Category: Drugs

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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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.

i have read the finasteride studies for alopecia. in the pre-clinical study, 0.25mg of finasteride was shown to reduce DHT at the same rate as 1mg. when the clinical studies were done, the dosage used was 1mg. less than that was never looked at with regard to actual clinical outcome. what is your opinion on extrapolating this info to clinically use 0.25mg per day? the purpose of this would be to get efficacy and reduce potential longer term complications. thanks.

I spoke with Dr. David Whiting, an expert on Propecia, some time ago and he informed me that finasteride 1mg and greater has equal value. A dose of 0.5mg is 80 percent as effective and a dose of 0.25 is less effective again. There is value at the lower dose, but if there are no side effects, taking less than the best optimal dose has no basis.

I’ve answered a similar question here — 0.2mg of Finasteride is Almost As Effective as 1mg?

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I purchased 5% Minoxidil from Costco and on the side of the box it explains that Minoxidil is only intended for the top of the scalp ( vertex only ) and will not work for receding hairlines or on the front of the forehead – is this true ?

I don’t have a problem with the top of my forehead or the back. I have receding hair line. If it is true, can you recommend what I could use to regrow hair for receding hair lines ?? I appreciate your help, thanks

The claims for minoxidil reflect the approved study that was submitted to get the product to market through the FDA. I am certain that minoxidil works on skin (best in the crown), but it even works on the face of women, putting hair where there was none before. Minoxidil is not my #1 choice for men with genetic balding. My preference is to treat the cause of the balding with a DHT blocker (finasteride).

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Hello doctor. First of all, I appreciate that you provide us with such valuable information, it truly helps. Anyway, I began using Rogaine foam about 4 months ago, but I only have been using it once a day. Since then my hair has become increasingly thinner. I am going to quit using it and continue taking Propecia. Could it be the Rogaine that is making my hair thinner, or do you believe it is just coincidental timing?

If you are not having an allergic reaction to Rogaine Foam (minoxidil), I doubt it will cause hair loss. Once a day use is inadequate for maximum benefit, as it requires twice daily use. Rogaine Foam and hair loss may not be related at all.