When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Question

Hello. I am 35 years old and have been taking Propecia for 6 years. I am very happy with my hair volume, however I am experiencing a lot of side effects from Prlpecia and I have decided to stop taking it. I already received the first PRP session 1 week ago and I have 3 more sessions scheduled monthly. I am also on Minoxidil. After how many doses of PRP would you recommend to discontinue Propecia?thanks in advance!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

PRP is a novel treatment for hair loss. It works by a mechanism entirely different than traditional medical regimens (growth factors and cytokines vs. anti-DHT). It is helpful on its own or as an adjunct to already established medical therapy.It it important to understand that gains made while undergoing medical therapy are subject to continued medical treatment. Discontinuation of Propecia is likely to be accompanied by losses.If you are suffering the systemic side effects of Propecia, you might consider a topical alternative formulation.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

javieradgut,I assume that you have androgenetic alopecia. That means that you have inherited a pattern of hair whose active growth phase (anagen) is progressively shorten by the presence of dht after puberty. The thicker caliber hairs are made progressively finer, shorter, and eventually lack pigment. Propecia works by decreasing the dht, while prp works by delivering growth factors and cytokines to the scalp. If propecia is taken every other day, most of the drug is metabolized by the time the next dose is taken. Every other day dosing still delivers 80% of the benefit while minimizing side effects. I would recommend that you discuss your concerns with your physician, who is best positioned to help you!Sincerely,Bernardino Arocha, MD

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

PRP works by providing growth factors and cytokines to the hair follicle. Finasteride works by blocking DHT In the scalp. The ideal combination is to utilize both treatments. If you are having a problem with side effects on Propecia, you should first try to decrease the dose or switch to a topical formulation.. It is not possible to predict whether discontinuing the Propecia will lead to increased hair loss.PRPHAIRMD.COM

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Stopping Propecia is an important decision and for many men it can be the right decision. Be sure to review carefully with your doctors. The mistake people make is assuming that PRP can substitute for Propecia. It can not. It is an option for some males with patterned balding but it’s not a matter of giving the hair follicle time with PrP so it won’t notice that Propecia has been removed. Not at all. Stopping Propecia will lead to hair loss for a very large proportion of men even if they continue PRP. The hope of course is that with minoxidil, PRP (and other treatments) that the male stopping Propecia will reduce the chance of hair loss. Stopping Propecia is appropriate for many men - but it’s critical that the patient understands all the implications of stopping.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

PRP is not a substitute for Propecia.  I would suggest you discuss your concerns with your prescribing physician and discuss your specific side effects to assure they are being caused by the Propecia before you decide to stop taking it.

When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Answers (7)

Answer: Stopping Propecia

Answer: Stopping Propecia

Answer: When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Answer: When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP for Hair Loss

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Answers (7)

Answer: Stopping Propecia

Answer: Stopping Propecia

Answer: When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Answer: When can I stop Propecia if I am on PRP therapy?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about PRP for Hair Loss

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.