General:Patients with large residual urine volume and/or severely diminished urinary flow should be carefully monitored for obstructive uropathy.Effects on PSA and Prostate Cancer Detection:No clinical benefit has yet been demonstrated in patients with prostate cancer treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). Patients with BPH and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were monitored in controlled clinical studies with serial PSAs and prostate biopsies. In these BPH studies, FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) did not appear to alter the rate of prostate cancer detection and the overall incidence of prostate cancer was not significantly different in patients treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) or placebo. Digital rectal examinations as well as other evaluations for prostate cancer are recommended prior to initiating therapy with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) and periodically thereafter. Serum PSA is also used for prostate cancer detection. Generally, a baseline PSA >10 ng/mL (Hybritech) prompts further evaluation and consideration of biopsy; for PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL, further evaluation is advisable. There is considerable overlap in PSA levels among men with and without prostate cancer. Therefore, in men with BPH, PSA values within the normal reference range do not rule out prostate cancer, regardless of treatment with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). A baseline PSA <4 ng/mL does not exclude prostate cancer. FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) causes a decrease in serum PSA concentrations by approximately 50% in patients with BPH, even in the presence of prostate cancer. This decrease in serum PSA levels in patients with BPH treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) should be considered when evaluating PSA data and does not rule out concomitant prostate cancer. This decrease is predictable over the entire range of PSA values, although it may vary in individual patients. Analysis of PSA data from over 3000 patients in the 4-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled PROSCAR Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS) confirmed that in typical patients treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) for six months or more, PSA values should be doubled for comparison with normal ranges in untreated men. This adjustment preserves the sensitivity and specificity of the PSA assay and maintains its ability to detect prostate cancer. Any sustained increase in PSA levels of patients treated with finasteride should be carefully evaluated, including consideration of non-compliance to therapy with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). Percent free PSA (free to total PSA ratio) is not significantly decreased by FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). The ratio of free to total PSA remains constant even under the influence of FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). When percent free PSA is used as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer, no adjustment to its value is necessary.Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions:EFFECT ON LEVELS OF PSA: Serum PSA concentration is correlated with patient age and prostatic volume, and prostatic volume is correlated with patient age. When PSA laboratory determinations are evaluated, consideration should be given to the fact that PSA levels decrease in patients treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR). In most patients, a rapid decrease in PSA is seen within the first months of therapy, after which time PSA levels stabilize to a new baseline. The post-treatment baseline approximates half of the pre-treatment value. Therefore, in typical patients treated with FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) for six months or more, PSA values should be doubled for comparison to normal ranges in untreated men. For clinical interpretation, see EFFECTS ON PSA AND PROSTATE CANCER DETECTION as previously mentioned.Use in Children:FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) is not indicated for use in children. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.
FINASTERIDE (PROSCAR) is contraindicated for use in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant (See CONTRAINDICATIONS). Because of the ability of Type II 5α-reductase inhibitors to inhibit conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, these drugs, including finasteride, may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus when administered to a pregnant woman.
Prices for Propecia and finasteride were remarkably stable at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart during the second half of 2020.
Average prices for Propecia and its generic equivalent, finasteride, at CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart ended the second half of 2020 almost exactly where they began the six-month period in July. Prices at all three pharmacies started 2020 with a healthy 50% price cut for Propecia and nearly 75% price cut for finasteride, both of which held steady.
Prices dipped by another 10% or so starting in April, but this discount quickly dried up and prices returned to the low-to-mid $4 range for Propecia 1 mg. Generic finasteride prices have held steady ever since at all three pharmacies.
Propecia and finasteride are arguably the most effective treatments to combat male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Thenoted that these medications “have been clinically proven to successfully treat hair loss in men to varying degrees.” In some cases, men treated with these drugs have experienced an end to hair loss, while in others, hair loss not only stops but some hair regrows as well.
At CVS, the average price for Propecia began the second half at $4.33 per 1 mg tablet in July. It’s remained at that price through the first quarter of 2021
Similarly, CVS’s price for finasteride 1 mg began and ended the second half of 2020 at $2.70, where it’s remained
Following the same pattern seen at CVS, Walgreens price for 1 mg Propecia began the second half at $4.35 in July and ended it at the same price in December. Walgreens is the most expensive between the three pharmacies but only by pennies.
Walgreens price for 1 mg finasteride was $2.58 in both December and March.
Displaying their usual propensity for undercutting the competition, Walmart’s prices for 1 mg Propecia were consistently the lowest at $4.14 for the entirety of the second half of 2020. That’s remained in place through March.
Finasteride prices at Walmart held steady at the bargain basement price of $1.13 in each month of the second half, producing a completely predictable six-month average of … wait for it … $1.13.
A complete snore-fest at all three major pharmacy retailers? Or a beacon of stability amidst the volatility of literally everything else this year? You decide.
The main culprit behind male pattern baldness is an androgen known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, the primary male sex hormone. DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles until they can no longer support hair growth. An enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase apparently triggers the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Propecia and finasteride combat hair loss by inhibiting this enzyme, thus reducing scalp levels of DHT.
If the convenience and privacy of ordering your drugs online appeal to you, check out all the many services available from eDrugstore.com, a longtime online prescription drug service. Its prices for both Propecia and finasteride are competitive, and it also offers a limited selection of other lifestyle medications. To learn more, pay a visit to eDrugstore’s.
Dan is a long-time freelance writer focusing on technology, science, health, and medicine, with a lifelong interest in physics, biology, and medicine. His work has taken a particular focus on scientific studies “beyond the headlines,” reading the study to more closely examine the results.
aughteredhairAssociated Files(ASF)Dan has also studied other aspects of“I have been an ASF candidate for a pharmaceutical after consulting with potential drug manufacturers.
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HealthylifeHealthcareylife PharmacyPropecia, the active ingredient in the medication finasteride, is widely prescribed for conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, the treatment of male pattern baldness, and an enlarged prostate.
Propecia is one of the most prescribed medications for treating male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its mechanism of action involves blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By doing so, Propecia can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to a reduction in hair loss and a loss of hair in areas affected by DHT. By doing so, the medication helps restore the body’s natural hormone balance, leading to the restoration of male pattern baldness.
While Propecia is a relatively new medication, there are significant differences between the benefits of this medication and the benefits of Proscar, a more established and effective medication for treating male pattern baldness. For a more detailed understanding of Propecia’s mechanism of action, it is important to understand how it works and its potential side effects.
When considering whether Propecia can be a viable treatment option for hair loss, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. This consultation ensures that the doctor understands the potential benefits and risks associated with the medication and the patient’s overall health status.
Propecia is a commonly prescribed medication for treating male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia, which are conditions where the hair loss is more severe androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Propecia works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a hormone that shrinks hair follicles to the point that they can no longer produce DHT. By doing so, the medication helps to slow the progression of hair loss, reducing the risk of further hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.
While Propecia is generally considered safe and effective in treating male pattern baldness, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. Some common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness, which can be quite bothersome.
Additionally, some users may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems, which can be bothersome. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your doctor before starting Propecia treatment.
If you are experiencing any side effects while taking Propecia, it is important to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting treatment. Propecia can interact with other medications and substances, so it is essential to monitor your progress closely while on this medication.
When considering the potential benefits of Propecia, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. They can help you weigh the benefits against the potential side effects and determine the most appropriate dosage for you.
Propecia is generally well-tolerated by most men, but it can also cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness, and increased breast tenderness or enlargement. It is essential to be aware of these potential side effects to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
Some of the more common side effects may include:
Additionally, it is important to note that Propecia can interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking. In some cases, it may be necessary to stop taking the medication altogether and consult with your healthcare provider before starting Propecia.
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