Propecia (Finasteride) - Summary

PROPECIA SUMMARY

What is PROPECIA used for?

PROPECIA (finasteride), a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5(alpha)-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5(alpha)-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

PROPECIA is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY. Safety and efficacy were demonstrated in men between 18 to 41 years of age with mild to moderate hair loss of the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies).

Efficacy in bitemporal recession has not been established.

PROPECIA is not indicated in women (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Clinical Studies and CONTRAINDICATIONS).

PROPECIA is not indicated in children (see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).

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PROPECIA NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Propecia (Finasteride)

Long-term treatment with finasteride results in a clinically significant reduction in total prostate volume compared to placebo over the full range of baseline prostate sizes in men enrolled in the MTOPS trial. [2008.09]

The effect of 5alpha-reductase inhibition with dutasteride and finasteride on bone mineral density, serum lipoproteins, hemoglobin, prostate specific antigen and sexual function in healthy young men. [2008.06]

Finasteride and high-grade prostate cancer in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. [2007.09.19]

Detection bias due to the effect of finasteride on prostate volume: a modeling approach for analysis of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. [2007.09.19]

Prediction of prostate cancer for patients receiving finasteride: results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial. [2007.07.20]

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Clinical Trials Related to Propecia (Finasteride)

A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Proscar in Men With Initial Negative Prostate Biopsies [Not yet recruiting]

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Preoperative Finasteride in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of The Prostate [Not yet recruiting]

On Label, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Preoperative Finasteride in Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) [Active, not recruiting]

Fed Study of Finasteride Tablets 5 mg and Proscar® Tablets 5 mg [Completed]

Fasting Study of Finasteride Tablets 5 mg and Proscar Tablets 5 mg [Completed]

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PROPECIA PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Propecia review by 35 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Moderately Effective
Side effects:		No Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		hair loss
Dosage & duration:		once daily (dosage frequency: once daily) for the period of 11 months
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		preventing further hair loss
Side effects:		None.
Comments:		I took this medicine once daily. The results were not dramatic but could be visibly noticed.

Propecia review by 32 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Marginally Effective
Side effects:		Extremely Severe Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Hair loss
Dosage & duration:		1 mg taken once daily for the period of 3 months
Other conditions:		none
Other drugs taken:		none
		Reported Results
Benefits:		Possible slight improvements in texture.
Side effects:		Erectile problems,Severe anxiety, panic attacks, negative thoughts, depression, brain fog. Effected not only myself, but my family. This was not me. Only took for three months. Took much longer for side effects to subside. In my opinion a dangerous drug. May not have the same effect on everyone, but these side effects seem to be common enough to be documented and taken seriously. At this point seem to be being ignored.
Comments:		Took once daily until side effects became unbearable.

Propecia review by 39 year old male patient
		Rating
Overall rating:
Effectiveness:		Highly Effective
Side effects:		Mild Side Effects
		Treatment Info
Condition / reason:		Male pattern hair loss
Dosage & duration:		1 mg taken daily for the period of 2 years
Other conditions:		None
Other drugs taken:		Claritin
		Reported Results
Benefits:		The hair on the crown of the head significantly and visually filled in to the state it was 5 years earlier and has maintained this growth since.
Side effects:		It seems that it sometimes takes an extra moment or two to finish urinating to avoid dripping. Side effect is not noticable if the drug is taken before bed.
Comments:		I take the drug once a day at night with a small glass of water.