Propecia - Use as a treatment for hair loss

In a study of 5-year to men with mild to moderate hair loss, 48% of those treated with Propecia (finasteride 1mg) experienced some regrowth of hair, and another 42% had no further loss. Average hair count in the treatment group remained above baseline, and has shown an increasing difference from hair count in the placebo group, for all five years of study. [10] Propecia is effective only as long as it is received; hair gained or maintained is lost within 6-12 months off therapy. [11] In clinical studies, Propecia, like minoxidil, was shown to work on both sides of the crown area, hairline, [12], but is most successful in the crown.

Some users, in an effort to save money, buy Proscar instead of Propecia, and split the Proscar pills to approximate the Propecia dosage. Doing so is generally considered unadvisable if women of pregnancy age are in the family; this is because finasteride, even in small concentrations, can cause birth defects in a developing male fetus. The birth defects related to the development of male genitalia (no such effects were observed in the development of female fetuses). In most product inserts, it will be mentioned that the dust or crumbs from broken Proscar tablets should be kept away from pregnant women.

Propecia has been shown to be ineffective for treating hair loss in women. [Quote needed] However, Propecia's supporters respond that the study was post-menopausal women whose hair loss was more likely related to loss of estrogen versus a sensitivity to testosterone. Many doctors prescribe it for women, but not without either careful birth control measures or assurance that the woman can not become pregnant.