Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia is the first and only prescription pill to be FDA approved for treating hair loss. The generic name for the drug is Finasteride and it is a 1 mg pill that is taken orally once a day. Propecia has been clinically proven to work on the vertex (back of head) and the anterior mid-scalp area (top of head towards the front). It is not indicated for the hairline, but many people are successful at stopping recession in the front while on this medication.

Propecia works by suppressing the Type II 5a-reductase enzyme from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone or DHT. If you recall from the All about hair loss section, Type II is the 5a-reductase enzyme found in hair follicles and DHT is what causes the hair follicle to shrink and lie dormant. By stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT you decrease the levels of DHT in the hair follicle, which stops the hair loss and stimulates regrowth. For many people this is the miracle pill for hair loss.

The common side effects of this medication and the other two off label use prescriptions listed on this site (Avodart and Proscar) are similar. They are sexually related side effects such as erection problems, decreased semen, and a decreased sex drive. All three medicines are well tolerated and the occurrence of side effects is low.

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