Finasteride
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor taken as a film-coated tablet. Men use it for androgenetic alopecia, the hereditary form of hair loss, and for benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate. Treatment is continuous, and visible change usually takes three to six months. It is not intended for women or children.
Medicines containing Finasteride
Key points
- Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
- For hair loss it is a treatment for men only, and its effect on bitemporal recession has not been established.
- Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder are the reactions most often reported during treatment.
What finasteride is used for
In hair loss, finasteride is used for androgenetic alopecia, where hair thins at the crown and the hairline recedes. More options for this are grouped under hair loss.
In prostate care it is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Related products sit under prostate health.
How finasteride works
Type II 5-alpha reductase is an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Finasteride inhibits this enzyme competitively and specifically. With DHT levels reduced, the hormonal pressure that shrinks susceptible hair follicles falls, and further hair loss stops. The effect depends on continued use rather than a short course.
Finasteride tablets
Four products are listed, all film-coated tablets containing finasteride:
- Propecia, 1 mg and 5 mg, for androgenetic alopecia
- Finpecia, 1 mg, for androgenetic alopecia
- Proscar, 5 mg, for benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Fincar, 5 mg, for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Finasteride must not be taken by anyone with a hypersensitivity to it. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, because it may cause abnormalities of the male genital organs in a fetus. Women in that position should not handle crushed or broken tablets, since finasteride can be absorbed; the film coating prevents contact with the active ingredient during normal handling provided the tablet is intact. No breastfeeding data exist.
Finasteride is detectable in semen. Mood alterations should be monitored, and the medicine may affect PSA levels. Depression and male breast cancer are serious effects that need immediate medical attention. Breast tenderness and rash are moderate effects. Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory disorder are the minor ones.
What the sources say
- The Propecia label limits the hair loss indication to men, states that the medicine is not indicated in women, and notes that efficacy in bitemporal recession has not been established. (DailyMed)
- Sexual dysfunction continuing after treatment stopped is recorded, covering erectile dysfunction, libido, ejaculation and orgasm disorders, along with male infertility or poor seminal quality. (DailyMed)
- Depression, suicidal ideation and behaviour appear among the nervous system and psychiatric reactions reported after marketing. (DailyMed)
Further reading
FAQ
What conditions does finasteride treat?
Finasteride is used by men for androgenetic alopecia, the hereditary form of hair loss, and for benign prostatic hyperplasia, an enlarged prostate. It is not intended for women or children.
How does finasteride lower DHT?
Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). With DHT levels reduced, the hormonal pressure that shrinks susceptible hair follicles falls, and further hair loss stops.
How long does finasteride take to show visible change?
Visible change usually takes three to six months, and treatment is continuous.
Can finasteride affect mood or PSA levels?
Mood alterations should be monitored, and finasteride may affect PSA levels.
What can I order that contains finasteride?
You'll find finasteride in Propecia, Finpecia and Proscar, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
What side effects are reported with finasteride?
Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder are the reactions most often reported during treatment. Breast tenderness and rash are moderate effects, while depression and male breast cancer are serious and need immediate medical attention. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Who should not take finasteride?
Finasteride must not be taken by anyone with a hypersensitivity to it. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, because it may cause abnormalities of the male genital organs in a fetus. Women in that position should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
Where can I buy finasteride online?
Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
How ordering works →Last updated