What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by shrinking the prostate gland and easing urinary symptoms. Finasteride also treats androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) by preventing hair loss through hormonal regulation. As an antiandrogenic compound, Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in both conditions.
What are the uses of Finasteride?
Doctors prescribe Finasteride to treat conditions such as:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate without prostate cancer)
- Androgenic alopecia (gradual thinning or loss of hair in the men on the scalp)
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride blocks an enzyme that turns testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone which makes the prostate gland grow larger than usual and also leads to hair loss on the scalp. The use of Finasteride can help reduce the size of the prostate, ease the symptoms of BPH, and make it easier to pee. On the other hand, it also slows down hair loss in males.
How to use Finasteride?
Use Finasteride exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
It comes in oral tablets swallowed with water, which can be taken on an empty or after a meal.
Consider using the advised dose, but do not double or increase the dose.
It would be best to use Finasteride oral tablets as long as advised.
In case of any unwanted effects after use, inform your doctor.
What are the side effects of Finasteride?
Side effects that may appear during the use of Finasteride include:
- The problem in getting or maintaining an erection
- Problems with ejaculation
- Reduced sex drive
- Rash
- Sore or enlarged breasts in males
Inform your doctor if you suspect any of the listed unwanted effects of Finasteride.
What are the precautions and safety advice related to Finasteride?
- Do not take Finasteride if you have an allergy to it.
- Keep Finasteride out of reach of children.
- Patients with liver problems should use Finasteride with caution and only when prescribed safe by a doctor.
- Use of Finasteride may take months to show improvement. Consult your doctor if concerned.
- Finasteride may reduce semen volume, sperm count, and activity, possibly affecting fertility. Discuss with a doctor if you are worried about the effects of the drug.
- The use of Finasteride can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels but does not prevent prostate cancer. Regular PSA tests are still necessary.
- If you suspect breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge while using Finasteride, inform your doctor.
How to Store Finasteride?
Store Finasteride at room temperature between 59 to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Keep the medicine in a dry area away from moisture and the original container, and store it away from the reach of children and pets.
FAQs Related to Finasteride:
Will Finasteride regrow hair?
Yes, the use of Finasteride helps in regrowing hair, and it also slows down hair loss. But note that it's not a cure for hair loss.
What happens after 2 months of Finasteride?
After using Finasteride for two months, you observe temporary hair shedding (finasteride shedding) may occur. It is normal, lasts about two weeks, and happens with other hair loss treatments.
Is Finasteride a steroid?
Finasteride is a synthetic steroid and a type-II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Finasteride blocks testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Dutasteride is a similar drug.
Can Finasteride regrow the hairline?
Yes, Finasteride can help regrow hair, including along the hairline. It will slow down hair loss and stimulate regrowth in some individuals.
How long can you take Finasteride for BPH?
Finasteride is taken long-term, often for months or years, for BPH. Do not stop without consulting your doctor, as BPH symptoms may return.
