How Can You Reduce The Side Effects Of Finasteride
The best way to reduce side effects from finasteride is to talk with your doctor before you start taking the drug.
Tell them about your complete medical history, including any medications you take. This helps your doctor determine whether finasteride is safe for you to take. Other medical conditions you may have or medications you may take could increase your risk for side effects from finasteride.
In addition, your doctor can tell you about symptoms of side effects to watch for while youre taking finasteride. They can also let you know whether you have a higher risk for specific side effects.
For more information on the possible side effects of finasteride, see the Finasteride oral tablet side effects section above.
A Definitive Guide To Finasteride For Male Androgenetic Alopecia By A Dermatologist
Finasteride is a medication used to tackle the condition androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness.
If you are here then the chances are youve heard about Finasteride being used against hair loss. But what does it actually do and does it help?
Take a look below to find out more about this medication and the general FAQs with regards to Finasteride.
Is Saw Palmetto A Good Hair Supplement For Hair
In the fight against androgenic alopecia, ruby shampoos, masks and compounds containing sulfur palm extract work best. In addition, oral saw palmetto supplementation was found to increase hair density in approximately 83% of cases after 6 months, with both men and women experiencing a “dramatic increase” in hair density.
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How Male Pattern Balding Works
Balding in men can occur at any point throughout their lives with up to 60% experiencing hair loss by the age of 50.
Known as androgenic alopecia, male pattern hair loss is normally a condition that is hereditary and linked to both genetics and hormones.
Hair grows from follicles. But, as balding and hair loss occurs, those follicles get smaller until little or less hair than previous grows from that spot. As the follicles shrink, hair gets thinner and shorter. This is known as miniaturization of hair follicles. Hair also falls out a lot faster compared to normal non-balding hair.
The science behind this stems from testosterone, which is then converted into another hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This hormone is the one that shrinks follicles and means the scalp generates less hair.
Interactions Between Propecia And Other Medications
Propecia may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Propecia . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- St John’s Wort
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Using Finasteride & Minoxidil
One of the best ways to use finasteride is in combination with minoxidil, a topical medication that stimulates hair growth.
Minoxidil works by shortening the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle and moving hair follicles into the anagen phase.
It also stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which may help to promote hair growth.
Research has found that finasteride and minoxidil are more effective at stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth when used together than when used separately.
For example, in a study published in the journal Dermatologic Therapy, researchers compared the effects of minoxidil and finasteride alone with a combination of the two medications.
They found that 59 percent of the men treated with minoxidil experienced improvements over the course of 12 months, as did 80.5 percent of the men treated with finasteride.
In comparison, 94.1 percent of the men who used both medications over the same time period showed improvements.
We offer minoxidil and finasteride together, along with other science-based products for treating hair loss, in our Hair Power Pack.
Unlike finasteride, which comes in tablet form, minoxidil is available as a liquid or foam thats applied directly to your scalp.
Our guide to applying minoxidil explains how to use it, as well as what to expect from this type of hair loss medication.
Finasteride Oral Tablet Dosage
The finasteride oral tablet dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on the type and severity of the condition youre treating.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
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What Is Finasteride And Does It Work
Finasteride is a UK prescription-only oral medication that can be used to tackle hair loss and pattern baldness in men.
In recent years, this generic, non-branded, version of the hair loss drug Propecia has grown in popularity due to its effectiveness and low cost.
- 66% of men showed increased hair growth
- 5% showed a great increase
- 31% showed a moderate improvement
- 30% of men showed a slight improvement
- 83% of men in the trial showed no further hair loss
As you can see from these results, Finasteride is highly effective at halting hair loss and male pattern baldness, and even increases hair growth for most users.
How Should I Take Propecia
Take Propecia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Propecia can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
It is important to use Propecia regularly to get the most benefit. You may need to take Propecia daily for three months or more before you see a benefit. Propecia can only work over the long term if you continue taking it. If the drug has not worked for you in twelve months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment. You should discuss this with your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen to check for prostate cancer. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store Propecia at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
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Finasteride Oral Tablet And Fertility
A 2013 study found that finasteride may lower sperm counts in some males who take the drug. The same study showed that sperm counts returned to usual levels in most cases after treatment with finasteride ended.
Talk with your doctor about how finasteride may affect your fertility before you begin treatment with the medication.
Can Finasteride Oral Tablet Be Crushed Split Or Chewed
The manufacturer hasnt stated whether finasteride oral tablets may be crushed, split, or chewed.
Its important to note that anyone who is pregnant shouldnt handle finasteride oral tablets that have been crushed or broken. This is because even skin contact with crushed or broken finasteride tablets could cause harm to a fetus. In case of skin contact, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water.
Finasteride oral tablets that havent been crushed or broken have a protective film coating that makes them safe to handle.
Before you crush, split, or chew finasteride oral tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether this is OK with the tablets youre prescribed. They may also suggest other treatments for your condition that may be easier for you to take.
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How Long Do You Have To Take Finasteride
Daily use of finasteride for three months or more may be necessary before a patient will notice the prevention of further hair loss or increased hair growth. There are no controlled clinical data on treatment for longer than 12 months. It probably will be necessary to continue treatment indefinitely to maintain the benefits.
Does Saw Palmetto Work As A Hair Loss Treatment For Men
In fact, the enzyme-blocking ingredients in Saw Palmetto work in the same way as the synthetic ingredients in prescription hair loss medications. However, research on the efficacy of saw palmetto in treating hair loss is limited. However, one study found positive results for men given topical saw palmetto and a 10 percent trichogen herbal complex.
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Finasteride & Hair Transplants
When it comes to hair transplants and Finasteride there are a few scenarios that may affect results.
Firstly, if you are thinking of getting a hair transplant you may consider taking Finasteride for a minimum of a year before going under the knife especially if you are under 30 and the rate of your hair loss progressing is still being evaluated.
This is because it can take Finasteride anywhere from 6 months 1 year to start showing results.
Waiting for this time allows a surgeon to work on thinner areas of the scalp that may not have been covered or dense before starting the drug.
In 2005 it was found that taking 1mg of Finasteride daily improves hair transplant scalp areas and increases hair density.
I Am Not Seeing Any Results As My Hair Appears To Look The Same Even Though I Have Been Taking Finasteride For 3 Years
You are seeing results as the condition of male pattern hair loss is progressive. This means that it continues to progress with time. Studies show that 26% of terminal hairs are lost on average after 5 years. If you are seeing no change then the medication is reducing progression which is a positive result.
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Propecia Vs Generic Finasteride
Most men opt to take the generic finasteride, as it can be purchased for around $10 per month. Propecia typically costs $50-$60 per month. Insurance will not cover these medications.
The men who choose to spend extra money on Propecia usually do it for one reason and one reason only: consistency. You know exactly what youre getting with Propecia, every time, as its manufactured to the same standards without deviation.
On the other hand, there are many different generic versions of finasteride available, which are manufactured throughout the world.
The active ingredient is the same, of course. And its unlikely, in my view, that your results will be dramatically different, whether you go with the generic or the name-brand Propecia.
But if you do use a generic and have positive results, it would probably be wise to stick with the same version of that generic medication for as long as possible to ensure consistency. Consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist about this if you have any questions or concerns.
How To Use Saw Palmetto Oil For Hair Loss
Saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, moringa oil, baobab oil, blackberry seed oil, linseed oil, rosemary essential oil, peppermint oil, cedar essential oil, oregano essential oil Apply 23 drops to the scalp of the affected area and massage very gently into the scalpscalp. Leave it on overnight or at least 30 minutes before showering.
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Finasteride Oral Tablet For Hair Loss
Finasteride oral tablets are approved for treating male pattern hair loss. This is the most common cause of hair loss in males.*
With this condition, hair loss occurs at the highest point of the scalp. It also occurs at the front part of the side of the head, near the temples. Its possible that genetics play a part in this type of hair loss.
Male pattern hair loss may be due to an unusual response to hormones called androgens. Finasteride helps prevent hair loss by lowering the amount of certain androgens in the body. For the details of how finasteride does this, see the How finasteride oral tablet works section below.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term males in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Effectiveness for hair loss
Clinical studies have found finasteride to be effective for treating male pattern hair loss. To learn how well the drug worked to treat this condition, check out finasterides prescribing information.
The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends finasteride as a treatment option for male pattern hair loss.
If you have questions about how well finasteride works for treating hair loss, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking Finasteride With Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the only other hair loss product on the market that is recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists.
Minoxidil is applied to the scalp and areas suffering hair loss. However, it has been shown that topical Minoxidil is less effective than Finasteride for male pattern hair loss.
Taking both together is likely to have a synergistic effect as the medicatons work in different yet complimentary ways.
Finasteride can be combined with minoxidil in a topical solution for those not wishing to take either medication orally.
Minoxidil can be given orally with Finasteride for those wishing to take oral medicaitons only.
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How Long Does It Take To See Finasteride Results
You should expect to see the results in a few months. It’s wise not to expect finasteride results immediately.
Finasteride results begin with slow effects from the first dose. In the first three months, hair fall is necessary to make room for newer hair strands.
In the next three months, hair volume becomes slightly thicker. Finally, bald patches on your scalp begin to fill up in the next six months.
Although finasteride treatment gradually takes effect in the timeframe mentioned above, it may be different for everyone. For some people, finasteride works slowly. For others, the results may be slower or not appear at all, even after a year.
Let’s see a breakdown of the Propecia results timeline to see how this medication can do wonders for your hair and specifically, hair loss.
Should You Use Finasteride
You may notice some side effects of finasteride throughout the timeline.
There are some reactions that your body will give during finasteride. These symptoms may happen during the first few weeks or the first month when you begin using finasteride.
Here are some common ones:
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If you notice any of the above while you’re on finasteride medication, there’s no need to worry about it. These signs are proof that benefits will show up sooner or later.
However, these signs should disappear in the beginning. They shouldn’t be happening in the long run. If you’re having male pattern hair loss after you stop using finasteride, consult a hair specialist or doctor immediately.
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