Finasteride

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, also known by the brand name Propecia, belongs to a class of drugs known as testosterone 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Finasteride is a prescription treatment used to treat hair loss in men (male pattern baldness). Finasteride is also used to treat enlarged prostate.  Finasteride is not intended for use in women and children, although in hair circumstances, it may be recommended by a doctor.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride is a type of medication known as a 5-alpha-redictase inhibitor. 5-alpha-redictase is the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (a hormone that stimulates the development of male characteristics, an androgen). Too much dihydrotestosterone has shown to be implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer and male-pattern baldness. As such, the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that Finasteride contains blocks the action of this enzyme by preventing testosterone from breaking down into dihydrotestosterone, which increases the levels of testosterone and improves hair growth.

Active ingredients

Finasteride tablets contain the active ingredient finasteride at a concentration of 1mg. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-redictase inibitor which increases the levels of testosterone, promoting hair growth. 

Inactive ingredients

Finasteride also contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose LF, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, talc, docusate sodium, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide.

Finasteride dosage

The recommended dosage of Finasteride is a single 1mg tablet, taken once a day, at approximately the same time. In some situations, a doctor may prescribe a different dose. You should always follow the instructions of the prescribing physician when taking any medication. 

How to take Finasteride

Finasteride is a tablet for long-term use and should be taken continuously for at least three to six months. Take Finasteride tablet orally (by mouth) with a glass of water, with or without food. The recommended dosage is one tablet (1mg) taken once daily, or otherwise as prescribed by your doctor. For optimal effect, take this medication regularly and preferably at the same time each day. It may take up to 3 months for the effects to show. If you stop taking Finasteride, your hair loss symptoms may come back, possibly within 12 months.

Important: Before taking Finasteride, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have had liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, urinary problems.

Side Effects

Get immediate medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to Finasteride: skin rash (which may be itchy), swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat; difficulty breathing.

Possible side effects:

• Decreased libido (sexual desire)
• Erectile Dysfunction (inability to get and maintain an erection)
• Erectile Disorder (decreased volume of ejaculation)

Talk to your doctor immediately if any of the following serious side effects occur:

• Lump in the breast
• Nipple discharge
• Breast enlargement/tenderness/pain
• Pain in the testicles
• Inability to urinate

Contraindications

Finasteride is contraindicated in pregnant or potentially pregnant women as Finasteride may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus. As such, pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not even handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets because there is a possibility of absorption of finasteride.

Drug Interactions

The following drugs are known to interact with Finasteride:

• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT, Diltiazem Hydrochloride SR, Cardizem CD, Dilt-XR, Diltiazem Hydrochloride CD, Diltiazem Hydrochloride XR, Taztia XT, Tiazac, Cardizem LA, Matzim LA, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT, Cardizem SR, Diltiazem Hydrochloride XT, Cardizem Monovial, Tiadylt ER, Diltzac)
• Diltiazem/Enalapril (Teczem)
• Emtricitabine / Nelfinavir / Tenofovir (antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV)
• Fluconazole (Diflucan)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR)
• Fostamatinib (Tavalisse)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura, Onmel)
• Nefazodone (Serzone)
• Nelfinavir (Viracept)
• Saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase)
• Sirolimus (Rapamune)
• Tacrolimus (Prograf, Envarsus XR, Astagraf XL, Hecoria)
• Temsirolimus (Torisel)
• Terazosin (Hytrin)
• Voriconazole (Vfend)