Propecia

Finasteride, marketed under the brand name Propecia, blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that causes male pattern hair loss. Finasteride prevents this conversion and helps to prevent hair loss. However, the effect of finasteride is temporary and hair loss will resume once the medication is discontinued. Finasteride is available in 1mg tablets.

Take one 1 mg tablet of Finasteride daily, with or without food. It takes three to six months of continuous treatment to see any evidence of stabilisation of hair loss. You must use Finasteride regularly to sustain the benefit. If you stop the treatment, the positive effects will begin to wear off within six months, and your hair loss will return to its original state within 9 to 12 months.

Although it’s possible to experience no side effects, the drug can cause reduced libido, problems with ejaculation, and increased nipple sensitivity. If you experience rare but serious side effects such as depression, breast enlargement, tenderness, lumps, nipple discharge, or testicle pain, you should seek medical attention. Please see more advice from the MHRA regarding potential risk of male breast cancer.

Propecia contains finasteride, which reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the hair follicle. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in hair thinning and shedding. Finasteride prevents testosterone from converting into DHT, which slows down hair loss progression and promotes regrowth. It is a treatment that is exclusively for men and can help reduce and resolve hair thinning. Generic finasteride is a more cost-effective alternative to branded Propecia.

Continuous use of Finasteride for 3-6 months can stabilize hair loss. You should notice clear signs of hair regrowth by the end of the year. Peak hair growth will be noticeable after 2 years, but you must continue treatment to maintain the results. If you stop taking the medication, the beneficial effects will start to reverse after 6 months and return to the pre-treatment levels by 9-12 months.

The data indicates that treatment may yield faster results in younger men who have been balding for a shorter period and have smaller areas of baldness. However, it is important to note that responses to treatment are individual and there is no conclusive evidence.

Regaine (Minoxidil) is readily available without a prescription from The Family Chemist. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine and can only be prescribed by TheFamily Chemist clinician. Unfortunately, all hair loss treatments are not available to prescribe from the NHS and therefore GPs will charge for a private consultation and a prescription. You will also pay for the medication from a pharmacy. However The Family Chemist clinician can prescribe both Finasteride (Propecia) and Regaine free of charge and only charge for the medicines and have it delivered to you in 24 hours.

Hair loss may occur due to an underlying cause. Patients should visit the GP if they suffer from the following as treatment of the underlying cause normally allow hair to regrow:

• Any profound shedding or rapid onset of hair loss
• Absent or reduced eyebrows or eyelashes
• Inflammation, papules or pustules, scaling or scarring of the scalp
• Severe infection, iron deficiency or hypothyroidism
• Some medication such as antidepressants or anticoagulants
• Change in diet or rapid weight loss
• Patients who are planning to father a child should consider to stop treatment.