Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss (aka androgenetic alopecia, which involves a gradual thinning of scalp hair most obviously manifested as a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men.) Finasteride is not used to treat all forms of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium, tinea capitis, or others. Finasteride is also sometimes prescribed at higher doses to treat an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss. It is typically an inherited condition. As the condition progresses the natural hair growth cycle weakens and your hair follicles shrink, causing your hair to become shorter and finer. The exact cause for this type of hair loss is unknown but it is related to the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Treatments that inhibit the production of DHT are sometimes effective in slowing, stopping or reversing hair loss due to androgenic alopecia.
Finasteride (1mg dose prescribed for hair loss) has been shown to be 85% effective with hair regrowth usually noticed after about 3-4 months of daily use. Continuous use of finasteride is essential, or new hair will be lost after one year of stopping the medication. (In comparison, topical Minoxidil 5% is effective in stimulating hair regrowth in about 50% of men who use it consistently.)
Prescription finasteride works by preventing testosterone from breaking down into DHT, the hormone that is thought to contribute to baldness.
In the United States, Propecia and its generic form, finasteride, are only available with a prescription. You cannot buy finasteride over the counter. In order to get a Propecia prescription, you'll need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional either online or in person so they can determine whether finasteride is appropriate for you.
In clinical trials of Finasteride 1mg, the following sexual side effects were the most common side effects experienced by patients:
Decreased libido (reported in 1.8% of patients taking Finasteride vs. 1.3% taking placebo)
Erectile dysfunction (reported in 1.3% of patients taking Finasteride vs. 0.7% taking placebo)
Ejaculation disorder (reported in 1.2% of patients taking Finasteride vs. 0.7% taking placebo)
Decreased volume of ejaculate (reported in 0.8% of patients taking Finasteride vs. 0.4% taking placebo)
In addition, fewer than 1% of patients develop a rash or breast tenderness which is reversible after the medication is stopped.
Medical literature shows some evidence of increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in users under 45 while using oral finasteride. Customers on our platform will answer a few questions relating to mental health for prior to beginning oral finasteride treatment. As always, any new or worsening side effects (such as, feeling not yourself, mood has changed, etc) should be brought to your medical provider for guidance.
On the whole, studies indicate that side effects usually resolve themselves after Finasteride is discontinued. However, about 1.4% of the patients who experience side effects continue to experience side effects even after stopping Finasteride. There may be an association of sexual dysfunction side effects and the use of NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, Aleve type medications), which is why your doctor may recommend you stop taking Finasteride for the period of time when you take NSAIDS.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience adverse effects like allergic reaction while taking finasteride.
Along with NSAIDs, there are certain prescription drugs, OTC medications and supplements that may have interactions with finasteride. If you have a finasteride prescription, be sure to discuss any current medications or supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, you should avoid finasteride if you have liver disease, as this combination could lead to serious side effects.
No, weight gain is not considered a side effect of finasteride.
