Propecia (generic name Finasteride), the first and only pill to treat androgenetic alopecia, was developed to treat male pattern hair loss in the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. Propecia is proven to maintain or increase hair count in most men.

What type of results should be expected?Propecia (finasteride) begins to block the formation of DHT immediately. However, because hair grows slowly, visible results from Propecia take some time. Most men may begin to see the first benefit of Propecia-slowing hair loss- as early as 3 months. In clinical studies, it was not just 'peach fuzz' but real hair growth on both vertex and anterior mid-scalp area. Propecia must be continued to maintain any beneficial results. If you cease treatment, any hair you have gained is likely to be lost within 12 months.

Warning -Propecia is a MEN ONLY treatment for hair loss, women are strongly advised not to take or come in to contact with Propecia. Propecia may cause abnormalities of the baby's sex organs, a condition known as hypospasdias.

Side Effects -Like all prescription products, Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia.

The active ingredient in Propecia is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash. In clinical studies with Propecia, these side effects occurred as often in men taking placebo as in those taking Propecia.

Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual effects.

Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.

Proscar is used to treat a medical condition in men called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. BPH is a condition where your prostate gland (which is near your bladder) has become bigger making it more difficult for you to pass urine. This can lead to symptoms such as: weak or interrupted stream of urine feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely delay before you start to pass urine needing to pass urine often, especially at night feeling that you must pass urine right away.

BPH occurs only in men and is common over the age of 50 years. BPH can lead to serious problems, including urinary tract infections and the sudden inability to pass urine at all.

The prostate gland takes years to grow. Therefore, the symptoms of BPH take a long time to develop. Proscar works by slowly reducing the size of your prostate gland. This may lead to gradual improvement in your urine flow and other symptoms over several months. Proscar also helps reduce the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine (acute urinary retention) and the need for surgery. This may happen whether or not you notice any improvement or change in symptoms.

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Finasteride was originally used for the treatment and reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia and marketed under the trade name Proscar by Merck and Co., On December 22 1997, 1mg of Oral finasteride was approved by the FDA as a treatment for Male Pattern Baldness.

The retail Rx price for Propecia is approximately equal to the retail Rx price for Proscar. Both tablets are made by Merck and contain only Finasteride: a Proscar tablet has 5mg, a Propecia tablet has 1mg. Cost-conscious consumers therefore purchase Proscar and divide the 5mg tablet, thereby enjoying the benefits of Propecia for about ? the price of Propecia.