Propecia after 5 years... my story

[Foundation]

Since I'm new here (but not new to hair loss, let me tell you), I figured I'd do some contributing and catching up. I started receding when I was 19 years old. The kind of receding that no one else mentions, but begins to consume you. I started Propecia when I was 21, and it really worked. My hair stopped receding, and no thinning. A lousy HT later (from Bosley) and I was good to go. If good to go meant having zero sex drive and staring at mirrors for three hours a day. I obviously have some serious issues if I was willing to go through that just to keep my hair, but that's for me and my psychiatrist to deal with. What I'm here to share is that at right about the 5 year mark, my hair started to shed... and shed. And recede. And thin. Propecia stopped working. It just did. I didn't know it could do that. Honestly, best/worst thing that ever happened to me. My hair falling out is pretty terrible for sure, and the fact that a year later I'm still relying on Cialis to get me through the week, but at least I got that stuff out of my system. So, as far as the side effects go, maybe they don't get everyone. As far as the drug wearing off after five years, maybe it doesn't happen to everyone. But it sure as hell happened to me. Just putting it out there, think about that possibility as you plan your hair restorations. I'm glad after all of this time reading these boards I decided to actually put something into it. Thanks guys (and girls), this is can be a pretty great place.

[headinahole]

Hey Foundation

 

I have been on the meds for approx 7 yrs. I too have started to notice that they are not working like they once did. I was wondering how long after you stopped did the sides go away?

[Foundation]

Well, they haven't completely gone away. I've been off of them for about 11 months, and I'd say I've improved maybe 50 or 60 percent. The hair loss since I stopped has been quite substantial, so if you're not experiencing sides I wouldn't stop just b/c it's not working as well. It's really up to you I guess, for me... and my future, it was time to stop.

[Chuckisduck]

Foundation, do you know if this happens to most people or just a small group within a certain time period?

[Foundation]

As far as it not working anymore? I don't really know, but I did find after I simply put that into google that I was certainly not alone. As far as the sides not going away, there are some real horror stories around here, I wouldn't let those get into your head though, it will only do you harm. Others say they've been on it for years and have had no sides and it still works. I have however found what I believe is a class action lawsuit in Canada against Propecia and there are some lawyers trying to put one together here in the States. Not sure what's going to come of it. If Propecia is lying/manipulating stats about sexual side effects, than I hope they go down in flames. We'll see I guess.

[maxhair]

If I remember correctly there was a forum topic claiming that some user would take a month or two off every 12 months (I believe) from using propecia to break down the bodies resistance to the drug. After that time off, the claim was that propecia began to work like new again.

 

Avodart; A question for the MDs, especially Drs Rose and Shapiro

[simplyd13]

A year and a half ago I was prescribed Finasteride, the generic for Propecia on the advice of my hair transplant doctor. He told me that the only reported side effect was a slight loss of libido. Subsequently I proceeded to take the drug for the next few months experiencing bouts of depression, severe anxiety, and panic attacks that landed me in the emergency room five times in a matter of four months because I feared I was having a heart attack. After connecting the two, I stopped taking the drug and thought everything would be just fine. Since the drug has been out of my system I have not had any anxiety but have developed a whole new set of side effects. These include auto-immune problems, dizziness, rapid tooth decay and skin wrinkling, bleeding gums, severe food allergies, and much more. If anyone out there knows how to get back to normal life after Propecia please let me know. I just want to feel normal again. Thanks

[will27]

simplyd13,

 

Have you conclusively determined that the side effects from before and now are from taking the medication?

 

 

These are questions that I would definitely seek expert opinion, not forum opinion (I believe the two are conclusive in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment).

[LT]

Reading these posts just reminds me why I am not taking Propecia anymore and the possible long term effects isn't worth it. People in here keep telling me to get back on it but I will not. I was on and off Propecia for like 3 to 4 years. Every time I was on Propecia I did have a slight loss of libido but it didn't stop me for having sex but did feel a like less sex drive. I will use Rogain and other products and stay away from Propecia.

[devilsrule2004]

yea, My hair isnt that important for long term neg effects. Its only hair, its not like cancer or something real bad. I just look optimistic and hope for something that doesnt have long term effects.