abst-Propecia3

TITLE	FDA OKs ANTI-BALDING PILL
SUMMARY FROM	Washington, Associated Press - 12/22/97
AUTHOR	Lauran Neergaard
THE ARTICLE TALKS ABOUT:	FDA aprroved the first oral medication for male pattern baldness - Propecia (1mg finasteride) marketed by Merck & Co. Propecia is expected to be available in the market in January 1998. The retail price of the pill is estimated to be around US $50 for a 30 day supply. A prescription is required for the drug. According to Dr. Ken Washenik of New York University, the drug can produce some noticeable difference for people suffering from hair loss. Propecia is a long term commitment. Based on clinical testing conducted by Merck, it takes about 6 months to one year to see if you respond to the medication. And the Propecia induced hair will fall off if medication is terminated. Propecia will not give you all the hair back. Clinical studies show that 30% of the participants grew a small amount of hair and 18% of the participants had moderate to dense regrowth. The drug tends to work better on the top than the hairline areas. The drug carries a side effect - decreased sex drive and impotence in about 2% of the participants. Also, women are cautioned AGAINST taking the drug due to fears about birth defects.

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