Prescription Propecia – 7 Precautions You Need To Know
Prescription Propecia became available in 1998 after Merck & Co., the company that manufactures this drug obtained FDA approval. Since then with the opening up of numerous pharmacies online it seems easier than ever to obtain this drug.
However, be aware of the following precautions before you order prescription Propecia:
1. Propecia is for men only, and 1 tablet has to be taken orally each day. Be prepared to take it for many years as the hair you gain through the use of this drug can be lost once the medication is discontinued. Hence, calculate the expense and determine whether you are prepared for this financial outlay.
2. Although over 80% of the men in clinical trials experienced positive results in keeping their hair and seeing new growth, a small number, around 3%, experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. These side effects disappeared shortly after the drug was discontinued.
3. Prescription Propecia is specifically to help hair growth in the mid-scalp and crown area. There is no evidence to prove it is effective with a receding hairline or for hair loss on the temples.
4. The long term effects of taking prescription Propecia are unknown. If a man starts taking this drug in his twenties and has to continue to avoid hair loss, by the time he is in his fifties he will have been on the drug for 30 years. As Propecia has only been on the market since 1998 it is not possible to determine what effects this could have in the long term.
5. A personal consultation with your medical practitioner is recommended before taking any drug. Ordering from an online pharmacy may or may not be safe. A questionnaire has to be filled out before the online pharmacy can fill the order. Be sure you research the web site and look for symbols or links indicating the pharmacy is licensed and registered with a government agency.
6. Check that the web site you wish to order from has medical professionals acting as consultants and be prepared to ask questions directly to these professionals and evaluate the response, both for speed and professionalism.
7. Remember that individuals react differently to drugs and medications. Prescription Propecia may work well for some men and not for others. Be prepared to wait patiently for at least 2-3 months before drawing a conclusion at to whether Propecia is working for you or not. If you do not see a difference in your hair density after this time then consider stopping the medication.
While FDA approval certainly gives Prescription Propecia legitimacy, some search for alternatives in view of the unknown long term side effects and cost of continued usage.
NewHair Biofactors is one such alternative. It is a natural herbal solutions, non-prescription, and much cheaper than prescription Propecia.
Although not FDA approved, it has been on the market since 1993 and it it has helped thousands of men and women stop hair loss and increase the density of their hair growth, while maintaining a healthy scalp.
Clinical studies reported in the Medical Post of 1993 reported an 85.7% success rate in the 148 participants in the study. Check the resource box for details.
Prescription Propecia may just be the answer you are looking for to combat hair loss. On the other hand, if the precautions listed above make you cautious, it is encouraging to note there is an alternative which also has a high success rate.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Question – Does Propecia Work?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) gave its answer to the question “Does Propecia Work? when it gave approval to Merck & Co. to market this drug back in 1998.
For any drug to receive FDA approval, years of tests are involved and a huge investment of time and resources on the part of the pharmaceutical companies involved.
In the case of Propecia, over 1,500 men were involved in a two year study. The results showed that over 80% noticed an improvement in their hair growth and density. So the answer to the question “Does Propecia work?” is: Yes, in the majority of cases.
Obviously results differ on an individual basis and some men will experience better results than others. The drug needs to be taken daily for at least 2-3 months before making a final decision as to whether it is worth continuing.
Bear in mind that once you start taking Propecia you have committed yourself to a lifelong course of medication. Stop taking Propecia after hair has started to increase and you risk losing what you gained.
Just how does Propecia work?
The male hormone testosterone is involved. It is a contributing factor in the production of DHT, (Dihydrotestosterone) which can cause hair follicles to malfunction and shut down. Propecia blocks the process in which DHT is formed.
Each Propecia tablet contains 1mg of Finasteride, a drug originally used to combat prostate cancer in men over 50. It was prescribed in 5mg doses. It was noted that those who used this drug often experienced increased hair growth. Propecia is just the brand name of a different version of Finasteride specifically prescribed to combat male hair loss on the crown of the head or the mid-scalp area.
Does Propecia work for women too?
No. Precautions issued with the drug stress that this medication is for men only.
Additionally, although each tablet is coated pregnant women or women who think they might be pregnant are advised not to handle this medication. Contact with crushed or broken Propecia tablets can lead to deformities in the sex organs of male children.
Does Propecia work for all kinds of hair loss?
No. The drug is effective for hair loss on the crown of the head and mid-scalp. There is insufficient evidence to suggest it can help a receding hair line or loss of hair on the sides of the head.
From comments on user forums to do with hair loss it is evident that Propecia does work for many men. However, there are serious precautionary factors to consider:
1. This is a lifelong commitment which can be quite costly. Additionally the long term effects over decades of use are at this point impossible to predict.
2. A small percentage of men (around 3%) experienced various forms of sexual dysfunction including impotence, once they started taking Propecia. These effects quickly disappeared once the medication was stopped. In the clinical trials it is true that around 2% of the men using the placebo, a sugar tablet, also experienced forms of sexual dysfunction. So the number of men actually affected is quite small. However, it is important to be aware of these side effects.
Regretfully there is no ideal solution for hair loss at this time. However, there are a variety of choices available in combating hair loss. Prescription drugs such as Propecia are one option. Natural herbal remedies without side effects are another. See the resource box.
In conclusion: Does Propecia work? Yes, in the majority of cases from all the clinical evidence and user feedback available. Are you prepared for the possible implications of long term use? That is something you have to seriously consider.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What Alternative To Propecia For Hair Loss?
In searching for a viable alternative to Propecia, clinical trial results need to be compared in view of the impressive percentages recorded from Propecia’s trials before FDA approval in 1998.
Around 83% of the more than 1,500 men who took part in the trials experienced positive results with Propecia, either keeping the hair they had or seeing increased density. Is there an alternative to Propecia which can match this?
Yes, in the form of NewHair Biofactors from Nisim International. NewHair Biofactors is a natural herbal product which includes a deep cleansing shampoo and a growth generating extract.
Nisim International is a small company which operates from the Toronto area in Canada. It does not have the huge financial resources of Merck & Co, the makers of Propecia, and it has not put NewHair Biofactors through the lengthy and costly procedure necessary for FDA approval.
However, this alternative to Propecia has been on the market since 1993, (Propecia came out in 1998), and clinical trial results were published shortly after in the Medical Post Vol.29 pp61. of August 24, 1993. Copy and paste this link into your browser for the text of the article:
http://www.4-hair-loss-solutions.com/baldness-medical-post.html
The results indicated that 85.7% of the 148 men involved in the test had an increase in the number of hairs, ranging from significant to moderate.
Here are a number of advantages to consider when weighing up the viability of NewHair Biofactors as an alternative to Propecia:
- Propecia is a prescription only drug which needs to be taken orally each day while NewHair Biofactors is a non-prescription herbal solution which needs to be applied directly to the scalp each day.
- Propecia can only be used by men and it is specifically for hair loss on the crown of the head and the mid-scalp area. NewHair Biofactors can be used by men and women and it is effective for hair loss on all areas of the scalp.
- Propecia needs to be taken indefinitely to maintain hair growth and the long term side effects are not known. Short term side effects can include sexual dysfunction in a small number of users. NewHair Biofactors as an alternative to Propecia does not have any side effects and long term use to keep the hair and scalp in healthy condition is not a problem.
- Propecia uses the drug Finasteride in 1mg daily doses to prevent the male hormone testosterone from changing to DHT, the main culprit in hair loss. NewHair Biofactors uses natural herbal ingredients to neutralize DHT on the scalp and in the hair follicle.
- Propecia can be obtained from online pharmacies or through your local medical practitioner after a number of questions have been satisfied. If after 2 to 3 months no effect is seen, some suggest discontinuing the drug. The money spent is gone. NewHair Biofactors carries an unconditional, no questions asked, indefinite full money back guarantee.
- A year’s supply of Propecia can cost hundreds of dollars. NewHair Biofactors is available for at least half the cost.
As with any medication, the results seen will depend on the individual. No two people are alike and everyone reacts differently to medications and herbal solutions. So if you have been considering Propecia but found the long commitment and possible side effects a cause of anxiety, you may wish to consider NewHair Biofactors as a viable alternative to Propecia.
Use it for some months and if for any reason you are not satisfied, take advantage of the guarantee!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Propecia Side Effects – How Serious?
Propecia is the name of the drug Finasteride prescribed in 1mg doses to combat hair loss in men. Propecia side effects include some forms of sexual dysfunction which may alarm some users.
Just what is the evidence and are there any statistics to help us evaluate the risks involved with the side effects of Propecia?
The effects of Propecia and the side effects were noted on 1,553 males who took Propecia over a 2 year period.
Clinical trials produced the following statistics for Propecia side effects:
- Decrease in sexual desire: 1.8%
- Problems with erection: 1.3%
- Decrease in semen volume ejaculated: 1.2%
To put these figures into perspective, when monitoring Propecia’s side effects, 3.8% experienced some kind of sexual dysfunction while 2.1% of the men using a placebo also experienced the same problems.
Additionally, these side effects were reversible in the men who discontinued taking Propecia and within some weeks they had disappeared.
One point to note is that the stopping of Propecia can result in losing any hair that has been regrown. The drug needs to be taken indefinitely to maintain the hair growth and density.
However, if a user discontinued taking the drug after experiencing the Propecia side effects noted above, it is very unlikely he would experience any decrease in hair growth. This is because it takes between three to six months of daily use to see any increase in hair growth and the side effects are experienced well before then.
As Propecia effects hormone levels some men experienced tenderness in the breast. However, this was a small number and no more than those who used the placebo.
Another aspect of Propecia side effects has to do with the detection of prostate cancer. The drug Finasteride which is contained in the Propecia tablets was originally marketed to combat prostate cancer in men over 50. It was prescribed in 5 mg doses.
Finasteride can affect a man’s PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) which is often used as a screening test for prostate cancer. The use of Propecia may therefore affect the detection of prostate cancer. It has yet to be confirmed whether prolonged use of Propecia can actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
While the figures given above may not seem significant and in view of the fact these Propecia side effects are reversible if the drug is discontinued it may appear that there is little cause for concern.
However, another aspect should be noted. Even though a drug may receive FDA approval after rigorous tests and many years of clinical trials and reports, FDA approval does not mean the long term effects of a drug are known.
This perhaps is the most worrying aspect about Propecia’s side effects. The fact that young men often take this drug for male pattern baldness and maintaining their level of hair growth is dependent on taking the drug, it means that a man will be using this medication perhaps for decades.
Just what are the side effects of Propecia after decades of use? Since it was only approved in 1998 no one can say.
In conclusion: While Propecia side effects may seem almost inconsequential from the information currently available, a young man who uses it for life may have to deal with more serious consequences in the future.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Finasteride Propecia Hair Loss Drug – Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Finasteride Propecia is one of only two prescription drugs approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to combat hair loss. Originally Finasteride was used for prostate enlargement in men over 50.
Then in January 1998 the FDA approved Finasteride Propecia 1 mg per day for the treatment of hair loss in men. As with any prescription drug, there can be limitations and side effects.
Browse this FAQ page to get a basic understanding of how Finasteride Propecia works for hair loss and decide whether you will consult your doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription.
Just exactly what is Finasteride Propecia?
Finasteride for hair loss is a non-addictive oral medication manufactured by Merck & Co. Inc. under the name Propecia. Each film coated tablet contains 1 mg of Finasteride and it may be taken with or without food. Just swallow it with a glass of water.
Who is Finasteride Propecia intended for?
Men only! Women and children should not take this drug.
Additionally, pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets of Finasteride Propecia to avoid the risk of causing abnormalities in a male baby’s sex organs.
Men who are experiencing hair loss on the crown of the head or in the mid-scalp area may benefit from Finasteride Propecia. At present there is no evidence to prove it is effective for a receeding hairline or for hair loss on the sides of the head around the temples.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Taking 1 tablet per day (it makes no difference if the dose is increased) results are often seen within 3 to 6 months, namely, a slowing down or stopping of hair loss, and an increased hair density.
Do I have to keep taking Finasteride Propecia?
If you want to maintain the benefit of using this drug then continued use is recommended. It is possible you can lose the hair you gain 9 to 12 months after you stop taking the drug.
What results can I expect?
Results obviously vary from person to person. Many men note a slowing down of hair loss after taking Finasteride Propecia and an increase in the number of visible scalp hairs, although it seems you will not be able to grow back all hair you have lost by taking this drug.
Clinical studies showed that after two years approximately 8 out of 10 men either kept their hair or grew more. 17% of the 1,553 men involved in the test continued to lose hair.
How does Finasteride Propecia work?
The medication causes a significant drop in DHT levels in both the scalp and the blood. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main culprits in causing hair loss. Finasteride Propecia blocks the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into DHT.
What are the side effects of Finasteride Propecia?
About 3.8% of the men involved in clinical trials experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. As the percentage indicates, the likelihood is uncommon and the side effects disappeared within a few weeks once the medication was stopped.
The side effects become apparent before the user notices any improvement in hair growth. This is important to note as there is no risk of losing any hair gained through stopping the medication.
From the information presented above it can be seen that the decision to use Finasteride Propecia to combat hair loss must be thought out carefully.
Pros And Cons
On the negative side, there is a small risk of sexual dysfunction and the medication has to be taken indefinitely to maintain any improvement in hair growth.
On the positive side, there is a high chance this medication will make a difference to hair loss and the chances of re-growth.
Consult with your doctor and see whether he feels you would be a good candidate for Finasteride Propecia!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rogaine Review – Lesser Known Details Brought To Light
Rogaine hit the world by storm back in 1988 after gaining FDA approval. Since then many Rogaine review articles have been published extolling the virtues of this wonder drug in promoting hair growth.
However, it is necessary to read between the lines and do more thorough research into the background of this drug to get an objective Rogaine review.
In his ebook “Hair Loss No More”, Jonathon E. Phillips, an international hair loss analyst who has helped many people including celebrities and sports professionals, presents lesser known information regarding the marketing of Rogaine. (See resource box for more information)
While Mr. Phillips’ book provides a complete education on hair growth and hair loss including his own Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen, the Appendix section contains helpful information on popular hair loss drugs and remedies including Rogaine.
While this information is to be found with a little digging on the internet on public domain web sites operated by the US government, we owe it to Mr. Phillips for bringing lesser known facts into the spotlight that should be carefully considered when looking for an objective Rogaine review.
As you will discover by checking government sources, Rogaine is a brand name for the drug Minoxidil, manufactured by the Upjohn company, which was originally prescribed for patients with high blood pressure. Those who took the drug noticed increased hair growth.
In view of the huge interest worldwide for a product that would stop hair loss and promote new hair growth, the media obviously took great interest in this information. Upjohn realized it could be sitting on a virtual goldmine and invested time and resources into testing Minoxidil for hair loss.
Numerous studies were initiated in different parts of the USA and the public interest in these tests can only be described as phenomenal.
Herein lies the danger with any Rogaine review. The public in general desperately wants to find a hair loss remedy. It seemed from the intense interest surrounding the Rogaine tests that the public just ‘wanted it to work.’
The 1987 hearing held by the FDA (Federal Food & Drug Administration) lasted for four hours and was attended by hundreds of people including 40 financial analysts and a number of television crews.
The five doctors on the panel unanimously approved Rogaine as safe and effective but warned it was not a cure all. The panel chairman even made the comment that he didn’t consider it a major medical breakthrough. It was shown to be effective on a small number of those tested.
In fairness to Upjohn, when giving information for promotional material, they stressed that results were better for younger men who had been losing hair for less than 10 years. They also pointed out that it was only effective on the crown of the head, not on the sides or for receding hairlines.
It seems when considering many a Rogaine review that these details are glossed over to a certain extent.
Yes the manufacturer clearly states Rogaine does not work for everyone and individual results will vary.
Also consider this: Embarking on a treatment of Rogaine will last for many months and involve an outlay of a few hundred dollars. Those who see some improvement then need to maintain the medication to avoid losing any hair gained.
As clinical test results showed about 55% of the men who used Rogaine saw some improvement, there is a fair chance a user might be in the 45% who didn’t see any improvement.
Mr Phillips makes an astute observation however regarding the effect of Rogaine’s main ingredient, the drug Minoxidil. It serves to underline one of the main philosophies in his book “Hair Loss No More.”
The fact that Minoxidil was originally prescribed for high blood pressure with a resultant side effect of increased hair growth in some patients underscores the connection between good blood circulation and hair growth.
Pay attention to your diet so as to maintain healthy blood, invest time and energy in proper exercise to contribute to good blood circulation, and you are well on the way to a healthy head of hair. The hair follicle needs nourishment from the blood and Minoxidil seems to prove that.
So if you are considering a course of Minoxidil for hair loss, be aware when reading through a Rogaine review and try and analyze it objectively. Is it full of hype? Is sufficient attention drawn to the limitations of Rogaine or is it a case of the writer ‘wanting’ the product to work?
Make your own Rogaine review after considering all the facts!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Does Rogaine Work? The Facts!
Rogaine is the brand name for a drug which contains Minoxidil in 2% and 5% doses designed to combat hair loss. The main question is: Does Rogaine work?
Consider these facts:
Minoxidil was originally developed to reduce high blood pressure. One of the side effects noted was increased hair growth in some patients. This aspect of the drug was then utilized to market a medication with huge profit potential given the number of men and women in the global market concerned about hair loss or thinning hair.
The individuals who experienced this side effect would obviously answer YES to the question “Does Rogaine work?”
However, the human body is a complex organism and each individual responds differently to drugs and medications. What works for some may not work for others.
The manufacturers of Rogaine brought out a heavier dosage version, called Rogaine Extra Strength (5%). Some sources report that this version of Rogaine was 45% more successful in stopping hair loss and generating new growth than the standard version (2%).
However, it is important to note these other observations:
About 55% of the men who took part in clinical trials reported an improvement in their hair loss dilemma. This means that in some men hair loss stopped, in others, hair loss not only stopped but there was an increase in density of hair on the scalp.
So 55 out of 100 men would say that Rogaine does work to a degree. The other side of that percentage is that 45 men out of 100 did not see any difference.
Added to that, it appears that Rogaine works best on younger men whose hair loss has not gone longer than 10 years. Also the bald patch should be smaller than 4 inches across with some hair growth in the middle.
Does Rogaine work for hair loss on any part of the scalp?
The answer to that is No! Rogaine can improve hair growth or at least stop hair loss on the top of the scalp, called the vortex area. Hair loss on the sides (temples) or a receding hairline are not helped by Rogaine.
The lower dosage 2% version can be used by women. They are not advised to use the extra strength as the 5% version can result in increased facial hair growth which many women would find unacceptable.
In this though Rogaine scores an advantage over the other FDA drug approved for hair loss, namely Propecia. Propecia is only for men as it works in a different way to Rogaine by neutralizing DHT through a process involving the male hormone testosterone. So at least women have some hope of arresting hair loss by using Rogaine.
In the hair loss industry it pays to be skeptical over wild claims of success. According to government guidelines, there is no current treatment that can be guaranteed to stop hair loss and promote new hair growth.
So keeping those factors in mind a realistic answer should be given to the question: Does Rogaine work!
Yes, Rogaine does work for some but be prepared for disappointment. Rogaine can help hair loss on limited areas of the scalp, it is not a total hair loss solution.
Additionally, only when it is used daily and persistently does Rogaine work for some. Patience and determination are needed as results may not be seen for some months. Hair loss can even increase in the early stages of taking the medication so be prepared to stick with the treatment.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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