If you have been watching late night infomercials or go to websites for older men, you may have heard about Propecia. Propecia was initially used (alone or in combination with doxazosin) to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, which is the term doctors use to refer to the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is used to treat the symptoms of BPH symptoms such as having trouble urinating or urinating too frequently.
It may reduce the chance of suddenly losing the ability to urinate (acute urinary retention) and also helps reduce the necessity of prostate surgery. Soon after, another way to use Propecia was discovered: it can be used to treat male pattern hair loss. This is when your hair on your scalp thins gradually, until you have a receding hairline or you’re bald at the top of your head.
While many people have heard about Propecia due to the massive marketing campaign, there is also another reason why you may have heard about the medicine. Some news articles have reported that lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer (Merck) due to the sexual dysfunctions it may have caused.
How Much Does Propecia Cost?
Like other medicines, the Propecia prices depends on the volume of your purchase and where you bought it. For example, it has been noted that it may be more affordable if you buy it online than if you buy it from a pharmacy, although even online the price may vary as well. One site may sell a 30-day supply for $64, while another may offer a 90-day supply for $180. Some sites may also charge a higher Propecia price like $280 for a 90-day supply, but offer a similar volume of the generic versions for just $62 with the shipping included.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $91.04 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $175.83 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $260.61 |
Kmart |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $91.77 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $176.33 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $253.34 |
Kroger |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $90.28 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $177.08 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $254.15 |
Publix |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $91.59 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $176.38 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $235.65 |
Rite Aid |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $92.78 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $179.93 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $266.39 |
Target |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $90.28 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $176.33 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $254.15 |
Walgreens |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $92.78 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $179.57 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $267.36 |
Walmart |
| 1mg | 30 tablets | $89.28 |
| 1mg | 60 tablets | $174.00 |
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $263.85 |
In general, the generic versions of Propecia (finasteride) are less expensive. However, you may not be as certain that what you bought actually contains the proper dosage than if you bought real Propecia. It’s that assurance of proper dosage which makes the higher Propecia cost worth it for some customers. Another brand name for finasteride is Proscar.
Possible Side Effects: Sexual Dysfunction
According to the Propecia website, there may be some sexual side effects if you take Propecia. In less than 2% of the men who have taken the medicine, these sexual side effects include a lessening in the amount of semen, pain in the testicles, difficulties in achieving an erection, and even a markedly less desire for sex. The website also states that these side effects disappeared when the patients stopped taking the medicine, and that the symptoms disappeared in most men who persisted in taking the medicine.
However, there have been lawsuits that allege otherwise, and that there is a hidden Propecia cost beyond the price tag. The contention of some of these lawsuits is that it’s not only 2% of the men who have experienced sexual problems; the lawyers cite surveys which suggest that this figure could be anywhere from 39%, with 94% reporting low libido. One report is also cited to contend that only half the men who suffered sexual problems as a result of taking Propecia recovered fully from these side effects.
Other Side Effects
Aside from sexual dysfunction, other side effects include depression, abnormal PSA blood test results, breast enlargement and tenderness, allergic reactions (itching, hives, and rashes), and male infertility. There have also been rare cases of male breast cancer.
How Does Propecia Work?
Propecia treats BPH by blocking the body’s production of a male hormone that causes prostate enlargement. When used to treat male pattern hair loss, it blocks the body from producing a male hormone that stops hair from growing.
Propecia is taken once a day, and should be taken at the same time every day. It may take 6 months for changes to be noticed, and you should not stop from taking the medicine unless you’ve informed your doctor about serious side effects and your doctor takes you off the medicine. Suddenly stopping from taking the medicine may cause a return of the medical condition being treated.
Follow the instructions carefully, and do not take a double dose when you’ve missed a scheduled dose.
Drug Interactions
You should inform your doctor if you are taking any herbal or vitamin supplements, as well as any prescription or over-the counter drugs. Don’t begin a new medication if you are on Propecia until you inform your doctor.
The following medications have been reported to react with Propecia:
- voriconazole
- tacrolimus
- sirolimus
- saquinavir
- posaconazole
- nelfinavir
- nefazodone
- itraconazole
- fluvoxamine
- fluconazole
- emtricitabine / nelfinavir / tenofovir
- diltiazem / enalapril
- diltiazem
Additional Warnings
Women must NEVER take this medicine. Women should not even handle this medicine with their hands. Women must immediately wash their hands if they have inadvertently handled Propecia, and pregnant women should contact a doctor immediately. This medicine is only for men.
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