Propecia is one of the most common medical prescription use in controlling the problem of hair loss. Many people do not know exactly how their work and the ingredient in it. The following is the analysis of propecia (finasteride or, in some countries).

INTRODUCTION:

Finasteride is a drug widely used worldwide to treat hair loss. This product is available in the market with several names, including Finara, Finpecia, Finax, etc.

BACKGROUND:

Initially approved in 1992 as Proscar, a treatment for enlarged prostate, Finasteride was approved on 22 December by the FDA as a treatment for male pattern hair loss after running across trials between 1997 and 2002.

MODE OF ACTION:

Finasteride is, basically, and antiandrogen. It works by decreasing the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

DIRECTIONS:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [low dose]

prostate cancer [dose high]

androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

DOSE:

5mg per day for BPH

1 mg per day for alopecia

SIDE EFFECTS:

Erectile dysfunction

Gynecomastia

Depression

BRAND NAMES:

The trade names for this drug also include Proscar (for the treatment of BPH) and Propecia (for processing of male baldness). They are produced by Merck and Co., and containing different doses of finasteride in each.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Finasteride tablets that are broken or crushed should not be used or handled by pregnant or pregnant women because it can cause birth defects in babies males.

EFFECTIVENESS

A 5 one-year research was conducted. The subjects of this investigation were the men who have hair loss that is moderate or mild condition. When treatment using Propecia (that contains 1 mg finasteride) started, the results showed that in some cases no hair regrowth, while in others there was no further hair loss. The latter belonged to the category of 42%, while the first 48% category.

But it should be noted that Propecia works as long as it continues to be taken by the user. If the dose is stopped, the loss prevention hair or increased hair left after six to twelve months.

Propecia works on the hairline and the crown.

In 1997, Propecia (TM) (finasteride 1 mg PO) became the first oral drug approved by FDA for treating hair loss common pattern also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Before then, in 1992, Proscar (TM) (finasteride 5 mg PO) was adopted as a treatment for prostatic hyperplasia hyperplasia (BPH). Incidentally, before being approved finasteride for BPH, found that study subjects in some cases, the symptoms of hair loss decreased and sometimes reversed. This observation was documented and the phenomenon formally tested in several clinical trials before culminating in the achievement of the drug approval FDA to AGA.

Specifically, the trials were conducted in men aged 18 and 41 with mild to moderate degrees of androgenetic alopecia. All men treated Propecia or placebo received a tar-based shampoo (Neutrogena T / Gel ® 2 Shampoo) during the first 2 years of studies. Clinical improvement was seen as early as 3 months in patients treated with Propecia (TM) and led to a net increase in scalp hair count and hair regrowth. In clinical studies of up 5 years, treatment with Propecia (TM) slowed the progression of hair loss in the placebo group. In general, the difference between the treatment groups continued to increase over 5 years of studies. Propecia Based on the results of these studies was approved by the FDA for the treatment of AGA in men only. It was determined that the appropriate patient population for this drug was made up of men aged 18 to 41 years old with hair loss, mild to moderate vertex anterior scalp area and a half.

Mechanically, finasteride blocks the modification of metabolism of testosterone (T) to its most pathological, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It does so selectively and competitively inhibiting the type 2 enzyme 5-alpha reductase, preventing conversion of substrate to metabolite. Several lines of evidence suggest that finasteride affects endogenous levels of steroid hormones, eg testosterone, estrogen, etc. about 15%, and these observations may partly explain some of the negative side effects observed.

Propecia (TM) is not indicated for use by women. Moreover, women should not handle crushed or broken Propecia (TM) tablets when they are pregnant or may become pregnant because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to the male fetus. Due to the potential of finasteride to the effect levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) recommended that the drug be discontinued for a period of time before this important test is administered. Other negative side effects reported with Propecia (TM) include loss of libido and gynecomastia.

Because of its ability to halt the progression of AGA, the drug has been found a useful application in the context of hair restoration surgery. Despite the caveats mentioned, Propecia (TM) represents a step in the development of methodologies useful treatment of hair loss.