Propecia (Finasteride)
Finasteride: is this medication helpful and effective for patients? Let’s find out Finasteride indications, possible side effects, administration information, and more.
Nowadays, one may discover lots of medications for treating various diseases, conditions, and ailments. One of the drugs that are grabbing the consideration of individuals is Finasteride. This medicine is commonly employed for treating enlarged prostate glands and male pattern hair loss.
However, is Finasteride really useful for patients, or doesn’t work at all? This review includes as much data as possible on Finasteride so it will be simpler for you to decide whether to start treatment with this drug. Note that treatment with any new medication should be consulted and supervised by a healthcare professional.
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Indications
Finasteride is a known pharmacologic agent that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is intended to treat benign prostate hyperplasia and androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in men.
This medication was first employed in 1992 to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia at a dose of 5 mg. Later, in 1997, Finasteride obtained approval to treat male pattern hair loss at a dose of 1 mg.
The drug has likewise been employed as a way of treating signs of hyperandrogenism, in particular, hirsutism. In addition, Finasteride may find application in transgender women in combination with estrogen due to its anti-androgen properties.
Nevertheless, this medication isn’t recommended to take by women who may conceive or are pregnant.
Principles of Work of Finasteride
Finasteride operates by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is regarded as a more potent form of testosterone and is in charge of the miniaturization of hair follicles in male pattern hair loss and the enlargement of the prostate gland in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
During the treatment of androgenic alopecia, the Finasteride medicine doesn’t result in a 100% reduction in DHT. Although hair loss is slowed, it doesn’t stop entirely.
Meanwhile, during the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia, long-term application of the Finasteride drug has been connected with a decrease in prostatic volume and thus granting relief from unpleasant urinary symptoms that are associated with an enlarged gland.
According to published literature on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8908761/, decreased risk of urinary retention and postponement of the necessity for surgical intervention has been demonstrated.
Administration
The Finasteride medication is accessible for patients as a 1 mg tablet or a 5 mg tablet for oral use. Note that every dose has a different indication. As a rule, six to twelve months of continued intake of the medicinemay be required to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Recommended Dosages
To get precise information on Finasteride dosages, the best solution is to contact your healthcare provider. This professional will prescribe the necessary dose for you based on your medical history and specific needs.
Usually, 5 mg once daily (as a single agent or combined with an alpha-blocker) is prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. At the same time, 1 mg once daily should be taken for androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Moreover, you may take 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg once daily for hirsutism.
Potential Adverse Effects
Common side effects that are connected with the Finasteride drug are decreased libido and ejaculatory volume, erectile dysfunction (2% to 4%), and gynecomastia.
The medication use likewise correlates with orthostatic hypotension. This unwanted event may be additive in individuals who are taking concomitant alpha-blockers.
As it is reported, the Finasteride medicine may cause orthostatic hypotension in nearly 9% of patients with monotherapy and as high as 18% with combined therapy.
That’s why appropriate patient counseling is a must-have. Persistent sexual dysfunction may result in suicidal tendencies and adverse psychological events in some individuals.
Post-finasteride syndrome has become a recently reported problem. This term implies the continuation of side effects despite the discontinuation of therapy. Nowadays, further investigational studies are carried out to comprehend post-finasteride syndrome better.
What’s more, Finasteride use is associated with other symptoms. Some of them are as follows: dizziness, dyspnea, skin rash, weakness, rhinitis, and more.
Contraindications
Finasteride medicine is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation. Also, this drug is contraindicated in kids and children. In addition, the medication is contraindicated in pregnant women or women of childbearing age.
It is advisable for pregnant women to shun contact with crushed or broken tablets. Animal reproduction pieces of the research reported an abnormality of external male genitalia.
If taken for the off-label treatment of hirsutism by female patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the American College of Gynecology advises adequate contraception.
According to https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22211799/, blood donation is contraindicated in those patients who currently take the Finasteride medication and for 6 months after the last dose of this drug.
Summary
Finasteride is a valuable medication for the treatment of both an enlarged prostate gland and male pattern hair loss. Although this drug is usually well-tolerated, it would still be a good idea to be familiar with potential side effects.
If any concerns with Finasteride intake or adverse effects occur, it is recommended to see your doctor as fast as possible.
Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine. It is crucial to take Finasteride under the supervision of a healthcare professional, who can grant personalized advice and control any potential adverse effects.
If you are thinking about starting to take the Finasteride drug, you should contact your healthcare provider first to determine if this medicine is the best option for you.
FAQ
What is Finasteride designed for?
Healthcare professionals may prescribe patients Finasteride intake as a way of treating certain conditions, in particular, male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
May I purchase the Finasteride medication easily at any pharmacy?
Finasteride is not accessible over the counter. This implies you are required to provide a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to buy this medication at the pharmacy.
Is Finasteride dangerous for life?
Finasteride is regarded as secure medicine if you take it as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Are there any adverse effects of Finasteride use?
Finasteride, like any medication, may induce certain side effects. Potential risks and adverse effects that are connected with Finasteride intake are sexual side effects (decreased ejaculate volume and sex drive, erectile dysfunction), breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia), allergic reactions (rash, itching, and swelling), mood alterations (depression and anxiety), etc.