Propecia

Please note: As of June 1999, DeYarman Medical Group has been informed that online sales of Propecia® are not supported by the Osteopathic Board of California. Please contact DeYarman Medical to schedule an appointment if you are interested in this treatment option.

Propecia® is the latest drug used for hair loss. Propecia is a 1 mg dose taken orally once a day and has shown over 80% effectiveness in growing hair. The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride, which prevents the formation of DHT. The development of balding tissue is dependent on the circulating DHT.

What can Propecia do?

In two-year clinical studies in men between the ages of 18-41 with mild to moderate hair loss at the top of their heads, Propecia was shown to:

•Maintain or increase the amount of hair in 83% of men (vs. 28% taking placebo).
•Increase the amount of hair, decrease hair loss and improve appearance in most men reporting.
•Promote visible hair regrowth in 66% of men as determined by an independent panel of dermatologists.

How long does it take for Propecia to work?

Propecia works within about 3 months. Hair grows very slowly, about half an inch a month. Most men begin to see the first benefit of Propecia, slowing of hair loss, as easily as 3 months, and after 6 months begin to experience regrowth. Generally, you will not grow back all the hair you've lost.

Combination Therapy:

Propecia and the DeYarman Medical Group's Minoxidil Enhancement System can be used in combination for improved hair growth. Propecia and Minoxidil have different modes of action, they are synergistic in creating hair. Propecia inhibits DHT, while Minoxidil stimulates hair growth topically. Our studies have shown excellent results with this combination.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects from Propecia occurred in less than 2% of men tested in clinical studies performed by Merck and Co. These side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men (58%) who continued taking Propecia.