Propecia, also known as Proscar, is a brand name for the drug Finasteride, which is distributed by Merck Co. It is a synthetic antiandrogen that inhibits the enzyme type II 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in the body. The FDA approved its use in 1992, under the trademark of Merck Co. for the treatment of BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, and in 1997, once again under the Merck Co. trademark, for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It is available in 1mg tablets for the treatment of male pattern baldness, and in 5mg tablets for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Occasionally, the 5mg tabs will be prescribed and broken into an approximate 1mg dose by the user to save money.
Side effects to this medication can be, but aren’t limited to, male breast cancer, swelling of the hands/feet, pain in the testicles, impotence, abnormal ejaculation, tenderness or swelling of the breast, dizziness, fatigue, feeling faint, headache, runny nose, a skin rash, and birth defects. Finasteride is not prescribed for women, and should not be handled by women, pregnant women, or children because of the possibility of birth defects or other complications. In 2008, a Swedish study showed that the sexual dysfunction some experience does not go away even after treatment has been discontinued for 12 months.
When treating hair loss, Finasteride works by reducing the amount of testosterone that is converted to DHT in the body. Doing this effectively reduces hair loss by treating it at it’s hormonal source. However, Finasteride is only effective as long as it’s continually taken. Any hair gained or maintained within the treatment period is lost within a six to twelve month period after stopping treatment. Finasteride has been prescribed to a small amount of post-menopausal women for the treatment of thinning hair, but only when the chance of pregnancy is completely non-existent.
When being used as a treatment for an enlarged prostate, the reduction of the same enzyme (type II 5-alpha reeducates) results in improved Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, such as a reduction in difficulty urinating, less frequent urges to urinate, less hesitation in beginning urination, and an increase urine flow. Some urologists believe that Finasteride can help prevent prostate cancer, but it is a very controversial topic. There are a few other instances to take into consideration before beginning therapy with this medication. It’s use affects a persons ability to donate blood. Donors are usually restricted to waiting at least one month after their last dosage to donate blood. Also, it has been banned by many sports organizations because its use can mask steroid use. In 2005, it was added to the World Anti Doping List of banned substances.
