Finasteride

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Fincar 5, Finpecia, Profina, Propecia, Proscar 5

Drug group:

Hormone inhibitors

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Finasteride is an anti-androgen drug used in the treatment of:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, making it difficult to pass urine
• Male pattern balding - low doses can help to reverse balding

 

How does it work?

• In BPH finasteride gradually shrinks the prostate gland improving urine flow
• In male-pattern balding it prevents the hair follicles from becoming inactive

 

How should it be used?

• Before starting treatment your doctor will exclude prostate cancer - symptoms of BPH are similar to those from prostate cancer
• Finasteride is excreted in semen, which can then lead to feminisation of a male foetus –use barrier contraception if your sexual partner is or may become, pregnant

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Prostate disease: 5mg daily
• Male-pattern baldness: 1mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

BPH: 1 hour to several months.

Balding: noticeable improvements may take about three months but will disappear within a year of treatment being stopped.

How long will the effects last?

24 hours                    

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop (for prostate disease) without consulting your doctor.
 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use may increase the risk of men developing breast cancer.

Success of treatment and need to continue should be reviewed every 6 months.  

 

What are the possible side effects?

Most people experience very few adverse effects, but the following have been reported:

• More common: erectile dysfunction (impotence), decreased libido, reduced ejaculate volume, breast swelling / tenderness
• Less common: testicular pain
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, swelling of the lips, wheezing

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver problems
• Other medicines: No drug interactions
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed/applicable
• Children: Not prescribed
• Over 60: No special problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No special problems
• Alcohol: No special problems
• Blood tests: finasteride interferes with the prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening test for prostate cancer