Propecia FAQ

What is PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is a medical breakthrough the first pill that effectively treats male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area.

What is some of the most important information I need to know about PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (at the top of the head) and the anterior mid-scalp. PROPECIA was studied in men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate amounts of hair loss. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas. PROPECIA is for use by men only. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. In addition, a small number of men experience certain sexual side effects. PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking PROPECIA. 

Does PROPECIA really work?

Based on two 24-month vertex studies of men ages 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss, the clinical results of PROPECIA are impressive:

83% maintained their hair based on hair count (vs. 28% with placebo), 66% had visible regrowth as rated by independent dermatologists (vs. 7% with placebo), 80% were rated as improved by clinical doctors (vs. 47% with placebo), and most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and improvement in appearance.

Only a doctor can determine if PROPECIA is right for you. PROPECIA is for MEN ONLY. Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

You may need to take PROPECIA daily for 3 months or more to see visible results. PROPECIA may not regrow all your hair. And if you stop using this product, you will gradually lose the hair you have gained. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas. If you haven’t seen results after 12 months of using PROPECIA, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

Like all prescription products, PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, a very small number of men experienced certain side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA.

Taken once a day in tablet form, PROPECIA is simple, easy, and most important clinically demonstrated to be effective in most men.  PROPECIA helps grow natural hair not just "peach fuzz" and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day.

How does PROPECIA work?

The causes of hair loss are not well defined; however, researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT are believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase, and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in a thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Finasteride (the active ingredient in PROPECIA) blocks the formation of DHT and, in this way, appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss in men. PROPECIA has been proven to effectively lower DHT in the scalp.

Most important, PROPECIA helps grow natural hair, not just "peach fuzz," and is as convenient to take as a vitamin: one pill a day.

What is DHT?

DHT is one of many male hormones in the body. DHT is developmentally important early in a man’s life; however, it appears to be a cause of hair loss as men get older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair.

Who should not take PROPECIA?

PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY.  Further, women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROPECIA because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs.   PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

Does PROPECIA work for all men?

At the conclusion of a 24-month study of men age 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss at the top of the head, 83% treated with PROPECIA maintained their hair as determined by hair count (vs. 28% with placebo).  Most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and improvement in appearance.  Although results will vary, generally men will not be able to grow back all of the hair they have lost.

Can PROPECIA help maintain my hair count?

PROPECIA is proven to maintain hair count in most men.  It's the medical breakthrough men have been waiting for.   In clinical studies, hair count was maintained in men taking PROPECIA, while men taking a placebo (a pill with no medication) continued to show progressive hair loss.

Imagine looking in the mirror two years from now and seeing essentially the same amount of hair you saw this morning!  Now, PROPECIA makes this possible for the vast majority of men.

Can PROPECIA increase as well as maintain my hair count?

At 24 months, 66% of the men in our studies regrew hair at the top of the head (vs. 7% with placebo) as determined by an expert panel of dermatologists.  An assessment by the study investigators rated 80% of men on PROPECIA as improved (vs. 47% with placebo).  This was not just "peach fuzz," but real hair and growth occurred in both the vertex (at top of the head) and anterior mid-scalp area.  There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for recession at the temporal areas.

How long will it take for PROPECIA to work?

PROPECIA begins to block the formation of DHT almost immediately; however, because hair grows slowly, visible results from PROPECIA take some time. In clinical trials, most men began to see the first benefit of PROPECIA slowing hair loss as early as 3 months. After 6 months, men may begin to experience regrowth. If PROPECIA does not work within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

Can I get better results by taking PROPECIA more than once a day?

Take PROPECIA as prescribed, and always follow your doctor's instructions. PROPECIA won't work any faster or better if you take a tablet more than once a day.

How long do I have to take PROPECIA?

You need to take PROPECIA for as long as you want to continue to benefit from use.  If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

What about long-term use of PROPECIA?

PROPECIA has been tested for two years in clinical studies of 1,200 men.

Does PROPECIA have any side effects?

Like all prescription drugs, PROPECIA may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from PROPECIA were uncommon and did not affect most men. A very small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA.

How does PROPECIA compare with other products available for the treatment of hair loss?

PROPECIA is the only pill indicated for male pattern hair loss.  Merck has not conducted clinical trials comparing PROPECIA with other medicines and therefore cannot make any comments. You should discuss this issue with your doctor.

How is PROPECIA supplied?

PROPECIA is available as a 1-mg tablet. This tablet is tan in color and is octagonal (has eight sides). It is film-coated, rounded, and has a somewhat elevated surface. Each PROPECIA tablet is marked with a "stylized P" logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other. The tablets are supplied as individual bottles of 30 tablets and in PROPAK®, a carton of 3 bottles, each containing 30 tablets for a total of 90 tablets.

How should I take PROPECIA?

The recommended dosage for PROPECIA in men with male pattern hair loss is a single 1-mg tablet taken by mouth once a day. PROPECIA may be taken with or without meals. You may need to take PROPECIA daily for three or more months before you see a benefit from taking PROPECIA. PROPECIA can only work over the long term if you continue taking it. Continued use is recommended to obtain maximum benefit. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment. You should discuss this with your doctor, and follow your doctor’s instructions.

How much does PROPECIA cost?

Local pharmacies set prices according to their specific needs and Merck has no control over retail prices. You should contact pharmacies in your local area to obtain that pharmacy's price.

Based on historical mark-ups at the retail level, we expect the retail price to be about $50 per month. Please understand that this is an estimate. Actual retail prices in your area may be higher or lower. You may want to check several pharmacies to obtain the best price.

Does PROPECIA help at all with receding hairlines? I have not experienced hair loss at the top of my head but I do want to stop my receding hairline. Can PROPECIA ® (finasteride) help?

There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works in the treatment of receding hairline in the temporal area on both sides of the head. However, for most men, PROPECIA can slow the loss of hair at the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. For many men, PROPECIA can also increase hair growth, helping to fill in thin or balding areas on the scalp. Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all of the hair that you have lost. Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time. On average, healthy hair grows only about half an inch each month. Therefore, it will take time to see any effect.

PROPECIA is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY. PROPECIA is not indicated for women or children, and should not be used by women or children. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets because it may cause abnormalities of a male baby's sex organs. For 12 months, doctors studied over 1,800 men with different amounts of ongoing hair loss at the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. Of these men, approximately 1,200 with hair loss at the vertex were studied for an additional 12 months. In general, men who took PROPECIA maintained or increased the number of hairs and noticed improvement in the hair.

If the drug has not worked for you in twelve months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

Are you planning to market a similar pill for women?

No.

Do you have to go to the doctor in order for this to be prescribed?

Yes. PROPECIA is available only when prescribed by a healthcare professional.

How does the effectiveness of your product compare with Rogaine and Kevis?

There have been no published clinical trials comparing the efficacy of PROPECIA and Rogaine in men. Please discuss any questions with your physician, who is in the best position to advise you on your specific medical condition.

PROPECIA is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. All other brands mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Merck & Co., Inc.

Are there drug interactions with PROPECIA when used with other medications?

Since your physician is most familiar with your medical history, any questions that you may have regarding this product should be discussed with your him/her. Drugs that have been tested include antipyrine, digoxin, propanolol, theophylline, and warfarin, and no interactions were found. Discuss this further with your doctor.

Why can't women take this medication? Women are experiencing hair loss as well.

PROPECIA is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY. PROPECIA should not be used by women or children. Merck cannot recommend the use of a product for any use other than its indication.

Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken tablets of PROPECIA. If a woman who is pregnant with a male fetus absorbs the active ingredient in PROPECIA, either by swallowing it or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities of the male fetus sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in PROPECIA, a doctor should be consulted. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

Is PROPECIA ever going to be made an over-the-counter drug? I feel uncomfortable talking about hair loss, so having easy access to PROPECIA would be great.

There are no plans at present. PROPECIA is available only by prescription.

PROPECIA is a registered trademark of Merck & Co., Inc. All other brands mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Merck & Co., Inc.

Does PROPECIA grow hair to replace a receding hairline? If not, does it stop or slow down the recession?

There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works in the treatment of receding hairline in the temporal area on both sides of the head. However, for most men, PROPECIA can slow the loss of hair at the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. For many men, PROPECIA can also increase hair growth, helping to fill in thin or balding areas on the scalp. Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all of the hair that you have lost. Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over time. On average, healthy hair grows only about half an inch each month. Therefore, it will take time to see any effect.

If the drug has not worked for you in twelve months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

Will PROPECIA have an effect if I am trying to father a child?

There was no effect observed on the sperm count or sperm quality (motility or structure) in men treated with finasteride (the generic name of PROPECIA) who took one milligram a day for 12 months.