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FINASTERIDE — 1 mg / 5 mg tablets

5α-reductase inhibitor • androgenic alopecia • BPH • Rx-only
Prescription-only medicine. Educational content: strengths, brand examples, safety notes, FAQ, and official references. Always follow your local leaflet and clinician guidance.

⚠️
Not for use in women or children
Contraindicated in pregnancy — risk of fetal abnormalities. Men must not donate blood during treatment.
✅ Rx-only
✅ 1 mg / 5 mg
✅ Men only

🔎 Quick Links
📦 Snapshot
🧠 Overview
🏷️ Brands
⚠️ Safety
❓ FAQ
📚 References

📦 Product Snapshot

Active substanceFinasteride
Available strengths1 mg (hair loss) · 5 mg (BPH)
Dosage formFilm‑coated tablets · generic widely available
Strengths are not interchangeable; prescribed for different indications based on dose.
Reference brandsPropecia® (1 mg) · Proscar® (5 mg)
India brand examplesFinax® (1 mg/5 mg) · Fincar® (5 mg) · Finpecia® (1 mg)
Primary indicationsMale pattern baldness (AGA) · Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Label‑first: indication strictly dose‑dependent. 1 mg is not approved for BPH; 5 mg is not approved for hair loss in some countries.

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Use our inquiry form to request official leaflet links, verify common strengths, and ask general authenticity/packaging questions. We do not provide medical advice.

International visitors: our informational support and inquiry form are available to users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.


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Rx-only • label-first • verify local guidance

🧠 Overview

Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary androgen responsible for prostate growth and androgen‑mediated hair loss. By lowering DHT levels in serum and tissue, it addresses the underlying hormonal driver in both conditions.

Dose‑dependent duality: At 1 mg daily, it is indicated for male androgenetic alopecia (gradual vertex hair loss). At 5 mg daily, it is indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — it reduces prostate size, improves urinary flow, and lowers the risk of acute urinary retention. The two dosages are not interchangeable and require separate prescriptions.

Finasteride is contraindicated in women of childbearing potential due to risk of hypospadias in male fetuses. Men must avoid blood donation during and for at least one month after treatment to prevent exposure in pregnant recipients. Therapeutic effects on hair may take 3‑6 months to become noticeable, while BPH benefits appear within weeks.

🏷️ Strengths & Brand Examples

Verified strengths
  • 1 mg film‑coated tablet (hair loss)
  • 5 mg film‑coated tablet (BPH)
India brands (examples)
  • Finax® 1 mg / 5 mg (Dr. Reddy’s)
  • Fincar® 5 mg (Intas)
  • Finpecia® 1 mg (Cipla)
  • Gainer® 1 mg (Sun Pharma)
Note: brand availability changes. International brands: Propecia® (1 mg, MSD), Proscar® (5 mg, MSD). Verify manufacturer and on‑pack labeling for current listings.

⚠️ Safety, Side Effects & Monitoring

Commonly discussed effects
  • Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)
  • Skin rash, depression (rare)
  • Post‑finasteride syndrome (PFS): persistent sexual dysfunction after discontinuation
  • PSA screening interference — finasteride halves serum PSA values
Label-first warnings
• Contraindicated in women — teratogenic.
• Men must not donate blood during therapy + 1 month after last dose.
• Higher‑grade prostate cancer (Gleason 8‑10) reported more frequently in 5‑mg studies; clinical significance unknown.
• Evaluate for other urological conditions (obstruction, infection) before starting 5 mg for BPH.
• Use with caution in patients with liver dysfunction (metabolised hepatically).
• Mood alterations and suicidal ideation have been reported; monitor mental health.
Important monitoring notes
• For BPH (5 mg): regular digital rectal exams and PSA monitoring (establish new baseline after 6 months).
• For hair loss (1 mg): photographic assessment and patient‑reported satisfaction around 6‑12 months.
• Sexual side effects may persist despite drug withdrawal — discuss risk before initiation.

❓ FAQ

FAQ question #1: When will I see results for hair loss?
Answer: Most men notice slowed hair loss within 3‑6 months, and some regrowth by 12 months. Maximum effect usually requires continuous use for 1‑2 years.
FAQ question #2: Are sexual side effects permanent?
Answer: For most men, side effects resolve after stopping finasteride. However, rare cases of persistent dysfunction (post‑finasteride syndrome) have been reported. Discuss this risk thoroughly with your doctor before starting.
FAQ question #3: Can finasteride affect my PSA test for prostate cancer?
Answer: Yes — finasteride approximately halves serum PSA levels within 6 months. A new baseline should be established. Any rise from that new baseline may still indicate prostate pathology and requires investigation.

⚠️ Medical disclaimer
Educational content only. This does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prescription-only medicines should be used under clinician supervision and according to local approved labeling.
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Finasteride
Average rating:  
 1 reviews
 by ignacio ferera

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I've been taking Finasteride for 2 years, and I have had zero side effects. Another friend of mine has been taking Proscar for 14 years straight, and he hasn't had any problems whatsoever.