What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is part of the Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor family of medications.
It’s used as part of a treatment plan for men, who are experiencing the symptoms of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Finasteride, please review the product monograph.
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride blocks an enzyme that is involved in the regulation of the hair follicle (Type II 5α-reductase) and lowers the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). in the scalp, both major causes of male pattern hair loss.
What is Finasteride used to treat?
Finasteride is used as part of treatment for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men over the age of 18.
Clinical trials have only been conducted on people assigned male at birth between ages 18 and 41.
This medication is specifically meant to treat men who have mild to moderate scalp hair loss of the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp.
How do you take Finasteride?
Finasteride tablets are taken orally once per day, with or without food. Always take finasteride as prescribed by your healthcare practitioner.
In most cases, daily use must be done for at least three months, before any changes will be noticed (i.e., hair loss slowed, hair regrowth increased, etc.).
If you happen to miss a dose, don’t double-up on your next dose. You should never take more than the recommended dosage of Finasteride.
Have any more questions? A healthcare practitioner at Felix will be happy to answer them for you during your online assessment.
How long does Finasteride last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Finasteride?
Like any medicine, finasteride may cause side effects. Side effects may include:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation disorder (typically applying to volume of ejaculate)
Some men may also have breast swelling and/or tenderness.
If you start to experience any of these side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix about it. They may be able to suggest an alternative medication that will work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Finasteride?
There are still some people who shouldn’t take Finasteride prescriptions, such as:
- People who are pregnant or nursing
- People under the age of 18
- People over the age of 65
In general, Finasteride prescriptions aren’t recommended for women or people assigned female at birth. Special caution should be taken for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when interacting with finasteride, as finasteride could impact the health of a male fetus.
Further reading
