O que é Propecia?
Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) is a receita médica-only oral medicamento approved by the Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA) for the tratamento of androgenetic alopecia — male pattern hair loss — in adult men. It is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, a class of medicamentos that works at the hormonal level to address the underlying cause of male pattern baldness.
Male pattern hair loss is the most common form of hair loss in men, affecting up to 50% of men by the age of 50. It is driven primarily by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible hair follicles.
Como funciona Propecia work?
Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp, skin, and prostate. DHT is the primary hormonal driver of androgenetic alopecia: it binds to androgen receptors in hair follicles, causing progressive miniaturisation — the gradual shrinking of the follicle until it can no longer produce visible terminal hair.
By inhibiting 5-alpha reductase type II, finasteride reduces scalp and serum DHT concentrations by approximately 60–70%. This reduction slows or halts the miniaturisation process, allowing the follicle to recover and produce thicker, longer hair over time.
Propecia addresses the hormonal cause of male pattern hair loss, distinguishing it from topical tratamentos such as minoxidil, which act through a different (vascular and proliferative) mechanism.
Para quem é Propecia for?
Propecia is indicated for adult men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It is most effective when started earlier in the course of hair loss — before significant follicle miniaturisation has occurred — but clinical evidence supports benefit at various stages of hair loss.
Propecia is specifically approved for use in men. It is not approved for use in women or children.
Finasteride is not appropriate for all men. A medical assessment is required to confirm suitability. Contraindications include:
- Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any excipient
- Women of childbearing potential must not handle crushed or broken finasteride comprimidos — finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may cause abnormalities in the external genitalia of a male foetus
Dosagem
Propecia is taken as a 1 mg oral comprimido once daily, with or without food. It should be taken at approximately the same time each day.
| Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | Once daily | Standard approved dose for androgenetic alopecia |
There is no titration period — tratamento begins at the full therapeutic dose. The benefit of finasteride is dependent on continued use. Clinical evidence shows that hair counts return to pre-tratamento levels within 12 months of stopping the medicamento.
Results are typically not visible until 3 to 6 months of consistent use, and full assessment of the medicamento’s effect should be made after at least 12 months of tratamento.
Efeitos secundários
As with all medicamentos, Propecia may cause efeito secundários. The majority of men taking finasteride do not experience efeito secundários.
Efeitos secundários comuns (may affect more than 1 in 100 people)
- Decreased libido (reduced sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculatory disorders (reduced volume of ejaculate)
These sexual efeito secundários were reported in a small proportion of men in clinical trials (approximately 1–2%) and resolved in most pacientes after discontinuation of tratamento. They may also improve with continued use in some men.
Menos comuns but notable effects
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia) — rare but reported
- Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, or swelling of the lips and face
- Testicular pain (uncommon)
Post-market reports
Post-market surveillance data and the medical literature include reports of persistent sexual dysfunction (including reduced libido and erectile dysfunction), depression, and cognitive effects in a small number of pacientes following discontinuation of finasteride. This is referred to in the literature as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). The EMA has reviewed this safety signal, and prescribing information in the EU includes relevant warnings. Patients should discuss any personal or family history of mood disorders or sexual dysfunction with their médico before starting tratamento.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
Finasteride reduces serum PSA levels by approximately 50%. Men on finasteride who undergo PSA screening for prostate cancer should inform their médico, as the reduced PSA value must be interpreted accordingly (typically by doubling the result to estimate the true PSA level).
Propecia vs alternativas
The two primary tratamentos for male pattern hair loss approved in Europe are finasteride and minoxidil. They have distinct mechanisms of action and can, in some cases, be used in combination under medical supervision.
| Treatment | Active Ingredient | Mechanism | Form | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propecia | Finasteride 1 mg | 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (hormonal) | Oral comprimido | Male androgenetic alopecia |
| Rogaine | Minoxidil | Vasodilator / hair follicle stimulant | Topical solution or foam | Androgenetic alopecia (men and women) |
Key differences:
- Propecia vs Rogaine (Minoxidil): Finasteride acts on the hormonal cause of hair loss (DHT reduction), while minoxidil stimulates blood flow to hair follicles through a vascular mechanism. Finasteride is taken orally once daily; minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp once or twice daily. Finasteride is approved for men only; minoxidil is approved for both men and women. Both have demonstrated effectiveness in clinical trials, and some men use both concurrently under medical supervision for complementary effects.
- Treatment duration: Both require continuous use to maintain benefit. Stopping either tratamento typically results in reversal of hair loss gains within 12 months.
Como aceder a Propecia online na Europa
Propecia is a medicamento sujeito a receita médica (POM) in all estados-membros da UE. A valid receita médica from a licensed medical professional is required before it can be legally dispensed.
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary: we do not prescribe medicamentos, employ médicos, or sell medicamentos. Our platform connects pacientes with independent EU-registered médicos who can conduct confidential online health assessments.
The process works as follows:
- Complete uma avaliação de saúde: Answer structured health questions covering your hair loss history, relevant medical history, current medications, and any previous tratamentos tried.
- Avaliação médica: An independent EU-registered médico reviews your assessment. If finasteride is clinically appropriate, they may issue a receita médica. If it is not appropriate, the médico will explain why.
- Receita e dispensa: If a receita médica is issued, it is sent to a licensed EU farmácia partner, which dispenses and ships the medicamento to you.
Important: A Prescrivia não garante that a receita médica will be issued. All prescribing decisions are made independently by qualified medical professionals.
Informação de segurança importante
Não utilize Propecia if you:
- Are female, or are a woman of childbearing potential (risk of foetal harm if absorbed through skin)
- Are under 18 years of age
- Are allergic to finasteride or any ingredient in Propecia
- Have liver disease that may impair finasteride metabolism
Informe o seu médico before starting Propecia if you have:
- A history of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders
- A history of sexual dysfunction
- Liver disease
- A history of prostate cancer (finasteride is not indicated for prostate cancer prevention in this context; higher doses are used separately for BPH)
- Obstructive uropathy
Important for women: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Propecia comprimidos. Finasteride is absorbed through the skin and may cause malformation of the genitalia of a male foetus if contact occurs.
PSA monitoring: Inform any médico ordering a PSA test that you are taking finasteride. The expected 50% reduction in PSA must be accounted for in interpretation.
Fontes
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA). Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA). Assessment report: Propecia. EMEA/H/C/000659.
- Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHO). International Programme on Chemical Safety — Finasteride monograph. who.int
- Kaufman KD, et al. Finasteride in the tratamento of men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998;39(4):578-589.
This content is reviewed periodically to reflect updated clinical guidance. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
- O que é Propecia utilizado para?
- Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) is approved by the Agência Europeia de Medicamentos (EMA) for the tratamento of androgenetic alopecia — commonly known as male pattern hair loss — in adult men. It is used to slow hair loss and, in many cases, to promote some regrowth of hair in areas affected by thinning.
- How effective is Propecia for hair loss?
- Clinical trials submitted to the EMA demonstrated that finasteride 1 mg stopped the progression of hair loss in approximately 90% of men over two years of tratamento. Around two-thirds of men experienced measurable hair regrowth during the same period. Results are typically seen after 3 to 6 months of consistent use, and continued tratamento is required to maintain the benefit.
- Quanto tempo dura it take for Propecia to work?
- Most men begin to notice a reduction in hair shedding within 3 to 6 months of starting tratamento. Visible hair regrowth, where it occurs, is typically apparent after 6 to 12 months. Propecia must be taken daily and continuously — discontinuing tratamento usually results in a return to baseline hair loss within 12 months.
- Posso obter Propecia online na Europa?
- You can access Propecia through online intermediary platforms that connect you with independent EU-registered médicos. After completing a confidential health assessment, a médico will review whether finasteride is clinically appropriate for you. Prescrivia does not prescribe or dispense medicamentos — we connect you with qualified professionals.
- Does Propecia cause sexual efeito secundários?
- Clinical studies found that a small proportion of men (approximately 1–2%) experienced sexual efeito secundários including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume. These effects were reported to resolve in most pacientes after discontinuation of tratamento. Some reports in the medical literature describe persistent sexual efeito secundários in a small subset of pacientes after stopping finasteride (post-finasteride syndrome), though the clinical evidence base for this remains under investigation. All relevant health history should be disclosed to the reviewing médico before starting tratamento.
Tratamentos
A Prescrivia é apenas uma plataforma intermediária. Não prestamos serviços médicos, não prescrevemos tratamentos nem dispensamos medicamentos. Todas as decisões médicas são tomadas por médicos independentes registados na UE. Todos os medicamentos são dispensados por farmácias licenciadas na UE. Esta plataforma facilita a ligação entre pacientes e prestadores de cuidados de saúde.