How does Propecia work?

The drug works by blocking certain enzymes that regulate the operation of the hair follicle. This enables hair follicles to again continue their function of growing hair. As well, the drug lowers the levels of dihydrotestosterone (a hormone known to cause male pattern balding in the scalp), and subsequently promotes hair growth. Researchers have yet to determine whether Propecia has a positive or negative effect on the gut microbiome.

Do you have to have a prescription for Propecia?

A prescription for Propecia is necessary to acquire the drug.

Why is the drug prescribed?

This drug has been specifically designed to treat male pattern balding.

How is Propecia taken?

The octagonal tablets are designed to be taken orally once a day with or without food. Doctor’s recommendations should be followed.

How fast does it work?

A minimum course of 3 months is generally required to observe benefits. Withdrawal from treatment before this time could see the complete reversal of new hair growth within one calendar year.

How is Propecia metabolized?

Propecia is metabolized in the liver and has a half life of 4-7 hours. On average, following a full 3 month course of treatment, it takes 3 months for the drug to entirely exit the body.

How safe is Propecia?

Propecia is a relatively safe drug for men but should be avoided by pregnant women and women in general. An important precaution is that pregnant women should avoid handling crushed or broken pieces of the Propecia tablets. This is because the active ingredient in Propecia, called finasteride, can be absorbed through the skin and would potentially harm a male fetus. Also, although uncommon, it is important to immediately inform a doctor of any allergic symptoms including hives or swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat occur while taking the drug.

What are some common side effects?

The most common side effects include a lowered sex drive, as well as ejaculation problems including decreased amounts of semen released during sex.

Can you do a PSA test while taking Propecia?

As Propecia has been known to significantly raise PSA levels in the body the PSA test should be avoided while taking the drug.

Is there a generic version of the drug?

Generic versions of the drug currently exist in Canada and the United states as, “Finasteride” (the active ingredient in Propecia). Are Rogaine and Propecia the same? Although similar in function to the popular hair loss drug Rogaine, the two drugs promote hair growth in different ways. Propecia is taken orally and works on the hormonal level, while its counterpart Rogaine operates topically and is applied directly to the areas of the scalp where hair growth is desired.

Where can I buy Propecia online?

If Propecia is your male pattern balding medication of choice, it can be bought directly from Canadian Online Pharmacy, and with their quick shipping would arrive promptly at your door.

DESCRIPTION

Propecia (Finasteride) is an Rx medication that was initially used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate gland.

Later, it was discovered that there was a remarkable side effect— some patients started to grow hair. By dropping the dose of finasteride to 1 mg, researchers found a way to correct male pattern baldness, a hereditary condition that affects close to 50 percent of the male population of 50 or older.

Finasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Finasteride treats male pattern hair loss by blocking the body's production of a male hormone in the scalp that stops hair growth.

Finasteride is also 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 has not been shown to treat thinning hair at the temples and is not used to treat hair loss in women or children.

Taking finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss, please be aware that it may take at least 3 months before you see any improvement because hair loss and growth happens slowly over time. However, you should expect to see improvement during the first 12 months of your treatment. If you have taken finasteride for 12 months and have not noticed any improvement, further treatment probably will not help. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue your treatment.

Finasteride will only slow hair loss while you are taking the medication. Continue to take finasteride even if you have already noticed an improvement but do not stop taking finasteride without talking to your doctor. You will probably lose any hair that grew back while you were taking finasteride during the first 12 months after you stop taking the medication.

PACKAGING

Brand Propecia comes from Canada and is manufactured by Merck. No generic equivalents of Propecia is available. This medication is available as the Brand of Propecia, in doses of 1 mg in quantities of 84 tablets.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Please, do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. These measures will help to protect the (our) environment.

Please note that the manufacturing country and the manufacturer may vary depending on the availability.

DELIVERY

The standard shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00. Orders are normally dispatched in 2-3 working days after the order is processed. Your package will be delivered by regular mail in 10-14 business days after it is shipped out.

For more information and further assistance, please feel free to Customer Service at 604-581-4000 or email us at customerservice@canadawidepharmacy.com.

SIDE-EFFECTS

Please keep in mind that, just because a side effect is listed here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience any side effect – we are all different.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: lump in the breast, nipple discharge, breast enlargement/tenderness/pain, pain in the testicles, inability to urinate.

Decreased sexual ability/desire may occur. In some men, this medication can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless, but has continued in some men even after stopping treatment. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

SAFETY

Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, urinary problems.

WARNINGS (1) Caution During Pregnancy Women should not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets when they are pregnant, or may potentially be pregnant, because of the possibilities of absorption through the skin, of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets have not been broken or crushed. Exposure of pregnant women to semen from men treated with Propecia has not been shown to pose any risk to the fetus.

(2) Blood Donation Patients taking Propecia should not donate blood as this blood may potentially be given to pregnant women.

(3) Not Used in Women This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Can Other Medicines Affect Propecia?

This medication can affect the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer (prostatic-specific antigen or PSA levels). If you have a PSA test done, make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.