Androgenic Alopecia - Treating Androgenetic Alopecia with Propecia

Propecia is used to treat male-pattern baldness, which generally occurs on the front mid-scalp and on the vertex regions. Such condition is also known as androgenetic alopecia in which males experience thinning or gradual losing of hair on certain areas of the scalp. These undesirable changes commonly start in men at their 20s.

Propecia is composed of 1 milligram Finasteride. This drug inhibits type II 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inside the human body.

It must be especially noted that Propecia can only be used by men, and not by children or women. The Finasteride content of the Propecia tablet can be absorbed in the body through the skin. Furthermore, it has teratogenic effects on the fetus hence it must also be strongly kept away from pregnant women. Because of these unwanted effects, the tablets of Propecia are coated to prevent skin contact with Finasteride content during normal usage, for as long as the tablets are neither crushed nor broken. If in case a woman comes in contact with the active ingredient of the Propecia tablet, you must immediately wash the region with water and soap.

If you decide to take Propecia, you must first tell your physician about any allergic reaction to the drug or to a drug that has the same Finasteride content. Your doctor must also know whether you have liver conditions, bladder disorder, prostate cancer, or urination problems.

Propecia must be taken exactly as the physician has prescribed. Lowering or increasing the dose of the medicine, without consulting a doctor, should definitely be avoided. The prescription label may include directions, which you must strictly follow. Propecia can be taken on an empty or full stomach, and a full glass of water is essential.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. But if your next medicine dose is already near, just skip the missed dose and take the next one. Never double your dose to make up for the missed one. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. However, an overdose of Propecia is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

The medication may cause nausea, swelling on extremities, testicular pain, impotence, abnormal ejaculation, dizziness, body weakness, skin rash, among others. Emergency medical assistance should be reached when an allergic reaction occurs, as indicated by symptoms like difficulty of breathing, hives, and swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat. Call the doctor right away if tenderness, nipple discharge, lumps, or any changes on the breast are noticed as these signs may indicate breast cancer.

For best results, Propecia should be taken regularly. It may take three months or perhaps even more before wanted effects can be observed. However, if the drug seemed to not work after twelve months of using it, a doctor must be consulted and further treatment may be recommended.

The medication must be stored at room temperature. It must be kept away from heat, light, and moisture. The medicine bottle must be kept tightly closed if idle or not in use.