Propecia is the brand name for the generic drug Finasteride. It can also be classified as Proscar or Propecia Pro-Pak. Propecia is prescribed by a doctor to treat enlarged prostate and/or male pattern hair loss. Enlarged prostate, or BPH, produces symptoms that make urination difficult, such as having to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate, difficulty with passing urine, and decreased flow of urine. Propecia helps alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms by preventing testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, ultimately keeping testosterone levels higher. Propecia also slows hair loss in men, so men who are experiencing male pattern hair loss or baldness can find some relief. Women and children should not take or handle this drug, especially if pregnant.
Propecia can cause sexual, neurological, hormonal or psychological side effects both while the drug is being taken and after cessation of the drug. Sexual side effects might include sexual dysfunction in the form of lesser sex drive or erectile dysfunction.