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PROPECIA (finasteride,
MSD)
PROPECIA is used for the
treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the
anterior mid-scalp area. In almost 50% of cases, PROPECIA
increases the number of scalp hairs, helping to fill in thin
or balding areas of the scalp.
PROPECIA lowers the levels of a
hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp and
serum by blocking 5 alpha-reductase, an important enzyme
involved in regulating the hair follicle. Studies have shown,
In general, men who took PROPECIA maintained or increased the
number of visible scalp hairs and noticed improvement in their
hair in the first year, with the effect maintained in the
second year. Hair counts in men who did not take PROPECIA
continued to decrease. This study is now in its fourth year
and results will be updated in the near future. 86% of the men
treated with PROPECIA had no further hair loss, compared to
42% in the placebo treated group (based on any decrease in
vertex hair growth compared with 7% of men receiving
placebo).
PROPECIA AND PREGNANCY -
special notice
PROPECIA is for the treatment of
male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should not be taken by
women or children. Anyone allergic to any of the ingredients.
A warning about PROPECIA and pregnancy. Women who are or may
potentially be pregnant:
* must not use
PROPECIA
* should not handle crushed or
broken tablets of PROPECIA.
If a woman who is pregnant with a
male baby absorbs the active ingredient in PROPECIA, either by
swallowing or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities of
a male baby's sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes
into contact with the active ingredient in PROPECIA, a doctor
should be consulted. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will
prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal
handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or
crushed.
SIDE EFFECTS OF
PROPECIA?
Like all prescription products,
PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side
effects from PROPECIA were uncommon and did not affect most
men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side
effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less
desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a
decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects
occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away
in men who stopped taking PROPECIA. These also disappeared in
most men who continued taking PROPECIA.
The active ingredient in PROPECIA
is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat
enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other
side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast
swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip
swelling and rash. In clinical studies with PROPECIA, these
side effects occurred as often in men taking placebo as in
those taking PROPECIA. Tell your doctor promptly about these
or any other unusual effects. PROPECIA can effect a blood test
called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of
prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell
your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA.
STORAGE AND
HANDLING
Keep PROPECIA in the original
container and keep the container closed. Store it in a dry
place at room temperature. PROPECIA tablets are coated and
will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal
handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
Do not give your PROPECIA tablets to anyone else. It has been
prescribed only for you. Keep PROPECIA and all medications out
of the reach of
children.
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