Welcome to Propecia Australia
Propecia Australia is your trusted source for information and resources about Propecia, a medication designed to treat male pattern baldness. We aim to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions about hair loss treatment.
Our website offers a wealth of information on Propecia's effectiveness, usage instructions, potential side effects, and availability in Australia. You can learn about the scientific mechanisms behind Propecia and how it works to slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
We understand that choosing the right hair loss treatment is important, which is why we provide expert advice and guidance. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to answering your questions and providing personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances.
At Propecia Australia, we believe that staying informed is crucial. We regularly update our content to ensure that you have access to the latest research, clinical studies, and developments in the field of hair loss treatment.
While we strive to provide accurate and reliable information, it is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medication. Every individual is unique, and a healthcare professional can assess your medical history, perform necessary evaluations, and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment options.
Explore our website to discover valuable insights about Propecia and its use in Australia. Take advantage of the resources available to make informed decisions about your hair loss journey. Remember, knowledge empowers you to take control of your health.
Propecia Prescribing Information
- Brand Name: Propecia
- Generic Name: Finasteride
Propecia is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only.
Your doctor has prescribed Propecia because you suffer from hormone-induced hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
Medicine blocks an important enzyme (type II 5-alpha-reductase) which is involved in regulating hair growth. As a result, Propecia specifically lowers the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, which is one of the main causes of hormone-induced hair loss. Thanks to its action, Propecia stops hair loss, can boost hair regrowth and reverse the process leading to baldness. Men with mild to moderate alopecia, but not total baldness, can expect to benefit from the use of Propecia.
In a study of women, Propecia was not shown to be effective in the treatment of hormone-induced hair loss.
Propecia is indicated exclusively for adult men.
What is androgenetic alopecia?
Hormone-induced hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men is characterised by progressive thinning of the hair, with receding hairline, balding temples and baldness on the vertex or occipital region. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contributes to shortening the growth phase of hair, making it thinner. This process leads to androgenetic alopecia, which begins around the age of 20 and progressively worsens with age. Hair is unlikely to grow back in an area of the scalp affected by long-standing baldness.
What does Propecia contain?
Propecia (finasteride) is a brownish, octagonal, film-coated tablet. They are embossed with the "PROPECIA" logo on one side and "P" on the other side.
Active substance
1 mg finasteride
Excipients
Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, sodium starch glycolate, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2910, hydroxypropylcellulose, titanium dioxide, talc, yellow and red iron oxides.
What packaging is available on the market?
Available in pharmacies only on prescription.
Packs of 28, 84 and 98 film-coated 1 mg tablets.
How do I use Propecia?
Take one tablet of Propecia every day, with or without a meal. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Medicine will not work better or faster if you take more than one tablet a day. You should not take more than one tablet a day.
It is essential that you take Propecia for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Daily use for at least three months is usually necessary before you can see a halt in hair loss or regrowth. Drug can only develop its action if it is taken over a long period of time without interruption.
Continuous treatment is recommended for optimum effect.
If you have taken too many tablets, contact your doctor immediately.
You must take Propecia as prescribed by your doctor. However, if you have missed a tablet, do not make up for it by taking an extra tablet. Just take the next tablet as usual.
Do not change the prescribed dosage on your own initiative. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you think the medicine is too weak or too strong.
When must Propecia not be taken/used?
Women who are or may become pregnant should not take this drug.
You should not take Propecia if you think you may be allergic to any of the ingredients.
What precautions should be taken when taking/using Propecia?
Medicament is not indicated in the case of hair loss that is not of hormonal origin. Propecia is not indicated for women or children.
Tell your doctor about all your current or past medical problems, as well as any known allergies. Your doctor will decide whether or not you can use Propecia.
If you notice any changes in the breast tissue such as nodules, pain, enlargement of the breast or discharge of fluid from the nipple, you should inform your doctor immediately. These symptoms may indicate the presence of a serious disease such as breast cancer.
Propecia does not usually interact with other medicines. However, you should always tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking or planning to take, even those you have obtained without a prescription. Mood changes and depression
Mood changes (e.g. depressed mood, depression and, more rarely, suicidal thoughts) have been reported in patients treated with finasteride. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Propecia and seek your doctor's advice immediately.
There is no evidence to suggest that Propecia affects your ability to drive or use machines.
What side effects can Propecia have?
Taking this drug may cause the following side effects: occasionally, men may experience a decrease in sexual desire or difficulty achieving an erection. A smaller number of subjects may notice a reduction in the volume of ejaculate (which does not, however, appear to have a negative effect on sexual function). These undesirable effects are reversible, both in subjects who have stopped taking Propecia and in all those who have continued treatment.
In widespread use, the following has rarely been reported:
- pain and enlargement of the mammary glands
- depression
- anxiety (frequency unknown)
- decreased libido (sex drive), persisting after discontinuation of the drug
- allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and face
- problems with ejaculation persisting after stopping the medicine
- testicular pain
- presence of blood in the semen
- persistent erectile difficulties after stopping the medication
- male infertility and/or poor sperm quality. An improvement in sperm quality has been reported after stopping the drug.
- Rare cases of breast cancer have been reported.
Propecia does not affect hair growth in other areas of the body.
If you notice any side effects, please tell your doctor or pharmacist. This applies in particular to side effects not mentioned in this package leaflet.
Can Propecia be taken/used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding?
Finasteride is indicated only for men with hormonal hair loss. Women who are pregnant or in whom pregnancy is possible must refrain from using Propecia or handling crushed or broken tablets.
Absorption of the active substance by mouth or through the skin by a woman who is pregnant with a boy could theoretically lead to the latter being born with malformations of the genital organs. The whole tablets are coated with a protective film which prevents contact with the active substance if they are used normally. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. There are no human data concerning the possible transfer of finasteride from semen to the foetus.
Infertility has been reported in men treated with finasteride for a prolonged period and with other risk factors likely to impair fertility. After discontinuation of finasteride, normalisation or improvement of reduced sperm quality has been reported. No long-term clinical studies have been conducted on the effect of finasteride on male fertility.
