Propecia is the medication, which is currently appreciated as alopecia treatment. However, the history of the medication starts from 1998, when it was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The medication is characterized by an active component Finasteride, which has another brand name – Proscar. Originally, the treatment was used to improve conditions related to prostate enlargement. According to the medical research, the drug stimulated a considerable decrease of prostate size, and 5 mg was sufficient for a powerful effect. The treatment was first introduced in 1992, while its counterpart Propecia was approved in 1998.
When Proscar was released, studies were carried out, discovering the connection between prostate size and hair loss. The results of investigations show that people with enzyme 5-alpha-reductase deficiency had little chances to experience hair loss even as they aged. Consequently, another research started, which was aimed at discovery of Finasteride properties that would eliminate hair loss. After a while, Finasteride was approved to decrease 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, and the drug called Proscar was officially released as a benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment.
On the other hand, the research was still carried out aimed at finding the connection between Finasteride and hair loss. In 1998, after numerous trials, Propecia was released as an effective hair loss medication.
Current Status of Propecia
Nowadays, Propecia is an appreciated remedy, which is prescribed for male-pattern hair loss treatment. The unique composition of the drug allows improving not only the symptoms of alopecia but several other male disorders, especially:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- Prostate cancer.
According to the results of pharmaceutical studies, Propecia warns testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone, which helps eliminate related risks. Abnormal hormone concentration launches rapid hair loss and a range of male health problems. This generally safe and effective medication, approved by the FDA, can trigger multiple complications if administered in a wrong way. Therefore, irrespective of Propecia use, it should be regulated by a qualified medical specialist in order to get an individual dose adjustment that will be safe and effective.