The increase in the level of testosterone hormone in men with old age causes the production of dihydrotestosterone in these people, which will cause them to experience hair loss. This type of hair loss, which is known as male pattern hair loss, is one of the main causes of hair loss in men.
In the hair transplantation course, all topics related to hair loss care and treatment methods are taught by experienced people. One of the most effective and well-known drug treatments is finasteride (brand name Propecia), which is an oral medication for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. We will tell you the step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride below.
What is the finasteride?
For treatment, there is a specific pattern of male pattern hair loss (MPHL), which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescribing under the supervision of doctors. The function of Finasteride drug is that this drug inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase which is the main reason for this model of hair loss in men and by using it, it is possible to prevent the increase in the amount of DHT in the body, which results in a decrease in the amount of hair loss and We will be its regrowth.
What is male pattern baldness?
male pattern baldness
Before the step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride it is better to know about the pattern of male pattern baldness that is related to the use of this drug. MPB (medically known as androgenic alopecia) usually becomes noticeable in men in their late twenties or early thirties. However, it can affect men at any time after the onset of puberty.
Pattern baldness develops at different rates in different men. Primary MPB (male pattern baldness) progresses more quickly than men who start losing hair later in life. The most common pattern of hair loss is receding the frontal hairline. This is followed by thinning hair on the crown and temples.
Hair loss continues to progress, until all that remains is a horseshoe area of hair covering the back and sides of the head. Sometimes, MPB (male pattern baldness) can leave the head completely bald. Pattern baldness can also affect women, although it is less common. Women often suffer from hair loss such as thinning hair on the top of the head.
What can be done about male pattern baldness?
Some men find their hair loss painful and prefer to try hair loss treatment. There are products that are designed to slow down hair loss. These products are based on two drugs – minoxidil and finasteride.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil was discovered during trials to treat high blood pressure, during which it showed signs of hair growth ability. Minoxidil-based products are applied to the scalp as a liquid or foam. It is designed to increase blood flow to hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil can be taken by both men and women.
Minoxidil doesn’t work for everyone, and even if it does, it’s effective as long as it’s used. After you stop treatment, the regrown hair will likely fall out within three to four months, and your hair will continue to fall out at the same rate it did before. This medicine contains 5% or 2% minoxidil. The evidence on which it is most effective is inconclusive. Side effects are also more likely to occur with higher strength products. Side effects can include dry and itchy scalp, changes in hair texture, and heart palpitations.
Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication only for men 18 years of age and older, available generically or under the brand name Propecia. It works by reducing the level of androgens in the bloodstream, allowing the hair follicles to return to their normal size. You need to take finasteride for three to six months before you see any benefits. After stopping the pills, hair loss generally returns to pre-treatment levels within nine to 12 months.
Side effects can include loss of sex drive (sexual desire) as well as the inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). Finasteride should not be taken by women.
Ingredients of Finasteride
In the step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride, it should be said that the main ingredient of finasteride is available in both powder and crystal form. The melting temperature of this material is 250 degrees Celsius and its chemical formula is C23H36N2C2. This substance is not soluble in water. Therefore, solutions containing dilute alcohol or chloroform solutions should be used to dissolve it. The composition of this medicine is such that it reduces the production of hormones that reduce hair growth or stops it completely. In this way, the use of this medicine will lead to hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Finasteride benefits
- Preventing hair loss in men or effectively reducing hair loss
- Increase hair growth by taking care of hair follicles and strengthening them
Types of finasteride
finasteride
There are two Iranian and foreign types of finasteride tablets available in the market. The foreign version of this drug is known as Fin Peshia and the Iranian version is known as Finasteride. Both Iranian and foreign types of medicine are available in doses of 1 and 5 mg. In the step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride, you should know that a dose of 5 mg of this drug is prescribed to treat prostate problems. A dose of 1 mg is used to treat hair loss.
How to take finasteride
Finasteride comes in the form of tablets, and the way to take it is the same as any other pill you have taken in your lifetime. For the treatment of hair loss, a one percent dose is suitable, which is usually taken with food. Of course, the doctor usually sets a specific time for taking the medicine, which is better not to change it and take the medicine on time every day. Note that taking more than one finasteride pill per day can be dangerous.
Recommendations before and during the use of finasteride
In the step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride” you will be told the points that you must follow. These items include:
- If you have a certain drug allergy or are allergic to certain substances, be sure to inform your doctor.
- If you are suffering from a certain disease or are using a certain medicine, be sure to inform your doctor; because the compounds of these drugs may interact with finasteride; Therefore, the doctor will change the dose or time of use, prescribe the treatment under consideration, or remove this drug from your treatment options.
- Inform your doctor if you have previously had prostate liver problems or have prostate or liver cancers.
- This drug is allergenic, so it is better for the doctor to conduct tests to ensure that the person does not have an allergy before prescribing.
- When buying medicine, be sure to pay attention to its dosage; Because this drug is available in doses of 1 and 5 mg.
- After each use, be sure to close the lid of the pill box tightly and keep it out of the reach of children.
- Finasteride tablets should be stored in a dry and cool environment at room temperature.
- Never take more than the dose prescribed by the doctor; Because excessive use of this drug may cause some respiratory problems in people.
- If the date of use of the medicine has passed, stop using it and be sure to follow the instructions for disposing of the medicine.
- Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeinated foods and drinks as much as possible.
- If you need surgery during the treatment, be sure to let your surgeon know about the use of this medicine.
Precautions for taking finasteride tablets
Before starting to take finasteride, if you are allergic to this drug (or any other drug), be sure to inform your doctor. Before starting to take this medicine, provide your medical records to your doctor. In particular, inform the doctor of the following:
- Liver disease
- Prostate Cancer
- infection
- Urinary problems
The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the surface coating of the tablet is broken or swallowed, it should not be touched by a pregnant woman (women who intend to become pregnant). Skin absorption or oral consumption of finasteride in pregnant women can lead to genital abnormalities in male babies. Women (especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding) are not allowed to use finasteride; Because this drug can harm the fetus or infant.
Finasteride side effects
In the article step-by-step Guide to taking finasteride, we should also talk about the side effects of this drug. Common side effects of this medicine are itching, swelling of the face and lips, skin allergies or hives. The probability of these complications is different in different people; But they all disappear shortly after consumption. If the side effects persist for a long time, inform your doctor.
Finasteride side effects in men
Although preventing the conversion of the testosterone hormone into its active form, dihydrotestosterone, can stop the hair loss process; But continuous use of finasteride is associated with unwanted side effects such as the following:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence
- Decreased volume of semen. For this, you must consult a doctor; Because this complication may be related to prostate cancer.
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement) and increased irritability and breast sensitivity to touch
- Male ejaculation problems such as premature ejaculation (PE)
final word
In the step- by-step Guide to taking finasteride you are given complete explanations about taking this type of pill. This pill is not prescribed for women, especially pregnant women, and instead, men should take it in appropriate doses in certain circumstances. This medicine has advantages and disadvantages. That is why it must be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
When you visit Afarinesh Clinic for hair loss treatment, the best necessary prescription will be made for you.
Frequently asked questions about Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Finasteride
- What is finasteride?
This pill is designed to prevent hair loss. - What are the uses of Finasteride tablets?
1. For hair loss 2. Prostate treatment. - What are the side effects of finasteride?
Decreased libido, Swelling of the face and lips, Erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence and Skin allergies or hives.
