Archive for the ‘Side Effects’ Category

What Other Drugs Affect Propecia Negatively?

Friday, November 30th, 2007

When taking a new medication, it is always a smart move to know what types of medications, foods, or beverages could cause an adverse reaction with the prescription. For example, when taking antibiotics, this can cause other prescription medicine to become ineffective. To prevent this from happening, it is important to know all of the facts.

During the clinical trials of Propecia, doctors did not find any adverse reactions to any activities, beverages, or food during the course of the treatment of Propecia. Men who were taking Propecia could eat and drink their favorite foods. Also, none of their daily activities had to stop during treatment. Now, your doctor may advise you otherwise depending on your current health situation. It is important to ask your doctor what his or her recommendations are.  

Currently, there have been no reported interactions or adverse effects of taking other medications at the same time as Propecia. Nonetheless, you should tell your pharmacist and your doctor about any prescription medications you are taking. This includes vitamins, over-the-counter medication, herbal products, and minerals. Currently, Propecia is safe to take with other prescriptions and herbal tablets.

This is good news for the thousands of men that are taking Propecia. Propecia is a treatment that stops hair loss from occurring any further, and a percentage of men experience the growth of new hair.  When taking Propecia, make sure to talk with your doctor about your lifestyle and medications that you take. This is just a safety precaution that anyone should use when starting a new treatment program.

ECIA Safety Information: Propecia and Rumors about Erectile Dysfunction

Tuesday, November 27th, 2007

In a recent study performed at the University of Bologna, Italy, research revealed that Propecia did not impact erectile dysfunction in men.  Comparing men taking a placebo and men taking once-a-day Propecia, there was no significant difference in erectile dysfunction, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and orgasmic function.

For months now, there have been rumors that Propecia causes a men to suffer from erectile dysfunction. This new study has put this rumor to rest. The study, conducted by Professor Tosti, researched whether there were any adverse sexual effects on men who take Propecia. Each man was evaluated with the questionnaire, known as the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction. 

The study surveyed a total of 200 men who were currently taking Propecia and then compared their answers to 200 men who were not taking Propecia. The findings of the study proved that there was no difference between the answers of the men. Both of their erectile and sexual function was similar and did not differ from the men who were the same age in the survey, whether they were taking Propecia or not.

When taking Propecia, levels of DHT in the prostate and scalp are lowered, but there is a very slight increase in the levels of testosterone in the body. Since testosterone, not DHT, is responsible for normal sexual function, Propecia is not linked to erectile dysfunction. Men no longer have to worry or listen to the rumors about Propecia and erectile dysfunction.

The Temporary Propecia Itch

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

If you just started Propecia and your scalp has begun to itch, you are not alone.  Some users of Propecia experience an itchy scalp for the first few months of treatment, and this is considered a normal side effect as your body adjusts to Propecia. 

The itching should subside within three to five months, right around when you begin seeing new hair growth in your scalp.  The itch is not permanent, but rather temporary, and if you can manage through the first months of minor itching, the Propecia results will certainly pay off with a head of fuller hair.  The question of whether the itching is prompted by hair re-growth or a change in DHT has not yet been answered, but we do know that the itching sensation is temporary. 

In the interim, some Propecia users have rinsed their hair with Apple Cider Vinegar, and it relieves the itching for an extended period of time.  If the itching is regular, you can incorporate this natural method of alleviating the symptoms.  Also, employing emu oil or a good conditioner can cure the itch and make your scalp more comfortable.  Generally, most Propecia users who experience itch notice that the symptom fades after the first few months of treatment.