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Although it’s been proven safe and effective for treating male pattern baldness in several research trials, many hair loss sufferers still insist that the hair restoration drug Propecia (finasteride) causes irreversible sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, these same individuals claim Merck Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Propecia, failed to adequately warn patients about the potential long-term sexual side effects associated with the drug.

As a result, over 51 different class action lawsuits have been filed against Merck Pharmaceuticals within the past several years. Although all cases focus on the allegedly permanent sexual side effects, each differs slightly and was scheduled for a unique day in court. However, Merck Pharmaceuticals recently altered the legal situation by deciding these individual complaints should be consolidated into one lawsuit and evaluated during a single proceeding.

Because 41 of the 53 complaints have been filed in New Jersey, Merck recommends the single trial take place in a New Jersey courtroom. A hearing, to determine whether the consolidation will occur, is scheduled to take place on March 29th, 2012 in San Diego, California.

Legal experts claim the consolidated proceeding would help prevent contradictory decisions and unnecessary pretrial rulings.

In an interesting turn, the official Propecia website is “down” and contains the following message: Thank you for visiting propecia.com, this website is currently not available; You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

While it’s uncertain whether the website content is related to the current lawsuits, many hair loss patients cannot ignore the coincidental timing.

Hair restoration surgeon Dr. Michael Beehner is recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. To view this discussion and other hair loss topics, visit our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums,

So I called my hair transplant surgeon and requested finasteride. I asked for Proscar, he refused and gave me a prescription for Propecia. I got it filled at CVS. It cost $97 for a 30 day supply??!! My jaw dropped! For the folks that are currently on Propecia, where do you buy your hair loss medication? Online? What is a trustworthy site to get Propecia cheaper?

We prescribe generic Proscar (5mg finasteride) for baldness at our practice and instruct patients to quarter the tablet. We also direct them to Wal-Mart for the cheapest price. They have a “one-price-for-all-generic-meds” policy and their wholesale source is a reliable manufacturer of generics.

Some of the doctors who still insist on prescribing Propecia in its brand-name, 1mg form will say that the amount in each quarter of the 5mg tablet broken up will be different. But, it doesn’t matter because, while each quarter averages 1.2mg (more than the 1mg in the Propecia tablet), Merck’s own studies showed a significant decrease in DHT with only 0.2mg a day dose, which is less than one-sixth of a quarter tablet’s medication. So, even if there is some slight variation from quarter tab to quarter tab, there is a huge cushion that insures you get enough.

This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums: 

After becoming concerned about my hair loss I started doing some research and found that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone responsible for genetic baldness. Knowing this, I assume the best way to treat progressive hair loss is to “block” DHT? Is this true? Is DHT an important element of hair loss?

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is the hormone (essentially) responsible for hair loss; in this sense, it is very important.

In my opinion, the best way to “block” DHT is to prevent it from forming in inappropriate amounts in the first place. Medications that block the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (mainly type II 5-alpha-reductase), the compound responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, will greatly decrease the amount of DHT available to affect hair follicles and cease the progressive loss.

As of now, the two compounds known to block the 5-alpha-reductase activity are finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia) and dutasteride (the active ingredient in Avodart). Of these two, finasteride is proven safe and effective for treating hair loss and, in my opinion, is the most effective compound to block DHT and prevent progressive baldness.
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Blake  – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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This question comes from a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Social Network:

Obviously, the rapid evolution of minimally invasive hair restoration solutions (such as stem cell hair loss therapies, injectable hair loss solutions, et cetera) is very promising, but I’m wondering if we will ever see permanent hair restoration via a single medication (tablet) or procedure?

I don’t know if the “tablet theory” (i.e. take a single tablet and cure your ailment) will ever be true for any complex medical condition, but this does not mean we won’t see some “miracle” treatments in our lifetime.

All discussions about highly debilitating conditions (AIDS, Cancer, MS) aside, I personally think baldness is too unique and complex of a condition to ever be “cured” with a single therapy. However, I definitely think we’re going to evolve and invent to a point where a combination of treatments and therapies will allow for an non-invasive, satisfying reversal of genetic hair loss.

In my opinion, I think we’ll probably progress somewhere along the following lines:

1. An injectable hair loss solution that helps regrow around 15-20% of lost/miniaturized hairs. I feel like this will be somewhere along the lines of the current reversal seen with Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride), but without the need to stay on the medications for the same duration of time. Frankly, I believe this therapy is probably the furthest away.

This question, answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Scott Alexander, was asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I have never taken any medical hair loss treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) or Propecia (finasteride) and don’t plan to after my hair transplant. I am 37 years old with a 5A.pattern of hair loss on the Norwood Scale. Is anyone out there doing the same or is it like a foregone conclusion that you have to?

The chances of continued balding are really high without medications. It is always up to the patient of course, but not using Propecia and Rogaine could result in further hair loss and/or more hair restoration surgeries to repair the extra loss.

Dr. Scott Alexander

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog.

Technorati Tags: hair loss treatments, Rogaine, minoxidil, Propecia, finasteride, hair transplant, hair loss, Norwood Scale, balding, hair restoration

In this hair loss article, recommended hair transplant surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi shares his expert advice regarding the use of medical hair loss treatments after hair restoration surgery.

Oftentimes I receive inquiries about whether it would be a wise decision to stop using Propecia (finasteride) or Rogaine (minoxidil) after a hair restoration surgery. The fact is, there are risks involved with that decision which include hair loss on the existing, prone to balding hair. Frequently, a second procedure is needed as time moves on, which can be predicted through a thorough microscopic scalp evaluation, also known as a miniaturization study.

Stopping finasteride will have no effect on the hair which has been transplanted, but the risk of losing the existing hair at any time is possible. A proper miniaturization study will show which areas of the scalp are most prone to future thinning. This is important for knowing what may occur over time. To stop finasteride or minoxidil after a hair transplantation surgery is never recommended but, ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether they are willing to accept the risk of losing their existing hair or be comfortable taking medicine to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Parsa Mohebi

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

To date, Propecia, which contains the active ingredient finasteride is considered the most popular and effective drug in stopping and even reversing the effects of genetic balding in men. However, like other drugs, risks of potential side effects exist. The ones that concern men the most include the possibility of sexual side effects. These include decreased libido, difficulty in achieving and maintaining an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. But are these side effects permanent or will they disappear after stopping use of Propecia?

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggesting long term or even permanent sexual side effects from Propecia has many men taking this hair loss drug worldwide very concerned. This study, while frightening, was not without its share of ambiguity. See “Does Propecia (Finasteride) Cause Permanent Sexual Problems” to read the details of this study.

Recently however, a group of researchers in Tokyo, Japan launched the largest Propecia-based research study since its FDA approval in 1997 on its effectiveness and the likelihood that men taking this hair loss treatment will experience sexual side effects at all, let alone permanent ones. To learn more and read the results of this study, visit “Japanese Study Finds Propecia (Finasteride) Safe and Effective for Treating Male Hair Loss”.

To discuss your concerns about the possibility of experiencing permanent sexual side effects using Propecia, visit the discussion topic, “The Developing Truth About Finasteride”.

This question, answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. Scott Alexander, was asked by a member of our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums:

I recently underwent hair transplant surgery and I’m wondering whether or not I can stop my Propecia (finasteride) regimen now that I’ve had the procedure. Should I continue taking the medication? What will happen if I stop?

It depends on where you are losing hair and what your family history is like.

There are a lot of factors involved. If you are experiencing hair loss in the front (hairline and frontal scalp) you will probably be good with a hair transplant and not lose a “ton more.” If you are losing in the crown area, you will mostly likely lose more if you don’t stay on Propecia. Again, family history is a big factor too.

Although we would normally recommend continuing Propecia (as stopping will halt and reverse all progress) it is ultimately up to you though how long you are willing to stay on the medication.

Dr. Scott Alexander
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Blake – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

Follow our community on Twitter

Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Do non-surgical hair loss treatments really work? Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple one. Some treatments work for some balding men and women while, for other patients, medical treatments simply don’t work at all. Then, there are the very few, lucky individuals who experience amazing results that even rival that of hair transplant surgery. Below is an example of one such case.

Recently, “orangehair“, Patient Services Director for Coalition hair restoration physicians, Dr. Robert True and Dr. Robert Dorin, shared the following Propecia (finasteride) results on our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forum. While this result is far from typical, it serves to illustrate the important role of medical treatment in the fight against androgenic alopecia.

To view more of this patient’s impressive results and contribute your comments and experiences, join the discussion thread, True & Dorin: Transplant or Propecia? on our hair restoration forum.

Propecia is FDA approved for use by male patients only and should not be ingested nor handled by females due to the risk of specific birth defects.

Many hair loss experts believe that the best medical option currently available for treating hair loss in males is a combination of Propecia and Rogaine (minoxidil)

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

In this hair loss video, hair restoration physician Dr. Edmond Griffin discusses the causes of hair loss and the most effective non-surgical hair loss treatments available today. This includes the only FDA approved hair loss solutions Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidil).

Dr. Griffin is an esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians and recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. To learn more about Dr. Griffin, his technique, experience, and hair transplant philosophy, visit his Coalition profile here.

To see all of our hair transplant videos, visit our Hair Transplant Video Channel on YouTube.

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David (TakingThePlunge) Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Restoration Forum and Social Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog.

Get Proven Hair Loss Treatments at the Best Prices by visiting our new Online Hair Loss Product Store

Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair restoration, Dr. Edmond Griffin, hair loss treatments, Propecia, finasteride, Rogaine, minoxidil, hair transplant videos, Hair Transplant, YouTube