Propecia Tablets

What is Propecia?

Propecia is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient finasteride 1mg, which belongs to a class of drugs called Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This medication is specifically formulated and licensed for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Mechanism of Action

Finasteride works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase Type II, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Think of this process like a key (testosterone) being transformed into a more powerful master key (DHT) that can cause hair follicles to shrink in genetically susceptible individuals. By blocking this conversion, Propecia reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 60%, which helps reverse the hair thinning process.

Biological Pathway

In male pattern hair loss, hair follicles on the scalp have a genetic sensitivity to DHT. When DHT binds to receptors in these follicles, it triggers a process called miniaturisation, where the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle shortens, and the resting (telogen) phase lengthens. This results in progressively thinner, shorter hairs with less pigment until the follicles eventually stop producing visible hair altogether. Propecia interrupts this pathway by reducing the amount of DHT available to affect susceptible hair follicles.

What is Propecia Used For?

Propecia is specifically indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men aged 18 years and older. It is most effective for men with mild to moderate hair loss affecting the vertex (top of scalp) and anterior mid-scalp area.

Approved Indications

Target Patient Populations

Propecia is suitable for men who:

• Are experiencing thinning hair or receding hairline consistent with male pattern baldness
• Have mild to moderate hair loss (Norwood-Hamilton scale stages II-V)
• Are not completely bald
• Understand that treatment requires continuous long-term use
• Have realistic expectations about results (3-6 months for initial improvement)

Before Using Propecia

Before starting Propecia, it's important to discuss your medical history with a healthcare professional to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.

Medical History Assessment Checklist

Inform your clinician if you have or have had:

• Liver disease or abnormal liver function tests
• Prostate cancer or elevated PSA levels
• Urinary problems due to prostate enlargement
• Allergies to finasteride or any other medications
• History of depression or mood disorders
• Fertility concerns or plans to father children

Required Baseline Evaluations

Before prescribing Propecia, your clinician may:

• Assess your pattern of hair loss to confirm diagnosis of male pattern baldness
• Discuss your treatment expectations and timeline for results
• Review potential side effects, particularly sexual side effects
• Consider PSA testing if you are over 40 or have prostate cancer risk factors

Propecia Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Do not take Propecia if:

• You are a woman (especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy)
• You are allergic to finasteride or any ingredients in Propecia
• You are already taking finasteride or dutasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• You are under 18 years of age

Risk Stratification

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

While Propecia is primarily used in younger men for hair loss, no dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients. However, elderly men should be aware that finasteride can affect PSA levels, which are often monitored in older men for prostate cancer screening.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

No specific dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with renal impairment. For those with liver impairment, caution is advised as finasteride is extensively metabolised in the liver, though no specific studies have been conducted in this population.

Pediatric/Adolescent Restrictions

Propecia is not indicated for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age. There are no data demonstrating efficacy or safety of finasteride in this population for the treatment of hair loss.

Propecia and Other Medicines

Propecia has few clinically significant drug interactions, but you should always inform your clinician about all medications you are taking.

High-Risk Medication Combinations

• Other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Do not take Propecia if you are already taking finasteride (in higher doses for BPH) or dutasteride as this represents duplicate therapy.

Medications Requiring Caution

• Medications metabolised by CYP3A4: Theoretical potential for interaction, though no clinically significant interactions have been identified.

Concurrent Use with Other Hair Loss Treatments

No specific information is available about using Propecia with topical minoxidil, another common treatment for hair loss. If considering combination therapy, discuss with your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy Warnings

• Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy must not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets
• Whole tablets are coated to prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling
• If a pregnant woman accidentally comes into contact with crushed tablets, she should speak to her doctor immediately

Breastfeeding

Propecia is not indicated for use in women. It is unknown whether finasteride is excreted in human milk, but due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, women should not breastfeed while taking finasteride.

Driving & Machine Operation

Propecia is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. No studies have shown impairment of mental alertness or physical coordination with finasteride use.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Although rare, if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or other symptoms that might affect your ability to concentrate, avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal again and have consulted with your healthcare provider.

Propecia Ingredients

Active Ingredient

• Finasteride: 1mg per tablet - the therapeutic component that inhibits 5-alpha reductase

Excipients (Inactive Ingredients)

Allergen Warnings

Propecia contains lactose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, meaning it is essentially 'sodium-free'.

How to Use Propecia

Always take Propecia exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dosage without medical advice.

Step-by-Step Administration

1. Take one tablet once daily, with or without food
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water
3. Do not crush or break the tablets, especially if you are a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant
4. Try to take your tablet at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels
5. Continue treatment as long as directed by your doctor to maintain benefits

Propecia Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage

Treatment Timeline Expectations

It's important to have realistic expectations about Propecia treatment:

• 3-6 months: Initial improvement may be noticed
• 12 months: Maximum benefit typically seen
• Continuous use: Required to maintain benefits

If you stop treatment, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 9 to 12 months.

Administration Instructions

Optimal Timing

Propecia can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Many users find it helpful to associate taking their tablet with another daily routine (like brushing teeth) to maintain consistency.

Special Handling Precautions

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets
• Store tablets in their original packaging until ready to use
• Do not transfer tablets to other containers

Missed Dose Management

If You Forget to Take a Dose

• If you forget to take your Propecia tablet, take it as soon as you remember
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

If You Take Too Much Propecia

If you take more than the recommended dose of Propecia:

• Contact your doctor or seek medical advice immediately
• Take the medication packaging with you to show healthcare professionals
• Do not take extra tablets to "catch up" - Propecia will not work faster or better if you take more than the recommended dose

Symptom Management

In studies of finasteride, doses of up to 400mg daily have been administered without serious adverse effects. However, if overdose occurs, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. There is no specific antidote for finasteride overdose.

Propecia Side Effects

Like all medicines, Propecia can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild and may resolve with continued treatment or disappear when treatment is stopped.

Serious Side Effects - Stop Taking and Talk to Your Doctor Immediately

• Allergic reactions: Swelling of lips, face, tongue, throat; difficulty swallowing; hives; breathing difficulties
• Depression: Feeling of severe sadness and unworthiness
• Breast changes: Lumps, pain, enlargement, or nipple discharge (may indicate breast cancer)

Frequency-Based Side Effects

Reporting Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

How to Store Propecia

Storage Conditions

• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not store above 30°C
• Keep in the original package to protect from moisture
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging

Disposal Protocols

• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste
• Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use
• Proper disposal helps protect the environment

Propecia Pack Information

What Propecia Looks Like

• Tan, eight-sided, film-coated tablets
• Marked with a 'P' logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other

Available Pack Sizes

• Blister packs of 28 tablets (1 month supply)
• Blister packs of 84 tablets (3 month supply)

Marketing Authorisation Holder

Organon Pharma (UK) Limited, Shotton Lane, Cramlington, United Kingdom, NE23 3JU

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