Three years on finasteride...

[Zack0708]

Hello everyone,

I've been on finasteride for exactly 3 years now. I've had great success with the product as I've had no further hair loss.

Recently, however, my hair has begun to shed quite a bit, more than a normal amount I'd say. Is this an indication that the medication has stopped working? The shedding does seem to have hit all at once (within the past 4 weeks, about 150-175 hairs/day).

I also ordered some nizoral 2% from J&J in India and added that to my regimen around 3 weeks ago. Could this be the cause of it? I've been taking 1% for much longer, so I don't see how a change to the 2% formula would cause such dramatic shedding.

Finally, would anyone recommend a transition to dutasteride at this stage? Or should I wait to see how much longer the shedding continues?

(I should note that I was in India in July when my prescription ran out, so I purchased a year's supply of Cipla's Finpecia at a local pharmacy. I've been taking that exact medication since July 17.)

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[TEDDYRUXPIN]

The above is difficult to say to be honest. Too many factors.

It is highly possible that you will go through a shedding period. All people - bald or not blad shed hair throughout life. So this may be a normal period you have to go through.

Next, Cipla? Could you have bought fake goods? This could be a factor.

Another thing, have you gone through a transition of high stress?

 

[Zack0708]

Thanks for the response,

I guess it's possible that the finasteride was fake. But I purchased it from a reputable pharmacy in India. Not only that, but they had to order some from the pharmaceutical company because the amount I requested was not available in stock. So there was a few days delay.

Only major stress in my life has been law school, which has been immensely stressful. So perhaps?

My major question is: could finasteride stop working after just 3 years?

 

[Zack0708]

anyone?

 

[mpbsux20]

Maybe you got screwed by the guy at the Indian Pharmacy.He sold you fake sh*t since you made a bulk order.

 

[TheGrayMan2001]

Is your hair noticeably thinner from the shed? It might stop and grow back. Or you might not lose any hair except what you see in the shower and your head never looks any different.

 

[Zack0708]

My hair is not noticeably thinner, so I guess that's a good sign.

And to reply to the possibility of a guy selling me fake stuff, I think the probability would be the same in the U.S.
Pharmacies in India are regulated with the same standards in mind as those in the U.S. Criticism of Indian pharmacies on many of these fora is borderline racist. An Indian pharmaceutical chain, like that of CVS or Walgreens, has no incentive to sell fake drugs. The risks are greatly outweighed by any benefit.

 

[KeepTheHair]

It could be the shampoo. It could be many things.