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Propecia (finasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor intended for the treatment of male pattern hair loss, restoring the ability of your follicles to reproduce hair. It works by blocking the production of the specific male hormone by the body responsible for lack of hair growth.
Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests; prostate cancer; a bladder muscle disorder; stricture of your urethra; or if you are unable to urinate.
Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia and should not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in Propecia, a doctor should be consulted. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
Some evidence suggests that Propecia may cause symptoms of depression. A team of scientists stated in 2006 that their research demonstrated significant increases in depression among men who used Propecia. The researchers recommended that people with a high risk of depression should not use the drug.
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