Finasteride (generic for Propecia®†) is an FDA-approved medication used to treat male pattern hair loss (gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men). Finasteride belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

† Propecia is a registered trademark of MERCK & CO

Finasteride works by blocking the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to DHT, the hormone believed to contribute to hair loss in men.

Daily use for at least three months may be necessary before a patient will notice the prevention of further hair loss or increased hair growth.

In studies, 80% of men taking Finasteride 1mg preserved their original hair follicle counts and 64% experienced some regrowth after two years of continued use. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it, and it may take up to 3 months to notice a difference.

You must continue to take this medication to maintain your hair growth. When you stop taking finasteride, any gain in hair quantity is generally lost within 12 months.

Finasteride is not indicated for use in women with hair loss (female pattern hair loss). Finasteride is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant, because it may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus.