Finasteride is a prescription drug that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available as the brand-name drugs Proscar and Propecia and also as a generic drug. The condition that finasteride is used to treat depends on the type of drug used. In this article we discuss the uses, side effects, dosage, and warnings of finasteride.
Finasteride is a prescription medication and is available as the brand-name drugs Proscar and Propecia and also as a generic drug.
Propecia is used to treat male pattern baldness and hair loss. It is not used or prescribed for women or children.
Proscar is prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia. It may be used as part of a combination therapy with doxazosin to reduce the progression of symptoms of enlarged prostate.
Finasteride works by lowering the amount of dihydrotestosterone—a hormone in your body. DHT typically causes your prostate to grow larger. Lowering the amount of DHT can prevent your prostate from becoming larger which may also lead to decreased hair loss and increased hair growth. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on your preference), hair growth on other parts of the body is not affected.
Finasteride may have side effects. Some are common, others may be serious and not as common.
The most common reported side effects of finasteride can include:
• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
• Increase in breast size and tenderness
• Skin rash
• Ejaculation disorder
If these side effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days. If you have stopped your medication and the effects are still present, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are experiencing any serious side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Call 911 if you think your symptoms are life threatening.
• Depression
• Nipple discharge
• Pain or lumps in your breast
• Swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat
Disclaimer: Here at Cloud9 our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
Finasteride can cause a severe allergic reaction. This includes:
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of your throat or tongue
• Hives
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms.
Finasteride can be passed through the skin. For this reason, pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant should not make contact with this drug as it may result in birth defects.
Liver disease: If you have liver disease your body might process this drug more slowly. This could lead to a buildup of the drug in your body which can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
Prostate cancer: Finasteride may increase the chance of a faster growing form of prostate cancer.
Your dosage recommendations will depend on:
• Your age
• Your condition
• How severe your medical condition is
• How you react to your first treatment
Generic: Finasteride
• Form: Oral tablet
• Strength: 1 mg
Brand: Propecia
• Form: Oral tablet
• Strength: 1 mg
Over 18 years of age (Adult Dosage)
• 1 mg per day
Ages 0-17 years (Child Dosage)
This drug is not prescribed for use in children and may be harmful.
Generic: Finasteride
• Form: Oral tablet
• Strength: 5 mg
Brand: Proscar
• Form: Oral tablet
• Strength: 5 mg
Over 18 years of age (Adult Dosage)
• 5 mg per day
Ages 0-17 years (Child Dosage)
This drug is not prescribed for children and can be harmful.
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.
This drug is used for long-term treatment. Not taking it as prescribed can be dangerous. If you forget to take it: Chances are you may not see improvement in your condition.
If you take more than prescribed: If you take too much of this drug than you may be at a higher risk of developing serious side effects. This includes decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, increase in breast size or tenderness, and rash.
If you miss a dose: If you miss your dose do not take an extra tablet to make up for the day(s) you’ve missed.
How to tell if it’s working: If you are taking it for hair loss, you may notice improvements in hair growth on your head. If you’re taking it for BPH, you may notice improved urine flow.
Finasteride is a prescription medication that comes as an oral tablet. It’s available as the brand-name drugs Proscar and Propecia and also as a generic drug.
Propecia is used to treat male pattern baldness and hair loss. It is not used or prescribed for women or children. Proscar is prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia.
