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Hair loss is a common and distressing condition. Genetics, age, stress, hormone changes, poor lifestyles and health conditions can play a major role. Androgenetic alopecia, referred to as hereditary hair loss or male and female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss mainly caused by genetics. Androgenetic alopecia affects up to 50% of men and women. In males, it appears as hair loss or thinning around the hairline or on the crown (vertex) of the head. In women, it appears as hair thinning and a wider hair parting. [1]

While there is no cure for androgenetic alopecia, over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications can be taken to improve hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Propecia is one of the medications prescribed to individuals who suffer from androgenetic alopecia.

Throughout this blog, we explore the suitability, dosage, efficacy and potential side effects of Propecia to help you be informed when considering or taking this specific medication to treat your hair loss.

 

Table of Contents

Can Propecia Regrow a Hairline?

Propecia is a brand name of a prescription medication used to treat androgenetic alopecia. It is owned by Organon, a subsidiary of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck & Co (MSD). 

Propecia comes in the form of oral tablets. The recommended dosage is one 1mg tablet taken daily with or without food. Each tablet contains an active ingredient called Finasteride and inactive ingredients including lactose, microcrystalline cellulose E460, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate E572, hypromellose E464, hydroxypropyl cellulose E463, titanium dioxide, talc, yellow iron oxide E172 and red iron oxide E172.

Propecia’s active ingredient, Finasteride, belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This active ingredient blocks the body’s conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT on the scalp decrease the growth phase of hair follicles and cause hair loss. By lowering DHT levels on the scalp, Propecia can reverse the process and regrow a receding hairline caused by mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. [2] It can take up to 6 months of consistent use for individuals to see improvements in hair growth and density.

Why is Propecia Only For Men?

Propecia is FDA-approved and MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) approved in the UK for treating androgenetic alopecia in men over the age of 18 years. However, it is not approved for use by women, especially those who are pregnant, who may become pregnant or breastfeeding. Propecia can be absorbed by the skin, causing potential harm and birth defects in male foetuses. In addition, there is not enough evidence to determine if Propecia is effective or safe for women with female pattern baldness. It may be prescribed to women in rare cases. 

The use of Propecia should be avoided if you [4]:

  • Have liver or bladder problems
  • Are already taking Finasteride or Dutasteride to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Have ever experienced depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Have a hypersensitivity to Finasteride or any other ingredient in Propecia

How Much Does Propecia Cost?

Propecia is not available on the NHS, it is only available through a private prescription. Therefore, individuals are expected to pay the full cost. [3] The cost of Propecia can depend on the pharmacy and quantity. As of August 2024, a box of Propecia (4-week supply) can cost between £40 and £60 from UK pharmacies. For example, a 28-tablet box of Propecia 1mg starts from £49.99 at Chemist Click.

Is Propecia a Safe Drug?

In general, Propecia is a safe and well-tolerated hair loss medication for men with androgenetic alopecia. Most individuals do not experience any side effects. Similar to other prescription medications, there is a risk it may cause some side effects. 

Uncommon side effects (affects 1 in every 100 people):

  • Low libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decrease in ejaculate volume

Serious side effects:

  • Breast enlargement or tenderness
  • Testicle pain
  • Blood in semen
  • Post-Finasteride Syndrome
  • Infertility 
  • Anxiety
  • Depression or suicidal thoughts

Side effects are often temporary with continued use or disappear when medication is discontinued. If you are experiencing any serious side effects, speak to your healthcare provider. [5]

Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to Finasteride or another ingredient after taking Propecia. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat
  • Skin rash
  • Hives (lumps under the skin)
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing 

If you or a loved one experiences an allergic reaction, discontinue Propecia and get medical help immediately. 

How Effective is Propecia in Hair Loss?

There are many studies on the efficacy of Propecia (Finasteride) for male androgenetic alopecia. 

One clinical trial reported that 48% of men taking Finasteride showed hair growth improvement after 1 year, compared to 7% of men who received a placebo. After 2 years, 66% of men reported further improvement in hair growth. Over 5 years, 90% of men either maintained or sustained visible improvement in scalp coverage. [6]

Another study showed a significant increase in hair growth in men taking Propecia for mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. After one year, 65% of men reported an increase in hair growth, compared with 37% of those on placebo. The study also found that the improvement in hair growth was maintained over 5 years. [7]

Is There an Alternative to Propecia?

Propecia is the branded version of Finasteride, but it is also available in unbranded versions which are typically cheaper. For instance, a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg (4-week supply) starts from £13.89 at Chemist Click. If cost is a factor in deciding between Propecia and unbranded Finasteride, the unbranded version is more budget-friendly in the long term. 

Before taking Propecia or Finasteride, please visit your healthcare provider to discuss your specific hair loss condition and determine the right approach.
Sources

  1. Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. (2024). Androgenetic Alopecia. Retrieved on 28th August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613674/
  2. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2024). Propecia 1 mg Film-Coated Tablets. Retrieved on 28th August 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2194
  3. NHS (n.d.). About Finasteride. Retrieved on 28th August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/about-finasteride/
  4. NHS (n.d.). Who can and cannot take Finasteride? Retrieved on 28th August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/who-can-and-cannot-take-finasteride/
  5. Organon. (2023). Package Leaflet: Information for the user Propecia® 1 mg film-coated tablets. Retrieved on 28th August 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2194.pdf
  6. Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, Savin R, DeVillez R, Bergfeld W, Price VH, Van Neste D, Roberts JL, Hordinsky M, Shapiro J, Binkowitz B, Gormley GJ. (1998). Retrieved on 28th August, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9777765/
  7. Merk & Co. (2010). Propecia. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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