What should you know about Propecia use?

Finasteride reduces a hormone signal involved in follicle miniaturisation. It can help maintain or improve hair in selected people with male pattern hair loss, but it does not address every form of shedding. A clinician can distinguish a patterned change from sudden shedding, inflammation or scarring.

The medicine can affect sexual function, mood and breast tissue in some people. Mention fertility plans, depression or anxiety, liver disease and other medicines before treatment. Keep the medicine away from anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant; broken tablets should not be handled by them.

Follow the prescribed directions and take doses regularly. If you miss a dose, follow the product instructions rather than doubling up. Record changes with occasional photographs and note any new symptoms, including libido changes, erection or ejaculation problems, breast tenderness and mood changes.

Do not share the medicine or add supplements because hair shedding continues. Ask about topical minoxidil if you need a non-tablet option or if finasteride is not a good fit. Discuss any interruption before restarting.

Get urgent help for breathing trouble, swelling of the lips or tongue, collapse or a severe blistering skin reaction. Contact a clinician promptly for severe depression, self-harm thoughts, a breast lump or nipple discharge, or persistent troublesome sexual symptoms.

Ask what diagnosis is being treated, when to review progress, how to handle a missed dose, which symptoms require stopping or review, and whether topical minoxidil is suitable alongside or instead of finasteride.