Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on April 18, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Finasteride is a medication classified as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Finasteride is used to treat conditions such as:
It may also be prescribed for other medical conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is involved in the development of BPH and male pattern baldness. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps shrink the prostate gland in BPH and promotes hair regrowth in male pattern baldness.
Finasteride is usually taken orally as a tablet, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. The dosage and duration of treatment depend on the condition being treated and your response to the medication.
Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule strictly. Do not stop taking finasteride suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider, as it may affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
The time it takes to see noticeable results with finasteride can vary. Some men may experience improvements in symptoms of BPH, such as reduced urinary urgency and frequency, within a few weeks to months of starting treatment. For male pattern baldness, visible hair regrowth may take several months to a year of consistent use.
Continue taking finasteride as prescribed even if you do not see immediate results. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment progress.
While finasteride is primarily used for BPH and male pattern baldness, healthcare providers may sometimes prescribe it off-label for other conditions.
Discuss any alternative uses of finasteride with your healthcare provider.
Finasteride is available in the following dosage forms:
Generic versions of finasteride are available under various brand names.
Finasteride is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain this medication.
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Side EffectsThe use of finasteride can lead to various side effects in some individuals.
Common mild side effects of finasteride use include:
More severe side effects of finasteride use can include:
Finasteride may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer or breast cancer. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider before starting treatment with finasteride.
Living with noticeable hair loss is no longer to be expected due to the incredible developments that have been made in the treatment of men’s hair loss.With the introduction of Propecia, generic name Finasteride, it is now possible to stop or slow down the progression of hair loss in the majority of men who use it.
Fifty percent of all men experience male-patterned baldness; the most common type of hair loss beginning around the age of thirty.
It generally starts as a receding hairline; a thinning of hair on the crown and temples; resulting in a U-shape pattern around the head. In some rare cases, a male may end up completely bald.
The condition is genetic; caused by an abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes the hair follicles to become weak and eventually inactive, resulting in a lack of hair re-growth. This process can take decades, so if you have experienced rapid hair loss (under a year) or scalp irritation causing bald patches, you should seek medical advice from your GP to ensure there are no underlying thyroid conditions or other reasons for the condition.
One of the most effective treatments for general hair loss is finasteride, which prevents further hair loss and increases hair growth.
Have you started taking finasteride for the first time?Are you experiencing hair loss that is new and/or that is mild?
Yes, you may experience new and/or previously notecting hair should be the treatment of choice. We ensure that you are treated for as long as your GP previously knew of, for as long as you were diagnosed with male-pattern baldness, forordable finasteride, which works by inhibiting the effects of the DHT, and for as little use of a tablet as possible.
Possible side effects of finasteride dutasterideFREE deliveryIn today's world, order finasteride today!For men who do not have insurance, there are several safe and effective options for the treatment of hair loss. See if there is a suitable product at your door!
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In the bedroomFinasteride (generic male-pattern balder) is the #1 name-brand hair loss treatment available.Finasteride is a peer-reviewed study that compared the long-term effects of finasteride to that of placebo. The results showed a significant difference in the hair growth time of the finasteride group compared to the placebo group. In one of the study results, Professor Helen Butler, Chief Executive of Invent Health, said: "Finasteride is a powerful treatment option for men suffering from male-pattern baldness, a common form of hair loss of hair falling on the scalp. The safety and efficacy of finasteride have been evaluated in two placebo-controlled trials and one randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, and it has been proven that it is more effective than placebo. This treatment option is just one of the many effective treatments available for male pattern baldness, and has been trusted by men's healthcare professionals and patients around the world. In one of the largest and most comprehensive randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for male pattern baldness, the researchers have shown that finasteride is more effective than placebo in reducing hair loss, and that there is a greater likelihood of hair regrowth. The study demonstrated that finasteride is more effective than placebo in treating male pattern baldness, and that there is a greater likelihood of hair loss." Professor Butler also stated: "Finasteride is a great treatment option for men suffering from male-pattern baldness, a common form of hair loss of hair falling on the scalp. The treatment option is just one of the many effective treatments available for male pattern baldness, and has been trusted by men's healthcare professionals and patients around the world.
Generic Propecia (finasteride) is not suitable for everyone, and there are certain groups of individuals who should not take this medication.
1. Women: Generic Propecia is intended for use in men only. Women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should not handle crushed or broken Generic Propecia tablets due to the risk of absorption through the skin, which could potentially harm the developing fetus or nursing baby.
2. Children: Generic Propecia is not approved for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
3. Allergic reactions: Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of the ingredients in Generic Propecia should avoid taking this medication.
4. History of prostate cancer: Finasteride can interfere with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, potentially masking the presence of prostate cancer. Therefore, individuals with a history of prostate cancer should not take Generic Propecia without consulting their healthcare provider.
5. Liver problems: Finasteride is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with liver disease or impaired liver function may need to avoid or use caution while taking this medication. Other medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract obstruction or bladder muscle disorder, should consult their doctor before using Generic Propecia.
It is crucial to discuss one's medical history, current medications, and any underlying health conditions with a healthcare professional before starting Generic Propecia or any new medication. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine if this medication is safe and appropriate for an individual's specific situation.
authorship search idHow do you find your medication? Enter the exact medication you are taking by searching your user account or by visiting a specific drug information page on your website?
Qian Lan: PLoS ONE 11(8):9GES Research 2(8):738-42Z Zheng J, Guo S, Guo H, et al. Effects of finasteride on prostate cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.Reviewed byMichael L. Reilherder, MD, FACOG; Director of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine and Hospital, Seattle, WA
reviewersBackground: The prostate cancer (PC) research community is struggling to find an effective treatment for these patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of generic Propecia on PC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods: A group of 30 PC cell lines were cotransfected with a lentiviral vector containing a pCMV-enhanced virus to monitor proliferation in PC cells. Results: After 72 hours, the pCMV-enhanced virus-infected cells showed a more than three-fold increase in the proliferation rate. The pCMV-enhanced virus-infected cells were also more sensitive to the treatment compared to the non-pCMV-boosted virus-infected cells, suggesting that the generic finasteride did not have the same effects on PC cells.
authorsPurpose:
To determine the effects of generic Propecia on PC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We used PC cell lines (a human prostate cancer cell line) that express human PC-specific 5-alpha-reductase to assess the effects of finasteride on cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Results: The PC-specific cells were more sensitive to finasteride than the non-specific cells. These results suggest that finasteride does not have the same effects on PC cells as the generic Propecia does. The results also indicate that generic Propecia has the same effects on PC cell proliferation as the generic Propecia does.
Materials and methods: PC cell lines were transduced with a lentiviral vector containing a 5-alpha-reductase gene. After 48 hours, the cells were seeded in six-well plates and treated with different concentrations of generic finasteride (5-mg/ml) for 24 hours. Results: Following treatment with different doses of finasteride, the cells showed an increase in the number of PC-specific cells (4-fold) compared to non-treated cells. There was no significant difference in the number of PC-specific cells between finasteride-treated and control cells, suggesting that finasteride does not have the same effects on PC cells as the generic Propecia does.
Conclusion: The use of generic Propecia is limited by its potential adverse effects on the prostate cancer cell line. However, the current study suggests that finasteride has the same effects on PC cell proliferation as the generic Propecia does.
Living with noticeable hair loss is no longer to be expected due to the incredible developments that have been made in the treatment of men’s hair loss.With the introduction of Propecia, generic name Finasteride, it is now possible to stop or slow down the progression of hair loss in the majority of men who use it.
Fifty percent of all men experience male-patterned baldness; the most common type of hair loss beginning around the age of thirty.
It generally starts as a receding hairline; a thinning of hair on the crown and temples; resulting in a U-shape pattern around the head. In some rare cases, a male may end up completely bald.
The condition is genetic; caused by an abundance of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes the hair follicles to become weak and eventually inactive, resulting in a lack of hair re-growth. This process can take decades, so if you have experienced rapid hair loss (under a year) or scalp irritation causing bald patches, you should seek medical advice from your GP to ensure there are no underlying thyroid conditions or other reasons for the condition.
One of the most effective treatments for general hair loss is finasteride, which prevents further hair loss and increases hair growth.
This medication is not suitable forstronglypartial, no-phocious, no-treat, no-treat, no-use, no-standsafen effects.You will be expected to continue taking this medication for the stipulated duration, although the risk of dizziness, tiredness, and effects on your vision may be increased.Propecia targets the cause of male-patterned hair loss by preventing the production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.
This medication contains Finasteride from Merck & Co, Ltd, which is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).