Complete guide to finasteride (Propecia) for male pattern baldness. Learn about effectiveness, dosing, side effects, costs, and what to expect from treatment. Propecia is a research-backed, FDA-approved prescription hair loss treatment you take orally. It contains the active ingredient finasteride and works by stopping testosterone from converting into the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss or a receding hairline in men. Propecia (finasteride) is an oral tablet that is used to treat male-pattern hair loss. While it is generally considered a safe and effective drug, Propecia has been tied to several side effects, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and depression. Finasteride is used to treat men who have symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Propecia (finasteride 1 mg tablets) became FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men on December 19, 1997. Finasteride is now available as a generic medicine. Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness in adult men. It works by lowering levels of a hormone in your body that's linked to hair loss. You take it by mouth once a day, with or without food. Propecia (finasteride) is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men. Includes Propecia side effects, interactions and indications. Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar (5 mg) and Propecia (1 mg) among others, is a medication used to treat pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). [6] What is Propecia? Propecia is a brand name for the generic drug finasteride, which is a prescription-only oral tablet taken daily to slow down hair loss in men. Find patient medical information for Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings.