Posts Tagged: Propecia

How Effective is Hair Loss Treatment with Laser Comb?

February 26th, 2007

Q: How effective is the HairMax Laser Comb?

A: It is difficult to tell since there are no long-term studies using the LaserComb.

From the data we have available, it seems to be about as effective as Rogaine (Minoxidil). As most who have used Minoxidil know, it only works in areas where there is a fair amount of miniaturized hair and over time loses its effectiveness.

The HairMax LaserComb is not as effective as Propecia (Finasteride) and, of course, is not a substitute for surgical hair restoration.

Topic: Laser Therapy

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:56 am

Do You Recommend Finpecia Hair Loss Medication or Generic Finasteride?

February 15th, 2007

Q: I am 26 years old and in the beginning of losing my hair and not ready for hair transplant surgery. It seems to have stopped now but 4 months ago I shed a lot of hair and can visually see that my hair on the scalp is thinning out.

I have looked into and read up on taking Propecia or more exactly Finpecia (I’m a student so cost is a factor), but can I trust this generic drug? Have looked at the company (Cipla) website but I’m still a bit scared of taking something I don’t really know what it is. What is your opinion on choosing Finpecia over Propecia?

A: Finpecia is manufactured in India by a slightly different method than the way Propecia is produced in the U.S.

Since finasteride 5mg is now available in a generic from in the U.S., I suggest that you use finasteride 5mg and quarter the 5mg tablet with a pill cutter and take 1/4 tablet a day. The parts do not need to be the same size.

In the U.S., generic finasteride and Propecia (1mg) and Proscar (5mg) are all made the same way.

Cipla is a large company, but not under U.S. FDA supervision.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:37 am

Can Hair Loss Treatment with Propecia Effect Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Level?

February 13th, 2007

Q: I have been on Propecia for approximately 5 years. What does Propecia do to your PSA level, lower it or make it higher? Also, what would you consider a normal level while on Propecia?

A: Finasteride 1mg a day lowers your PSA around 50%. Therefore, when patients are taking finasteride, the PSA reading should be doubled.

Finasteride does not appear to decrease the sensitivity of the PSA test to detect prostate cancer – its main purpose.

PSA levels vary by age and by lab so I would check with your internist/urologist to evaluate your specific level.

In very general terms, for adults, it is ideal to have a PSA < 1.0 off Propecia and < 0.5 on it, but higher levels can also be fine.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 10:17 am

Can Hair Loss Increase on Propecia for Four Months?

February 12th, 2007

Q: I believe I am an “early” IIIA or IVA. I am not losing any hair on the back of the scalp. There is no substantial hereditary hair loss on either side of the family, but I began taking Propecia four months ago and recently noticed a dramatic thinning of hair on the top (front) of the scalp, extending back to the rear of the head.

A: Often people experience some shedding the first six months on finasteride as the new hair essentially pushes out some of the old. I would wait a full year before making any judgments about a hair transplant since you may see significant regrowth from finasteride in the second six months and may not need surgery at this point, particularly if the hair loss is early.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 11:15 am

Should One Use Multiple Hair Loss Medications, Such as Both Avodart and Propecia?

February 9th, 2007

Q: I’m 52 years old and have been taking Propecia (finasteride) for two years. It seems to maintain the status quo with no apparent regrowth. I am considering adding a dose of Avodart (dutasteride) once a week in conjunction with the daily Propecia. My question is twofold: (1) Since dutasteride blocks production of both enzymes (type I and II) that produce DHT from testosterone, is it redundant to take the finasteride that only blocks the type I enzyme?

A: It is redundant to take both.

However, you may not be taking the optimal dose of dutasteride which seems to be at least 0.5mg a day for hair loss.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:15 am



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