I wanted to use propecia only, so that I could clearly identify the results. I'm happy with what I have, and don't want to start the more involved rogain treatments at this time. Maybe some thickening shampoo. I'm 40 btw.
As far as side-effects - not sure about shedding, if there was any, it didn't cause any major problems. I was losing my hair anyway at that time. I did have a week when I first started that had very low libido, but it came back. I may have a little lower overall libido now, but it's not a problem. I also think I have some more acne problems now, then I did before I started.
But all of these side effects are hard to know for sure if they even exist at all, or are caused by propecia. All I can say for sure is the hair results, which I'm quite happy with!! Now for the greys...