Finasteride (Generic Propecia)

Merck, the manufacturer of Finasteride, states the following in terms of the uses, treatments, and symptoms for this medication:

Finasteride has been proven to be effective treatments for both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss. Men suffering from BPH have an enlarged prostate gland, which can result in a difficulty to urinate. When used to treat male pattern hair loss, Finasteride can increase amount of hair on the scalp but does not have any effect on hair found anywhere else on the body.

Men suffering from an enlarged prostate due to BPH often struggle to urinate and find themselves having to deal with a weak flow of urine, hesitant flow, hesitation at the start of urination and needing to urinate several times during the night. Finasteride not only reduces the severity of these symptoms but also lessens the odds of prostate surgery being needed. Finasteride is known to block the actions of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme known to change into a hormone that causes the prostate to enlarge and hair loss to occur. Finasteride has been proven to raise the level of testosterone found in the body, resulting in a smaller prostate and increased hair growth on the scalp. The effects of Finasteride only last as long as it is taken and if it is no longer taken, the prostate will start to regrow, and the scalp will start to lose hair. As a BPH treatment, Finasteride may be used on its own or in conjunction with alpha-blockers like Cardura or doxazosin.

These declarations come from the manufacturer of this medication and should not constitute medical advice. Please consult a doctor to see if this medication is right for you and how you should use it. Relief Seeker provides information about products and their manufacturers and does not offer any medical advice.