Propecia

  • Propecia is a hair loss medication for men, taken orally (in the form of a pill).
  • Available by prescription only, Propecia costs about $60 a month, and is usually not covered by health insurance.
  • Propecia was approved by the FDA as a prescription drug in 1997.
  • Propecia is a smaller dosage (1mg) of an existing drug called Proscar (finasteride 5mg), used to treat the enlarged prostate gland. It has demonstrated the ability to help stop hair thinning and hair loss, and promotes hair growth in men with mild-to-moderate hair loss.
  • Propecia blocks male hormones that contribute to hair loss.
  • Propecia has been found to cause impotence, reduced sex drive and lower sperm count in a small percentage of users.
  • As with Rogaine, Propecia must be taken continually, or hair loss will start again at the pretreated rate.