Finasteride: A Drug for Hair Loss
Balding or hair loss is a common problem for aging men but there are instances that even young males also experience this type of condition. To prevent and treat hair loss, a person can use finasteride. It is an effective medication for hair regrowth. This drug was first approved in 1992 by Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and in 1997 as a treatment for male-pattern baldness.
It was first discovered in 1975 by Dr. Roy Vagelos through the 1974 research studies of Julianne Imperato-McGinley on birth defects. From here, Dr. Vagelos has created the drug that has able to reproduce a small prostate seen in pseudo-hermaphroditic children in adult men who have enlarged prostates.
According to studies, this drug has shown effectiveness to 2 out of 3 men who have mild to moderate hair loss. 48% of the men who take finasteride had their hair regrown and had experienced visible hair regrowth and 42% of them had no further loss, whereas those men who did not take the drug had lost their hair. This medication is not recommended for women.
This drug inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that then blocks the testosterone from being converted to androgen DHT. When this happens, the androgenic activity in the scalp is decreased. Thus, this helps treat hair loss through the hormones.
Finasteride, however, still have side effects. It is more on sexual dysfunction and it includes having risk of abnormal ejaculation, gynecomastia, impotence, erectile dysfunction, testicular pain, ejaculation disorder, and abnormal sexual function. Furthermore, depression can also become a side effect of this medication.
This comes in tablet form and taken by mouth. It is recommended to be taken once a day. It must be taken just about the same time daily. It should be taken as directed and never to take less or more than the prescribed amount. It should not be stopped without the physician’s advice.
The benefit of taking finasteride for hair loss may take at least 3 months before seeing its effects. It must be continued even the results have already been visible because discontinuing it can make the regrown hair lose again. If there is no improvement within 12 months of taking the drug, it is better to consult a doctor right away.
If a dose is forgotten, immediately take the medication the time it was remembered. Skip missed doses if it is just about time for the next dose then just go on with the regular schedule. Never take two doses to catch up for a missed one.
Finasteride is sold under the brand names Propecia and Proscar. Propecia is available in 1 milligram doses while Proscar is available in 5 milligram doses. This drug should be kept in a tightly-closed container and stored at room temperature. It must be kept away from moisture and heat.
Just like any other drugs, finasteride is not a perfect medication for everyone. It may be effective for many but it still has side effects. And, the side effects can even be severe for some. Before taking this, consult first a physician to check if it is suitable and appropriate for the person’s condition.
