Propecia Hair loss 28 starter pack

Propecia

Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition that will affect about half of all men by the time they reach their forties.

Like many signs of ageing, male pattern hair loss affects different people in different ways; some take it in their stride, while others are deeply impacted by it. Men who suffer from premature balding are more likely to suffer some form of anxiety as a result of the condition; while it is not possible to cure male pattern hair loss, it is possible to reverse the effects with medication.

Hair loss treatment is not available for funding under the NHS. For this reason, many men don’t realise that it is possible to get prescription medication for the condition. It is possible for you to get a private prescription for hair loss treatment online with Oxford Online Pharmacy. Simply add the product(s) that you want to your basket and go to check out. Once you have completed the process, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire; this will be assessed by a doctor, who will issue a private prescription if appropriate.

The process couldn’t be simpler; the cost of your prescription is included in product price, and your doctor is on hand to ask any questions that you may have.

Propecia and other medication containing the active ingredient Finasteride are the only drugs that are licensed in the UK for treating hair loss. We know that you may have some questions about Propecia; below you will find answers to our customers’ most frequently asked questions:  

• What is it?
• What is it used for?
• What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?
• What are the side effects of Propecia?
• What happens if I stop taking Propecia?

What is Propecia?

Propecia is a branded product which contains the active ingredient, Finasteride. Finasteride is a Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and is usually the first port of call of people seeking effective hair loss treatment.

Hair loss is a natural part of the hair’s life cycle for men and women. However, in men, an increase in testosterone can lead to thinning hair, which can eventually result in baldness.

An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into another hormone: dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Hair follicles are sensitive to DHT, and with increased exposure to the hormone, the follicles narrow. This means that every time a hair falls out naturally, the new hair grows back a little bit narrower. Eventually, the hair is so fine that it can’t break through the surface of the skin. Propecia inhibits the impact of Type II 5-alpha reductase, reduces the amount of testosterone that turns into DHT, thereby promoting the return of thicker, healthier hair.

What is Propecia used for?

Propecia is used to treat male pattern hair loss on the anterior mid-scalp area and vertex. Like many treatments for progressive conditions, the earlier hair loss treatment is used, the more effective it is; Propecia cannot reverse complete baldness.

What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?

Propecia contains the active ingredient, Finasteride, which is the only drug licensed in the UK for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. In 2014, the UK patent for Propecia expired, which meant that other companies could produce products containing generic Finasteride. In short, Finasteride and Propecia work in the same way, but Propecia is the original brand.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

All drugs carry the risk of side effects. For Propecia, side effects include reduced libido or erectile dysfunction (ED). Usually, these side effects are reversed once the patient ceases treatment. With progressive treatment, the risk of reduced libido or ED reduces over time. After 2-4 years of taking Propecia, the risk is eliminated completely.

In very rare instances, the use of Propecia and other drugs containing Finasteride is thought to lead to breast cancer. Additionally, there are rare reports of men taking Propecia suffering from suicidal thoughts. If you begin to suffer from anxiety or suicidal thoughts or if you notice changes in the breast or nipple areas, contact your doctor immediately.

Propecia affects your hormones and can have an impact on some blood results. If you need a blood test for PSA (prostate-specific antigen), it is important that you let your doctor know that you are taking Propecia, as it can affect the results. 

What happens if I stop taking Propecia?

Propecia isn’t a cure for male-pattern hair loss, it just helps to widen the affected hair follicles while you are taking the medication. If you stop taking Propecia, over time the hair that grew back will become thin and fall out again. Depending on the level of regrowth and how long you were taking Propecia, you are likely to lose the hair that you regained within a year.

Regardless of the risks of stopping taking Propecia, if you experience an allergic reaction or any serious side effects, it is important that you stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor.

We understand that hair loss can be an emotional journey and that, for many, finding hair loss treatment online can have a huge impact. Oxford Online Pharmacy is on hand to give you professional advice on the best course of action for you. If you have any questions about hair loss treatment or the prescription and consultation process, please do get in touch.

You can find out more by reading the patient information leaflet click here

Authored by Dr Roisin Mchugh, on 8 November 2019. Reviewed by Stuart Gale, on 10 November 2019.