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

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.

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

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 

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.

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.

Thank you for your question. For men experiencing side effects from Propecia it is best to slowly wean off the medication and replace it with either a topical form of finasteride or other DHT blocking agent. PRP provides growth factors to stimulate hair growth but does not block the effect of DHT over the long term. DHT is the principal cause for hair thinning and hair loss. I would seek out a consultation with a hair restoration specialist for their recommendations.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

It would be wise to decrease your dosage of propecia incrementally versus just stopping suddenly. You could also look in to a topical Finasteride which has shown to have less side effects.