Effectiveness of Propecia Tablets

How effective is Propecia?

Men with moderate male pattern hair loss who take Propecia for a year are likely (86%) to have the same or increased hair at the end of the year. This statement is based on evidence from studies where hairs were counted at the end the year. This compares with men in the same study who were given a placebo (dummy tablet) in which the majority (58%) lost hair during the one-year study period.

On-going studies show that this prevention of hair loss is maintained for at least 5 years.

It takes at least 3 months for the benefits of taking Propecia to become apparent. If there is no response to treatment (stopping of hair loss or hair re-growing) after 12 months treatment should be stopped.

Who is likely to benefit?

The studies referred to above were carried out on men with mild-to-moderate hair loss of the typical male pattern type, not complete hair loss. The men were aged between 18 and 41 years. No clinical trials have been carried out in men over 41.

Men who have complete hair loss in some areas should not expect Propecia to cause hair to re-grow in those areas. Propecia is not likely to be of benefit to older men who experience simple generalised thinning of the hair.