What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescriptions drug comes in the form of an oral tablet. The tablet is available in the brand name drug called Proscar and Propecia. The medication prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the body. It’s involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Finasteride Uses

Finasteride is used to shrink the enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult males. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery.

The medication helps in improving the symptoms of BPH and provides benefits such as:

Reduced urge to urinate
Improved flow of urine with less strain
Less feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
Decreased night-time urination

Finasteride medication works by reducing the amount of natural body hormone which can cause the growth of the prostate.

Finasteride Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Finasteride:

Trouble getting an erection
Ejaculation disorder
Increase in breast size
Tenderness
Skin rash

Serious Side Effects of Finasteride:

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for further assistance. If you notice any reactions to Finasteride in your body, consider discontinuing its use.

Important Precautions for Finasteride:

Before taking Finasteride, discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other serious problems.

Before using Finasteride, inform your doctor if you have any medical history of:

Liver disease
Prostate cancer
Infections
Urinary problems

How to Take Finasteride?

Form: Finasteride is usually available in the form of tablets.
Timing: Take Finasteride around the same time every day.
Dosage: Take Finasteride exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it or take it more frequently than prescribed.

For BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Treatment:

Finasteride may help control your condition, but it does not cure it.
It may take at least 6 months to notice improvements in your symptoms.
Continue taking Finasteride even if you start to feel better.

For Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment:

It may take at least 3 months before you see any improvement in hair loss and growth.
Significant improvement is generally expected within the first 12 months of treatment.
If you have used Finasteride for 12 months without improvement, further treatment may not be effective.

Dosage for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Generic: Finasteride
Form: Oral tablet
Strengths: 1 mg
Brand: Propecia
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): 1 mg per day

Dosage for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Generic: Finasteride
Form: Oral tablet
Strengths: 5 mg
Brand: Proscar
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older): Typical dosage: 5 mg per day.

What to Do If You Missed a Dose?

Missing one or two doses of Finasteride won't show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. However, with some medications, it may not work if you don't take the dosage on time.
If you miss a dose, sudden chemical changes may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.

Overdose of Finasteride

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Finasteride tablets, there is a chance of harmful effects on your body's functions.
Overdose of a medicine can lead to a medical emergency.

Warnings for Some Serious Health Conditions

For People with Liver Disease

This drug is processed in your liver. If you have liver disease, your body may process this medicine more slowly. This could lead to a build-up of this drug in your body, increasing your risk of side effects. Your doctor may reduce your dose of finasteride.

For People with Prostate Cancer

Finasteride may increase the chance of a fast-growing or irregular form of prostate cancer. If you have or have had prostate cancer, this drug may worsen your condition.

Storage Instructions

Direct contact with heat, air, and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to these elements can cause harmful effects. Therefore, store the medicine in a safe place and out of children's reach.
The drug should ideally be kept at room temperature, between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Finasteride, consult your doctor. If you experience any problems or side effects after taking Finasteride, seek immediate medical attention at your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment.
When traveling, always carry your medications in your bag to avoid immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and adhere to your doctor's advice whenever taking Finasteride.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Finasteride vs Minoxidil

Finasteride	Minoxidil
Finasteride is a prescriptions drug comes in the form of an oral tablet. The tablet is available in the brand name drug called Proscar and Propecia. The medication prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the body.	Minoxidil is a class of drugs known as vasodilators. How minoxidil causes hair growth is not known.
Finasteride is used to shrink the enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult males. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery.	The medication is used for stimulating hair growth and slow baldness. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age who have recently lost their hair.
Some of the common side effects of Finasteride are: Trouble getting erection Ejaculation disorder Increase in breast size Tenderness Skin Rash	Most of the common side effects of Minoxidil are: Scalp itching Dryness Scaling Flaking Irritation

Citations

Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia

Book Doctor Appointment

Name*

Mobile Number*

I agree to the Medicover Privacy Policy

International Patient Services

Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

040-68334455

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does finasteride prevent cancer?

Finasteride blocks the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen in the prostate. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride can help prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells.

2. Can finasteride regrow hair?

Finasteride is effective in stopping hair loss in about 83% of users. Approximately 65% of men also experience hair regrowth to some extent. However, the amount of regrowth can vary significantly among individuals.

3. Does finasteride cause erectile dysfunction?

Some studies suggest that Finasteride may lead to sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction, decreased libido, and male infertility in a small percentage of users.

4. Does finasteride affect mood?

There have been reports linking Finasteride use to depressive symptoms and potentially suicidal thoughts. Patients should be informed about these potential risks, and clinicians should monitor for adverse reactions.

5. Can I take finasteride at night?

There is no specific recommendation regarding the best time of day to take Finasteride. Follow your doctor's instructions on when and how to take the medication.

6. What are the side effects of taking finasteride?

Common side effects of Finasteride include trouble getting an erection, ejaculation disorder, breast enlargement or tenderness, and skin rash.

7. Who should not take finasteride?

Finasteride should not be used by women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the risk of birth defects.

Finasteride should not be used by women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the risk of birth defects.
It is not recommended for use in children.
Some postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia did not see improvement after treatment with Finasteride tablets.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.