29 Oct 09 Do Away with Your Baldness with Long-Term Propecia Finasteride Therapy
Propecia (Finasteride) as an antiandrogen acts by blocking the action of an enzyme called type II 5 alpha reductase. This particular enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A mounting DHT level paves the way for BPH and hair loss. So, when Finasteride binds to receptors for 5 alpha reductase and makes it useless, it creates obstacles in the conversion of testosterone to DHT. A decreasing DHT level means the contraction of the enlarged prostate gland and prevention of DHT in the scalp from causing hair loss. A prescription is required to buy Propecia
Bearing the brand name Proscar, Finasteride was originally invented for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate in men. It also reduces the chances of prostate cancer. It is only during the research on Proscar when scientists came to know about a side effect of Finasteride that retards, stops and reverses male pattern hair loss on the vertex of the scalp.
Generic Propecia is intended for male use only. Women and children should stay far away from this generic drug. Pregnant women, in particular, must be very cautious in touching any open packets or broken tablets. The medication can hinder the development of the sex organs in a male fetus if taken orally by a pregnant woman. As Finasteride is known to be absorbed through the skin, women should use gloves while handling Propecia pills. However, unbroken tablets are safely coated. So, the potential danger posed by Finasteride is not present on the exterior side of the tablet. A pregnant woman or her baby won't be in danger when her partner is taking Propecia pills.
If you talk about the side effects of Propecia (Finasteride), it is an extremely safe drug for hair loss. Majority of men don't experience any side effects. However, there have been reports of side effects in certain men. These include: reduced libido or sexual desire, reduced amount of semen and erection problems. All these effects are temporary and will fade away with the passage of time. It is not known whether any other medicines can be prescribed to counteract them.
Propecia (Finasteride) is indicated for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Men between 18 to 41 years of age are being prescribed for Propecia to treat mild to moderate hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. However, it is not indicated for use in women and children. Finasteride with the brand name Proscar is indicated to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in lower doses and the prostate cancer in higher doses.
Propecia (Finasteride) is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant in the near future. As Finasteride as a Type II 5-reductase inhibitor prevents the transformation of testosterone to DHT, it may cause severe damage to the external genitalia of a male unborn baby of a pregnant woman who takes Finasteride. It is also contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to any ingredient of this medication.
