medicine, if they wish to donate blood.
• To avoid postural hypotension, individuals should get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position.
• If you stop taking this medicine, within 1 year of discontinuing the treatment, you are most likely to lose the hair you had gained while taking it.
• When the medicine is no longer required, discard it safely.
• It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat yourself by taking, increasing, decreasing, or stopping the medicine on your own.
• Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms it can do more harm than good to that person.

Notes of Propecia

Read the Patient Information every time you buy a refill - it may have some new information. Your physician will be able to tell you more about the uses, side effects, interactions, and precautions associated with this medication.