Each Propecia tablet should be taken once a day, preferably at the same time. It should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. If you forget to take a dosage, you should not take two to make up for the missed tablet. Simply take the next scheduled tablet and carry on as you normally would.

Propecia results after three months should be noticeable, but it may be six months or more before its full effects can be seen. Why does it take Propecia so long to work? It takes the follicles this long to produce new hair, so some patience is needed, but it should be worth the wait. If you haven't noticed any improvement after 12 months, you should speak to your clinician about alternative treatment options. 

It is important to note that taking more Propecia than has been instructed will not lead to better results (and the product won't work any faster either). If you have taken too much Propecia you should seek immediate medical attention. For more information, consult your clinician, or see the information leaflet that comes with your treatment for further guidance. 

There are few areas of healthcare that have more old wives' tales and myths than treatments for hair loss. This might explain some of the cynicism that surrounds the medications, whether justified or not. The fact is, however, that there are some very effective treatments available, and not just Propecia. Minoxidil is found in various products, including Regaine, and has also been proven to be an effective treatment for male pattern baldness.

While some experimental treatments are always being manufactured, products that contain minoxidil or finasteride are the most reliable, effective and safe to use

There is no such thing as a cure for male pattern baldness, but that does not mean there are not various things you can do to help. Hair transplants are expensive, and the results are far from reliable, but the technology has come a long way in recent years.

There are also natural treatments, such as certain essential oils, although how effective these are is highly disputable. And looking after your health can help greatly. While male pattern baldness is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking and a lack of certain vitamins, such as iron and zinc, can worsen the condition.

No medication, no matter how common, comes without some risk of side effects. The good news is that Propecia side effects tend to be very mild when they do occur. These include impotence and sexual issues. You may find that these side effects disappear once your body has got used to the treatment. If these side effects persist, let your clinician know. They may advise you to try a different product, and can talk you through your options. 

These issues affect less than one in 100 patients, so it is highly unlikely you will have any problems using Propecia, but it is important to know the risks before you begin the treatment.

Serious side effects are also possible, but they are extremely rare and usually relate to allergic reactions, such as swelling of the throat, face, tongue and lips. Severe depression and suicide risk have also been reported, as has a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, or any changes in your breast tissue, including pain, lumps, nipple discharge or enlargement, you should stop taking Propecia and contact your clinician immediately.