Is Propecia being absorbed?

[htownballa]

I was wondering if there was anyway to guarantee that the Propecia we take each morning is actually being absorbed into our bloodstream and having an effect on DHT? Would chewing the pills be better than swallowing? Would taking it with food possibly be better?

I know Merck states that it can be taken whenever/however, but what is your personal experience

 

[Rage]

Your stomach has a acid pH of 1.0, and will instantly dissolve the tablet!

 

[Bryan]

Would chewing the pills be better than swallowing?

I recommend chewing them up, especially considering that Propecia and Proscar tablets have a special coating on them which is supposed to help stop the medication from being absorbed by people who might happen to handle the pills casually (like pregnant female pharmacists). Why take any chance at all that you might have difficulty absorbing them properly when you swallow them whole?

I've often related a true story of what happened to my mother when she was taking prescription medication (blood-pressure pills): she noticed one day, to her horror, that the tablets had passed all the way through her intact. She told the pharmacist about it, and he was SHOCKED. He didn't know what to make of such a thing.

Again, why take a chance with tablets of any kind? As long as they're not specifically designed to be a "time-release" formula (check with your doctor or pharmacist to be absolutely sure about that), chew them up first before you swallow them.

Bryan

 

[Guest]

Bryan lol
I really hope you are joking.

 

[Felk]

Nope, he's not

 

[htownballa]

Would chewing the pills be better than swallowing?

I recommend chewing them up, especially considering that Propecia and Proscar tablets have a special coating on them which is supposed to help stop the medication from being absorbed by people who might happen to handle the pills casually (like pregnant female pharmacists). Why take any chance at all that you might have difficulty absorbing them properly when you swallow them whole?

I've often related a true story of what happened to my mother when she was taking prescription medication (blood-pressure pills): she noticed one day, to her horror, that the tablets had passed all the way through her intact. She told the pharmacist about it, and he was SHOCKED. He didn't know what to make of such a thing.

Again, why take a chance with tablets of any kind? As long as they're not specifically designed to be a "time-release" formula (check with your doctor or pharmacist to be absolutely sure about that), chew them up first before you swallow them.

Bryan

Would there be a chance that finasteride absorption would be affected by mouth enzymes/passage down to stomach since the pill wasnt designed to be swallowed? Whats your opinion? I just wish effin merck did a more thorough study as i dont wanna take chances

 

[MPBWarrior]

If what Bryan says is true, one more reason to take quarter Proscars since they´re already broken up (into 4 pieces) before u swallow them and have 'residualed' a bit, thus breaking this apparent coating.

 

[Guest]

Should I also be chewing dutasteride caplets up, Bryan, or anyone?

 

[bubka]

Would chewing the pills be better than swallowing?

I recommend chewing them up, especially considering that Propecia and Proscar tablets have a special coating on them which is supposed to help stop the medication from being absorbed by people who might happen to handle the pills casually (like pregnant female pharmacists). Why take any chance at all that you might have difficulty absorbing them properly when you swallow them whole?

I've often related a true story of what happened to my mother when she was taking prescription medication (blood-pressure pills): she noticed one day, to her horror, that the tablets had passed all the way through her intact. She told the pharmacist about it, and he was SHOCKED. He didn't know what to make of such a thing.

Again, why take a chance with tablets of any kind? As long as they're not specifically designed to be a "time-release" formula (check with your doctor or pharmacist to be absolutely sure about that), chew them up first before you swallow them.

Bryan

no it's true, though with a lot of medications, it has to do with the actual filler (the extra volume of the pill that is there just for space) For instance, many drugs have fillers that are not even digested, but only there to hold the ingredient in and slowly release as they pass through the GI. Wellbutrin XL is a great example, the filler is not even organic and somewhat like a sponge holding in the actual active drug. Effexer XR is also similar, you think you are passing the pill, but rather the filler.

As for propecia, if you have ever gotten a pill even slightly wet, it almost disinterested immediately, the coating probably does not even make it to the stomach, no need to shew or worry about absorption

 

[Bryan]

Would there be a chance that finasteride absorption would be affected by mouth enzymes/passage down to stomach since the pill wasnt designed to be swallowed? Whats your opinion?

I don't think it's an issue. As I've also mentioned several times on these sites, the way the finasteride was given to the animals in the stumptailed macaque trials was as a POWDER on a piece of fruit.

I just wish effin merck did a more thorough study as i dont wanna take chances

Right. DON'T take any chances. Just chew them up a bit before swallowing! :wink:

Bryan

 

[Bryan]

Should I also be chewing dutasteride caplets up, Bryan, or anyone?

Probably a good idea, but not very practical. I've heard that the oil vehicle in Avodart capsules tastes TERRIBLE. I mean GOD-AWFUL.

Many years ago I read about a study done by a doctor in California who tested the absorbability of nutritional supplements in various types of tablets and capsules. He found that ALL of them, even the capsules, were absorbed better when they were chewed-up first, and not swallowed whole. I know it seems a little weird, but I'm just telling you what he claims to have found. But it seems more believable in the context of what happened to my mother, doesn't it?

Ever since that time, I personally chew-up ALL the many supplements that I take. I think it's only common sense to do that.

Bryan

 

[Bryan]

no it's true, though with a lot of medications, it has to do with the actual filler (the extra volume of the pill that is there just for space) For instance, many drugs have fillers that are not even digested, but only there to hold the ingredient in and slowly release as they pass through the GI. Wellbutrin XL is a great example, the filler is not even organic and somewhat like a sponge holding in the actual active drug. Effexer XR is also similar, you think you are passing the pill, but rather the filler.

I understand what you're saying, but such was NOT the case with the specific medicine that my mother was taking. That's why the pharmacist himself was so alarmed when she told him about it later!

Bryan

 

[Guest]

Bryan, I actually just read that because avodart is the capsule it should be swallowed whole and the stomach will process it. every site i just read says not to chew crush or break the avodart capsules.

I don't need to chew my proscar if I cut it in fourths and take a fourth at a time right? Since it's already cut open and the powder is exposed?

i agree that maybe finasteride should be chewed but you are right that the avodart does taste awful.

thanks.

 

[bubka]

no it's true, though with a lot of medications, it has to do with the actual filler (the extra volume of the pill that is there just for space) For instance, many drugs have fillers that are not even digested, but only there to hold the ingredient in and slowly release as they pass through the GI. Wellbutrin XL is a great example, the filler is not even organic and somewhat like a sponge holding in the actual active drug. Effexer XR is also similar, you think you are passing the pill, but rather the filler.

I understand what you're saying, but such was NOT the case with the specific medicine that my mother was taking. That's why the pharmacist himself was so alarmed when she told him about it later!

Bryan

oh i am sure with some it really helps, but get a propecia in proscar damp with even moist fingers, they fall apart easy

 

[ANDREW_J_I]

hmmmm, off topic slightly, why does my anti-biotics say swallow whole? and not break up? if what ur saying is true. might it irritate my insides or summin or is tht time release?