What you need to know about Propecia in Australia

Propecia is a drug used primarily to treat male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, in men between the ages of 18 and 45 years of age. It is not effective in men over the age of 45. Male pattern baldness is primarily a hereditary condition that causes follicles to stop producing new hair growth; it is thought to be caused by overproduction of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. This process leads to “thinning hair” and may be irreversible if treatment is not sought. Propecia works to prevent further hair loss and to help stimulate new hair growth by slowing production of dihydrotestosterone. The drug is not intended for use by women, as it can cause reproductive harm, especially during pregnancy, and other physical damage. However, it is safe if used as directed by men.

Buy Propecia in Australia

Propecia is a daily use tablet; it is intended to be taken once a day by mouth with water. The drug does not need to be taken with food, although it can interact with other drugs. Drug interactions include Viagra, minoxidil, hormonal treatments including testosterone therapies, antidepressent drugs such as sertraline, and others. If a patient is currently taking any other medications, doctors need to be informed before Propecia is prescribed. The drug should be taken around the same time every day. It will not be as effective if doses are skipped. If a dose is missed, it is not advisable to double the dose on the following day; patients should simply continue to take Propecia as they normally do. Hair growth usually shows improvement after a three month period, though many patients see optimal results after six months. Patients may continue to take Propecia for as long as they wish to. Propecia should not be shared with anyone else. If at any time a patient needs to discontinue use of Propecia, a doctor should be contacted for advice.

The drug contains 1 mg finasteride per tablet. Inactive ingredients include lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium starch, glycollate, docusate sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, hydroxypropyl, cellulosetitanium dioxide, purified talc, iron oxide yellow CI77492, and iron oxide red CI77491. It is glucose, sucrose, and dye free. Propecia is a tan, octagonal tablet printed with the word “Propecia” on one side and “P” on the other. Side effects include mild sexual dysfunction (premature ejaculation or the inability to ejaculate, lessened sex drive, decreased semen production and sperm count upon ejaculation) that is easily reversed after cessation of drug use. Allergic reactions have been reported, and include swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. These reactions are rare, however. Some patients experience breast swelling, rashes, testicle pain, and depression. If these side effects occur, treatment by a doctor is advisable. Doctors may recommend that patients take higher or lower doses than the typically prescribed 1 mg per day. If dosage is adjusted, directions must be followed carefully to ensure patients experience best results.

Propecia should be stored in its original blister-pack containers and kept in temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius. The drug should not be exposed to moisture or direct, sustained sunlight during storage. If opened, it should not be stored with or mixed with other opened medications.

Prescriptions are generally given after in-person consultation. This drug is readily available in most pharmacies in Australia. Pharmacy chains include Chemist Warehouse, Priceline Pharmacy, and Yarrow Pharmacy. If in doubt, a doctor can recommend nearby locations that offer the drug during the time of patient consultation. If online pharmacies are used, they should be certified pharmacies, as many online pharmacies do not sell reliable, safe products. Many chain pharmacies in Australia, including Chemist Warehouse, offer online options for purchasing prescriptions, or recommending nearby locations that can fill prescriptions. The cost of a typical 30-day pack in Australia is around .

John Rogers

I have been working in General Practice since 2006.