Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). This is the most common cause of hair loss; about a quarter of men suffering from it start losing their hair in their teens.
Indications
Finasteride was originally used to treat enlarged prostate glands. But now, at a much lower dose, it also treats inherited hair loss in men.
What is Finasteride, and how does it work?
The drug belongs to the class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The Finasteride drug is not effective in post-menopausal women. Women and children should avoid using this medicine. It is a drug commonly used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, i.e., BPH and male pattern baldness (MPB). Finpecia is not shown to treat thinning hair or hair loss at the temples. It does not even treat hair loss in women and children. It treats benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the body’s production of male hormones, which causes the prostate to enlarge. Treating male pattern baldness again blocks the body’s production of the male hormone that causes hair growth to stop on the scalp.
Things to be kept in mind
Before taking finasteride, things that have to be kept in mind are:
- Consult your doctor if you are allergic to finasteride, its active ingredients, or any other medication.
- Ask your pharmacist or yourself to check the patient information for the list of ingredients present.
- Tell the doctor what prescription, nonprescription medicines, supplements, vitamins, and other herbal products you plan to take. The doctor will monitor and change the dose accordingly.
- Clear your doctor if ever you have liver or prostate cancer.
- Women who are or may get pregnant should avoid touching broken or crushed finasteride drugs/tablets. Touching crushed tablets could harm the fetus. Try to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent harm.
How much to take it?
The initial recommended dosage is 1 mg, which can be increased or decreased depending on the patient’s response. Always take the medicine as prescribed.
What are the strengths available?
Our website offers the drug in a single strength. PRX sells Finpecia 1mg tablets at an affordable price.
Who is the manufacturer?
Cipla, a pharmaceutical giant, manufactures Finpecia. It is available on our website in 30, 60, and 90-tablet packs.
How to take it?
Finasteride tablets are swallowed with a glass of water. Consult your doctor before taking the drug and follow their guidelines. This drug can also be taken with or without food.
When to take it?
Take a single tablet once a day. Follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid consuming more or less of the medicine than recommended.
For how long should it be taken?
When you take Finasteride to treat male pattern baldness, it may take about 3 months to see any improvement, as hair loss and growth occur slowly over time. You could find some improvement during the first twelve months of the treatment course. Wait for 12 months, or ask your doctor whether you should continue the treatment. Do not stop the medication on your own.
What if you forget a dose?
Try to take the medicine at the same time every day. This will decrease the possibility of missing a dose. If you miss a dose, don’t double up. Simply skip the first dose and continue with the routine.
What if you overdose?
The moment you think you just had an overdose of the medicine, don’t panic and seek immediate medical attention. Call your health specialist or visit the nearest doctor.
What are the side effects?
Several medications cause side effects. The side effects could range from mild to severe. Given below are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention:
- Changes in the breast, such as increased size, lump, and pain
- Nipple discharge
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of the lips or the face
- Headache
- Depression
- Impotence
- Weakness in the body
Drug interactions
Several medicines may affect the way other medicines work. Consulting your doctor is best in this case, as he can tell you which drugs may interfere with Finasteride’s effectiveness. A few drugs that need to be avoided are given below:
- Singulair
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Montelukast
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Fish oil
- Rosuvastatin
- Isoniazid
- Nefazodone
- Rifampin
- Nexium
- Alcohol
- Zolpidem
- Dextroamphetamine
Important information to be taken care of
- If you need more information about Finasteride, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional.
- The drug should be used by the one to whom it is prescribed.
- Do not share Finasteride with others.
- Check with the nearest pharmacist about how to dispose of the unused medicine.
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