Finasteride Tablet, Brand Name : Prosteride, Packaging Type : Box

Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat two different conditions in men: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

 

How It Works

 

Finasteride works by blocking the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into a more potent hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the key hormone that causes the prostate gland to grow and contributes to the shrinking of hair follicles on the scalp, leading to hair loss. By inhibiting the production of DHT, finasteride helps to:

• For BPH (enlarged prostate): Reduce the size of the enlarged prostate gland. This helps to relieve urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and a weak stream.

• For Male Pattern Hair Loss: Stop hair follicle miniaturization and promote hair regrowth. It is most effective at treating hair loss on the top of the head and is not typically used for a receding hairline.

 

Uses and Dosages

 

Finasteride is available in different strengths for its two primary uses:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The standard dose is a 5mg tablet, often sold under the brand name Proscar. It may take at least six months of daily use to see an improvement in symptoms.

• Male Pattern Hair Loss: The standard dose is a 1mg tablet, often sold under the brand name Propecia. It may take at least three months of daily use to see an effect, and the benefits will only last as long as the medication is taken. Hair loss will resume within a year of stopping the medication.

 

Side Effects

 

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, particularly those related to its hormonal effects. Common side effects include:

• Decreased sexual desire (libido)

• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection)

• Problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of ejaculate

• Pain in the testicles

More serious but rare side effects can occur, and if you experience any of the following, you should contact your doctor:

• Breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia)

• Lumps in the breast or nipple discharge, which could be signs of male breast cancer (though this is rare)

• Symptoms of depression or low mood

 

Important Precautions and Warnings

 

• For Men Only: Finasteride is for use in men only and should not be taken by women.

• Pregnancy: Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, as the drug can be absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects in a male fetus.

• Prostate Cancer: Finasteride may increase the risk of developing a high-grade, more aggressive form of prostate cancer, although it has been shown to reduce the overall incidence of prostate cancer. It also lowers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can affect the results of a prostate cancer screening test. Your doctor will take this into account when interpreting your test results.

• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, especially liver disease, before starting this medication.

• Post-Finasteride Syndrome: In some cases, sexual and other side effects may persist even after the medication is stopped, a condition sometimes referred to as "post-finasteride syndrome." This is a controversial topic, but patients should be aware of the possibility.