First off, Procpecia (here in Canada) is for Hair Loss (Cosmetic) and not covered under our private or government health plans), (its a 1mg dose) the drug is called Finasteride, it was developed for Prostate Cancer and originally sold in a 5mg dose as Proscar.Proscar is covered and is about $65 CDN for 30 tablets, you get a pill cutter and cut them into 4, so you get 4 months for $65 and covered by your health plan. Just ask your doctor for Proscar instead of Propecia.
There have been studies showing that those who take Finasteride have a 80% less chance of ever getting Prostate Cancer, so its a good preventative. Finasteride blocks the 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor. Side effects: In 2% or less of individuals decreased sexual desire, lowered sensitivy, or
decreased ejaculate. Good site for research is www.regrowth.com
Now for the testimonial. I have been on Proscar (cut tablets into 4) for over 12 years, so has my brother, we both have a full head of hair and regained most of what we lost. However long your hair has been falling out for is how long basically it takes to come back, I was losing my hair for 5 years and after 5 years, I basically gained all that I was going to gain back, I have about 70%% of my hair on top, but totally regew my widows peaks (frontal hairline) and bulked up through the middle. My crown spot has regained alot, but with proper styling (and the fact I am 6'1") most people think I have a full thick head of hair. My cousin also started 4 years ago and has great imporvements. None of us have experinced any of the side effects. Plus I think any male can take a little decrease in sexual desire! *wink*.
Another good thing to do is also do Minoxidil 2% or better 5% while on Finasteride, will give even greater results, and mix in a great shampoo which also decreases the topical DHT on the scalp (DHT is the primary cause of Male Pattern Baldness) Nioxin Shampoo and treatment. It will decrease the DHT on the scalp and thicken the hair shafts.
Do your research on www.regrowth.com, it has lots of great resources and testimonials. You will find not too many negative things about FInasteride. There is now a new one called - Avodart (Dutasteride) is a drug similar to Propecia / Finasteride, in that it
blocks the enzyme that converts Testosterone to DHT. Unlike Finasteride,
Avodart blocks both of the enzymes that create DHT instead of just one, so it
may be a more potent treatment for hair loss. It is also, as far as we have
been able to ascertain, the nearest new drug to FDA approval for hair loss.
Need more info feel free to ask.