How to Stop Propecia
If you suffer from male-pattern baldness, you have three basic options: treat it medically, hide it cosmetically or do nothing. Among the options available for medical treatment are Propecia (medical name: finasteride), a daily oral regimen that inhibits your body's production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone scientists have linked to hair loss in men. If you wish to stop taking Propecia you may, but you should know that the result will likely be a resumption of your balding. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Discuss additional treatment options with your doctor if Propecia causes unwanted side effects. According to the Propecia website, the most common side effects are allergic reactions, decreased sex drive and male breast enlargement. Because quitting Propecia--which inhibits DHT production--will cause DHT production to resume, it is highly likely that you will experience hair loss again. Ask your doctor about alternative medical treatments to continue impeding DHT production.
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Begin using an alternative remedy within 12 months of stopping Propecia. The alternatives can be cosmetic, such as a toupee, or surgical, such as hair plugs, or a different medical treatment. According to the Propecia website, 12 months is the window during which you will lose any hair you have regrown while taking Propecia.
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Stop taking Propecia immediately when you want to cease treatment. If you decide after stopping that you've made a mistake and want to resume taking Propecia, you can do so, but don't try to make up for missed doses.
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Tips & Warnings
Propecia has only been proven effective in men. If you are a woman and using Propecia, discontinue using it immediately, particularly if you are pregnant. Consuming or handling the drug during pregnancy can result in damage to the sex organs of a male fetus.
References
Resources
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