The more you know about your MPHL, the better decisions you’ll make. Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common form of hair loss, representing close to 95% of all cases of hair loss in men. And about half of all men experience MPHL by age 50. So if you have MPHL, you’re certainly not alone.
The Norwood-Hamilton scale shows the progressive stages of MPHL. You may find using the scale helpful in identifying your stage. Left untreated, MPHL is a condition that usually gets worse.
MPHL can be inherited from either side of your family. Your hair follicles may be more susceptible to a chemical in the body called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Scientists believe DHT and family history are key factors in hair loss.
Many products for male pattern hair loss (MPHL) are available for men to use. The comparative effectiveness of these products and procedures in growing hair or preventing further balding is not known.
PROPECIA was developed to treat mild to moderate male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in MEN ONLY. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for receding hairlines at the temples.
PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.
In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.
You may need to take PROPECIA daily for 3 months or more before you see a benefit from taking PROPECIA. If PROPECIA has not worked for you within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.
PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.
In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.
You may need to take PROPECIA daily for 3 months or more before you see a benefit from taking PROPECIA. If PROPECIA has not worked for you within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.
PROPECIA can only work over the long term if you continue taking it. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.
Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all the hair you have lost.
Know the facts. PROPECIA is available by prescription only, so the best thing to do is talk with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
PROPECIA and Helping make hair loss history are registered trademarks of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
20951234(2)-04/10-PRP
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
PROPECIA and Helping make hair loss history are registered trademarks of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
20951234(2)-04/10-PRP
