Propecia

Enlarged Prostate, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Hirsutism + 4 more
Treatment
7 FDA approvals
20 Active Studies for Propecia

What is Propecia

FinasterideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFinasteride is a synthetic drug that blocks the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is approved by the FDA to treat two conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Finasteride can be taken orally and is often combined with an alpha-blocker such as doxazosin to treat BPH. By blocking the effects of DHT, finasteride can reduce symptoms related to BPH and slow hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia.
Propeciais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Propecia Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Propecia
Finasteride
1997
58

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is approved by the FDA for 7 uses which include symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) .
symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Doxazosin
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Helps manage Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Enlarged Prostate
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Doxazosin
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Doxazosin
Androgenetic Alopecia
Helps manage Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Doxazosin
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
Used to treat a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score in combination with Doxazosin

Effectiveness

How Propecia Affects PatientsFinasteride is a drug used to reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It works by blocking an enzyme that makes DHT and reducing the amount of DHT in the body. After taking finasteride, DHT levels can drop by up to 70% within 8 hours and will usually return to normal within 14 days of stopping the medication. Finasteride is used to shrink enlarged prostates, prevent further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness, and reduce the risk of disease progression in those with enlarged prostates. In clinical trials, finasteride was found to promote hair growth
How Propecia works in the bodyFinasteride works by targeting and blocking an enzyme known as Type II 5α-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone that helps to stimulate prostatic growth. By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride can reduce prostatic volume and slow hair loss. It also may help to reduce bleeding from prostate issues by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the prostate.

When to interrupt dosage

The dosage of Propecia is contingent upon the observed condition, including Enlarged Prostate, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. The amount of dosage also varies, in accord with the application approach outlined in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hirsutism
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Androgenetic Alopecia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Enlarged Prostate
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Prostatic Hyperplasia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
, 5.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.001 mg/mg
Tablet, Tablet - Oral, , Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral, Solution - Topical, Topical, Solution, Capsule - Oral, Capsule

Warnings

Propecia has two recognized contraindications and thus should not be consumed for the conditions given in the following table.Propecia Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Finasteride may interact with Pulse Frequency
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Propecia.
Common Propecia Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Clonidine
Major
The metabolism of Clonidine can be decreased when combined with Finasteride.
Propecia Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of finasteride in rats is 418mg/kg. In mice, a single dose of 400mg/kg for males and 1000mg/kg for females has been found to be fatal. In a 24-month study, no signs of tumorigenic potential were discovered. In a 19-month study, high doses caused an increase in the incidence of testicular Leydig cell adenomas and increased serum LH levels. In vitro tests showed no signs of mutagenicity. Taking finasteride has been linked to erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and loss of libido, but these usually
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Propecia Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Propecia?

38 active studies are currently underway to assess the effectiveness of Propecia in providing relief from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Enlarged Prostate and a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hirsutism
0 Actively Recruiting
Enlarged Prostate
16 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
Androgenetic Alopecia
8 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score
0 Actively Recruiting
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1

Propecia Reviews: What are patients saying about Propecia?

5Patient Review
11/8/2015
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've been using this medication for three months now, and it has stopped my hair loss by about 90%. There are some side effects that come with it, like no morning wood and a lower libido. However, I'm hopeful that things will go back to normal if I give it a few more months.
5Patient Review
10/22/2017
Propecia for Enlarged Prostate
I've been taking 5mg daily for about a year for enlarged prostate, and am seeing significant hair regrowth, and shrinkage in my prostate. Also, I am urinating more frequently along with the regrowth. I can still obtain a nice erection, hard as a rock.
5Patient Review
10/16/2019
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started to see results within four months of using this product. My hair is now thicker than it was before, and I'm no longer finding any hairs on my keyboard.
5Patient Review
7/23/2020
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've been using this treatment for 25 years and have had no observed side effects. I'm also happy to report that I still have a full head of hair!
5Patient Review
3/19/2022
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started losing my hair at 27, and after six months of taking Propecia, my hair was noticeably better. I tried switching to the cheaper generic version, Finasteride, but it didn't work at all. So I would recommend just sticking with Propecia--even though it's more expensive, it's worth it.
5Patient Review
11/8/2015
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've been taking this medication for three months now and it has stopped my hair loss by about 90%. There are some side effects, like morning wood being a thing of the past, but I can still get erections--just not as quickly as before. My doctor said that if I stop taking the medication for three months, everything should go back to normal.
5Patient Review
10/22/2017
Propecia for Enlarged Prostate
I've been taking 5mg daily for about a year for enlarged prostate, and am seeing significant hair regrowth, and shrinkage in my prostate. Also, I am peeing like a racehorse along with the regrowth.
5Patient Review
10/16/2019
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started taking finasteride when I noticed my hair was thinning and falling out. Within a few months, there was a noticeable difference not only to me but also to my barber. My hair has stopped falling out and is even thicker than before.
5Patient Review
7/23/2020
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've been using this treatment for 25 years and have had no adverse effects that I can tell. Plus, it seems to be working great--I still have a full head of hair!
5Patient Review
3/19/2022
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started losing my hair at 27, and after I began taking propecia, my hair gradually got better and better. However, when I switched to the generic brand finasteride, I stopped seeing results. In conclusion: Propecia is expensive but it works--no side effects for me, fortunately.
4Patient Review
3/5/2017
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started at a high dose but had to reduce it due to testicular pain. The lowerdose has no side effects that I've noticed. My libido hasn't been affected, which is great.I'm using this treatment for my receding hairline and saw small results after 10 months.
4Patient Review
1/20/2015
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've noticed that Propecia (or the generic equivalent) can lead to some pretty significant erectile dysfunction and fluctuations in sex drive. I was wondering if taking it at night would help alleviate these problems during the day.
4Patient Review
1/20/2015
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've noticed that Propecia can cause erectile dysfunction and a decrease in sexual drive. I'm wondering if taking it at night will help me function during the day.
4Patient Review
7/15/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've been on this medication for over two decades. While it did help to halt my hair loss, I never saw any regrowth. Additionally, my libido has all but disappeared and the amount of semen I produce has decreased significantly. These may be permanent side effects that I'm not willing to risk by stopping the medication, even though I don't like the idea of being reliant on a drug forever.
4Patient Review
3/5/2017
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started seeing small results after 10 months of use.
4Patient Review
7/15/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I've taken this drug for 20+ years. It stopped the onslaught of hair loss pretty quickly for me but I never regrew what I already lost. HOWEVER, my libido is practially non-existent and the amount of semen I now produce is down to a mere dribble. I'm concerned these may be permanent but I'm also fearful that if I stop taking it, I'll be bald in no time.
3.7Patient Review
1/20/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I started the medication at 25 and while I didn't see a full head of hair regrow, there was enough coverage to fill in all the empty areas. However, I experienced serious erectile dysfunction as a side effect and stopped taking it. Now I'm just hoping the ED isn't permanent for long-term Propecia users.
3.7Patient Review
1/20/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I was 25 when I started the medicine. While I certainly didn't regrow a full head of hair, it did cover all empty areas quite well. Unfortunately, one major side effect that I experienced was ED. I just stopped taking it and am hoping that the ED is not a permanent side effect for long-term Propecia users.
3.3Patient Review
5/12/2013
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I took propecia for over 10 years and then switched to finestaride when I learned they were the same drug. They both work well for hair loss, but after noticing issues with my erections and other sexual problems, I did some research and found that these side effects are all directly related to Propecia/finestaride. So if you're taking this medication, please be aware of the potentially devastating consequences it can have on your sex life.
3.3Patient Review
1/28/2013
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
Propecia was great for my hair, but the acne and sexual side effects were not worth it.
3.3Patient Review
5/12/2013
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I have taken propecia for over 10 years. I then found out propecia is finestaride. So I started saving money by buying finestaride instead. Anyway, they work great for the hair, but after noticing my ED and other sexual related issues,I started to look into my medications,and there it was "POW" All of my sexual side effects are directly related to "PROPECIA". Please ,if you are taking this medication,"STOP" It has long term and possibly life consequences that will destroy your sex life.
3.3Patient Review
1/28/2013
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
Propecia was great for my hair, but it came with some major drawbacks. My skin became incredibly acne-prone, to the point where I looked like a hormonal teenager. Additionally, I had real difficulties sustaining an erection. Thankfully, all of these side effects went away after I stopped taking the medication.
2.3Patient Review
7/13/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I experienced ED while taking this medication, and even after I stopped. This was really discouraging and frustrating for me, especially because it never occurred to me that the Propecia could be the cause.
2.3Patient Review
7/13/2012
Propecia for Male Pattern Baldness
I stopped taking Propecia a while ago after hearing that it can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Unfortunately, I've still been experiencing ED long after I stopped taking the medication.
1Patient Review
3/11/2022
Propecia for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems
I would recommend avoiding this medication. It had a seriously negative impact on my sex life, causing low libido and impotence. Additionally, it changed the pitch of my voice.
1Patient Review
3/11/2022
Propecia for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems
I would strongly recommend avoiding this medication. It had a profound negative impact on my sex life, including loss of desire and impotence. Additionally, it caused my voice to change to a higher pitch.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about propecia

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Propecia do?

"Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss, which is when the hair on the scalp gradually becomes thinner, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head."

Answered by AI

What does Propecia do to your hair?

"This medication is used in men and women

This medication works by decreasing the amount of DHT, a natural body hormone. This leads to increased hair regrowth and slower hair loss."

Answered by AI

What are side effects of Propecia?

"Some potential side effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculatory disorder, and swelling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet. Other potential side effects, though rarer, include male breast cancer, dizziness, and headache."

Answered by AI

Why you shouldn't take Propecia?

"About 50 lawsuits have been filed against Merck, alleging that Propecia can cause prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or male breast cancer, according to a financial statement from the company. Other lawsuits have been filed against Merck over claims of memory loss, or a combination of sexual side effects and memory loss."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of Propecia?

"Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculatory disorder, swelling in face, arms, hands, legs, or feet, breast tenderness or swelling, male breast cancer, dizziness, headache."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Propecia used for?

"Finasteride is a medication that is used to treat male pattern hair loss and balding. It works by preventing the production of a hormone called DHT, which can lead to hair loss. Finasteride is available in two forms: Propecia and Proscar. Propecia is a lower-dose form of finasteride that is used to treat male pattern hair loss, while Proscar is a higher-dose form that is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia."

Answered by AI

Can Propecia regrow hair?

"The text is saying that while Propecia has been shown to slow down hair loss, it cannot regrow hair that has already been lost."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Propecia

Image of Center for Human Nutrition in Fayetteville, United States.

Higher Protein Diet for PCOS

18 - 50
Female
Fayetteville, AR
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a significant public health problem and is one of the most common hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, increasing their risk for cardiometabolic health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, and stroke) especially if they are overweight. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and regular physical activity, may alleviate metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS and are often the first line of management for patients with PCOS. Several studies have identified protein as a key nutrient for regulation of energy balance, maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, and improving cardiometabolic health across the lifespan. However, the effect of increased protein intake (30% of total energy intake) on cardiometabolic health in women with PCOS has not been well-defined and mechanisms for these effects have not been identified. There is an evident need for well-designed, randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of increased protein intake in women with PCOS on markers of cardiometabolic health. Preliminary data from collaborative projects with the investigators on this proposal suggest that increasing protein in the diet has the potential to improve markers of cardiometabolic health, potentially through improvements in body composition and/or changes in cortisol, energy metabolism, inflammation, and neurological regulators
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Center for Human Nutrition
Image of Center for Human Nutrition in Fayetteville, United States.

Protein Meals for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

18 - 50
Female
Fayetteville, AR
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and reproductive dysfunction. Dietary strategies that improve postprandial insulin and glucose responses are central to managing metabolic symptoms in PCOS. Meals higher in protein can attenuate postprandial glycemia and enhance satiety, but the effects may vary by protein source. Animal sources of protein typically have higher essential amino acid content and insulinogenic potential, whereas plant proteins offer fiber and phytochemicals that may influence glycemic dynamics differently. Few studies have directly compared the acute metabolic effects of plant versus animal protein in women with PCOS. Given the distinct pathophysiology of PCOS, extrapolating findings from healthy populations may be misleading. Understanding protein-specific effects on postprandial insulin, glucose, and appetite-regulating hormones in this group is essential for targeted nutrition guidance. Additionally, plant-based diets are increasingly promoted for cardiometabolic health, but their acute effects in insulin-resistant women remain underexplored. This study will assess whether plant and animal protein meals elicit differential postprandial responses in women with PCOS. Findings may inform dietary recommendations aimed at improving metabolic outcomes in this high-risk population.
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Center for Human NutritionJamie I Baum, PhD
Have you considered Propecia clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Propecia, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
Image of Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) in Montréal, Canada.

Optilume vs Rezum for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Montréal, Canada
Lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) affect older men and their frequency and severity increase with age. According to Berry et al., the histological diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) increases from 25% in the group age between 40 to 49 years to 80% in the group age between 70 to 79 years (1). However, this hyperplasia can lead to a bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), causing storage and voiding symptoms, associated with a considerable impairment of the quality of life (2). Surgical therapy of BPH has continuously evolved in recent years. The current gold standard for the endoscopic treatment of BPH is the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Other innovative techniques were developed including Urolift, transurethral laser enucleation (holmium, thulium) and Aquablation therapy. One of the latest technologies for the management of BPH are Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Bostocn Scientific, Marlborough, MA). The purpose of the present study is to compare between patient experience, symptom relief and functional improvement when using the Optilume BPH Catheter System (Optilume®, Urotronic Inc, Minneapolis, USA) and Rezum Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum System, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA).
Recruiting
Has No Placebo
Centre Hospitalier de l'université de Montréal (CHUM) (+1 Sites)Naeem Bhojani, MD
Image of Site 36 in Birmingham, United States.

VDPHL01 for Male Pattern Baldness

18 - 65
Male
Birmingham, AL
This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of VDPHL01 in male subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). AGA (or male pattern baldness) is a genetic disorder caused by an excessive (too much) hair follicle response to androgens (hormone) that causes hair loss. VDPHL01 8.5 mg Tablet is an investigational oral drug to treat male pattern baldness. This multi-center, double blind, study will last about 13 months and includes 11 study visits (screening, baseline (day 1), week 2, month 1, month 2, month 4, month 6, month 8, month 10, month 12, month 13). The first 7 visits will be part of the placebo-controlled period. The next 3 visits will be part of the treatment extension phase. All subjects will receive active drug in the treatment extension phase.
Phase 2 & 3
Waitlist Available
Site 36 (+43 Sites)Reid Waldman, M.D.Veradermics, Inc.
Have you considered Propecia clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Propecia, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
Image of 01 in San Diego, United States.

VDPHL01 for Male Pattern Baldness

18 - 65
All Sexes
San Diego, CA
This study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of VDPHL01 in male and female subjects with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). AGA (or pattern of hair loss) is a genetic disorder caused by an excessive (too much) hair follicle response to androgens (hormone) that causes hair loss. VDPHL01 8.5 mg Tablets for males and VDPHL01 4.5 mg Tablets for females are an investigational oral drug to treat male and female pattern baldness. This multiple center, open-label, study will last about 13 months and includes 11 study visits (screening, baseline (day 1), week 2, month 1, month 2, month 4, month 6, month 8, month 10, month 12, month 13). Male subjects that meet the study eligibility criteria will be administered VDPHL01 once daily for 12 months. Female subjects that meet the study eligibility criteria will be administered VDPHL01 either once or twice daily for 12 months.
Phase 2
Waitlist Available
01 (+3 Sites)Reid Waldman, M.D.Veradermics, Inc.
Have you considered Propecia clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Propecia, we think they might fit your search criteria.Go to Trials
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