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Does Finasteride Help Cure Hair Loss?
Question: hello, I'm seriously considering taking finasteride for hair loss. Given all the reported side effects reported do you feel it is a safe effective drug to take for hair loss. Also do you have experience prescribing this to your patients and what percentage have side effects. Should I take any precautions after starting the medication like blood work more often. My dermatologist prescribed me finasteride and did not suggest any blood monitoring other than to mention to my urologist that I am taking the med. thanks
Brief Answer:
Finasteride is safe and effective medication for hair loss
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have understood your concern.
Finasteride is US FDA approved for hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It reverses/arrests miniaturisation of hair follicles and thus is of benefit in androgenetic alopecia by slowing the natural progression of androgenetic alopecia. Patients notice increase density and thickness of hair after 1-2 years of continued treatment with finasteride Side effect profile includes transient decrease in libido/ sexual drive in just 1-2% of patients and moreover this side effect subsides with continued treatment. I rarely notice these side effects in my patients. There is no need for blood work before or during treatment. The reason your dermatologist asked you to inform your urologist about it is because finasteride may interfere with serum PSA levels, which are usually raised in prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer.
Regards
Finasteride is safe and effective medication for hair loss
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have understood your concern.
Finasteride is US FDA approved for hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. It reverses/arrests miniaturisation of hair follicles and thus is of benefit in androgenetic alopecia by slowing the natural progression of androgenetic alopecia. Patients notice increase density and thickness of hair after 1-2 years of continued treatment with finasteride Side effect profile includes transient decrease in libido/ sexual drive in just 1-2% of patients and moreover this side effect subsides with continued treatment. I rarely notice these side effects in my patients. There is no need for blood work before or during treatment. The reason your dermatologist asked you to inform your urologist about it is because finasteride may interfere with serum PSA levels, which are usually raised in prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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