Author: Dr. William Rassman

I read that hair only grows for 48 weeks w/ the use of Rogaine Foam 5% (according to an article published by FDA on site called ASKWEBDR) . If this is true why would anyone go thru this routine for temporary hair for just 48 weeks? Doesn’t make any sense????

No, that doesn’t make sense. Rogaine (minoxidil) can work for years. There was apparently a clinical study that lasted 48 weeks, but that doesn’t mean the hair loss restarts at the start of week 49. We addressed this years ago here.

I am a 23 year old male currently taking 1mg finasteride daily. I am about 16 days into taking the drug and have recently noticed some of the sexual side effects that this drug “may” cause.

I am also on oxycodone for a current procedure I had done which might be the cause of my erectile dysfunction I am having. I don’t know which is to blame right now. I know you have stated before that one could take .5mg to cut down on the side effects which I just started to do today to see if it cuts down on the side effects. My question is by doing so is there a large decrease in the effectiveness of the drug?

Another question is if I do not regain the ability to have a lasting erection for sexual intercourse should I immediately stop the use of Propecia? Since I was on oxycodone I want to give the .5mg of finasteride a shot for at least week and if things don’t get better I guess I will go from there.

You need to speak to a doctor in person (face to face) about these issues. There may be many things going on that I cannot assess via the web. A physical exam and a detailed medical history is an important part of assessing a medical issue.

Finasteride can cause erectile dysfunction in about 1 to 2% of the patients. A narcotic such as oxycodone will also cause erection problems. I even think pain in general (because of your surgery and the need to be on a strong pain medication) can cause erection problems.

To answer the first question though, the efficacy of the finasteride should be about 80% if the dosage is down to 0.5mg. Talk to your prescribing doctor about any dosage changes to your prescription medication.

My doctor prescribed me 5mg Proscar tablets for my hair loss, but told me to take one each week. I’m a bit worried since I see most people cut it into 1mg daily doses. Would this influence the effectiveness of the finasteride or its side effects?
Thanks

There have been tendencies more recently to change the dosage schedules for finasteride. One of them is to take only one 5mg pill each week, while other suggest alternative day dosages of 2.5mg. Some people suggest that even a lower dose might work. All of this varies from the known, tried and true 1mg/day dose, which is what I recommend.

I can not tell you if the alternative approaches work as well or work at all. If you’re concerned, I’d ask your doctor about why he decided to prescribe this dosage instead of the recommended daily approach.

Hello. I am 50. I had thinning hair and a year ago undertook a program with finasteride and minoxidil. In three months my hair was healthier and thicker. I had no side effects. In the past three weeks I have noticed a thinning again. I wonder what is going on here. I have been assiduous in taking the treatment.

Many thanks

You must always remember that genetic hair loss in men is a progressive process. I see changes in people who are on finasteride that indicate that over time the drug is less effective. That could be you, even on this short time fame. Stay the course.

Doctor,

I’ve been on finasteride 1mg oral daily for the last one month. I’m experiencing slight but noticeable increase in my libido. Do studies or experience show any correlation between increase in libido at early stage of treatment to a later decrease below the normal? I’ll be grateful for an answer, knowing this finasteride paranoia must be annoying you.

The published material on the subject of increased libido is much more limited than the published material on decreased libido, which was calculated to be present in about 2% of men.

I do not know what will happen with your increased libido over time. It may return more to your normal levels, similar to some patients who experience decreased libido over a few months.

Hi. I’m a male, 18 years old. When I was 16-17 I was on a Accutane for 7-8 months to help with my acne.

My skin cleared out, but recently I discovered some white hairs around on my head, still, you have to go up close to see them. But I am afraid it will continue to progress. Do you think accutane in some way could have done this? Or am I just a victim of premature graying? My mother started turning gray in her late 20s.

The white hairs are completely white. I found one hair that the oldest half was my normal brown color, and the newest half was completely white, 4 cm white, and about 4cm brown.

It could be genetics, but there is a known connection between the drug Accutane (isotretinoin) and hair loss, and even graying of the hair. Knowing that, the simple solution may be just to dye your hair.

Speak to your doctor before you abandon the drug.