Month: November 2007

I have read many post in hairloss forums of men using oral spironolactone and having success when used in conjunction with propecia or avodart. Some before and after pictures have been absolutely amazing. I was wondering the following:

1. What is Spironolactone?
2. How you feel about oral spirnolactone as a hairloss remedy?
3. Is topical spironolactone of any help?

Thanks for your time

Spironolactone (marketed under the name Aldactone) is a blood pressure medication that has some antiandrogen properties which have not been clearly proven in a clinical setting to stop hair loss. Despite the lack of proof, it is used by many dermatologists for hair loss treatments in women. I have not been convinced of its value, although some women may see benefits.

For more info, please see:

• Wikipedia – Spironolactone
• Drugs.com – Aldactone
• HairSite – Spironolactone

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I am just beginning to show a receding hairline, and decided to act fast to try to stop my hair loss. As a result, I began taking Propecia three days ago. Within a very short time after taking the drug, I noticed a stirring sensation in my testicles. This progressed until it was a 2 on the 10 pain scale. The next day I woke up to quite a bit of tenderness in my left pectoral area. Frankly, I was stunned that I could experience these effects so quickly. I’ve stopped taking Propecia after only 3 days out of concern, but I wonder if there isn’t a typical adjustment period in which one’s body grows used to the drug and the side effects diminish. Was I right to stop as soon as these strange side effects manifested themselves, or is it worth pushing onward?

Thanks

Your symptoms may be a side effect associated very rarely with Propecia (finasteride 1mg), but it is surprising to see these effects manifest only after 3 days. You should address these issues with the doctor who prescribed you the medication. There may be other factors and issues not related to Propecia that your doctor may want to explore. You can stop taking Propecia and see if the pain goes away, but check with your physician first.

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I used to cut a few weeks worth of Proscar at once and store them in a bottle, so I wouldn’t have to do it every few days. I have since stopped doing this because I was worried the liquid in the tablets might dry up.

Is this a valid concern? If so how long does it take for the liquid to evaporate from the powder? I’m hoping it’s more than 4 days because that would render cutting Proscar into quarters
pointless. Thanks

Only cut the pills as you need them. Cutting multiple 5mg finasteride pills in advance may cause moisture to interact with the active ingredient and make the drug less potent. The 1mg Propecia pill has a coating on it to prevent it from absorbing moisture and so does the 5mg Proscar pill, but when you cut it, you break that seal.

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Hi,
I’m wondering what your experience has been regarding fertility while on finasteride. How many patients have you had who could not conceive while on this agent?
Thanks

I have never had a report of conception problems from patients that have been on finasteride. The FDA study done by Merck has not shown any problem with Propecia (1mg finasteride). Infertility is a very complex problem.

I recently have had surgery and have been on pain meds prior to and after. Hydrocodone and oxycodone. Do these meds have any hair loss side effects?

Hydrocodone (marketed as Vicodin) and oxycodone (known better as OxyContin) do not have hair loss side effects — not for short term use, anyway.