finasteride
Finasteride 1 mg (also known by its brand name Propecia) is used to prevent and treat hair loss. It isn't the same as finasteride 5 mg (brand name Proscar), which is used for enlarged prostate. Finasteride (Propecia) is taken by mouth once per day and is available by prescription only. Side effects aren't common, but typically include sexual problems (e.g., low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, lower ejaculation volume).
What is Finasteride (Propecia)?
What is Finasteride (Propecia) used for?
Male pattern baldness due to hormones (androgenetic alopecia) in adults
How Finasteride (Propecia) works
Finasteride (Propecia) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme (protein) that changes testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT can cause hair loss. By blocking 5-alpha reductase, finasteride (Propecia) lowers the levels of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, which helps hair grow.
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What are the side effects of Finasteride (Propecia)?
Common Side Effects
- Lower sex drive (2%)
- Erectile dysfunction (1%)
- Ejaculation problems (1%)
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
Less common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
breast enlargement and tenderness
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
rapid weight gain
redness of the skin
swelling of the lips and face
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
dimpling of the breast skin
inverted nipple
lump in the breast or under the arm
persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
redness or swelling of the breast
sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
inability to have or keep an erection
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
Incidence not known
Testicular pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Finasteride (Propecia)
Pros
Works well to grow hair in males who are balding
Taken by mouth once per day
Doesn't have a lot of side effects
Cons
Not a cure; hair loss will come back after stopping finasteride (Propecia)
Takes 3 months or longer to see the full benefits
Can cause sexual problems (e.g., lower sex drive, difficulty keeping an erection, low ejaculation volume)
Pharmacist tips for Finasteride (Propecia)
You can take finasteride (Propecia) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, taking it with food might help.
Propecia and Proscar are two brands that contain finasteride as the active ingredient. Propecia is for hair loss, whereas Proscar is for an enlarged prostate. Both medications shouldn't be taken together. Make sure to tell your provider if you're taking either one of these brands.
Pregnant females, females of childbearing age, or females trying to conceive shouldn't touch finasteride (Propecia) tablets with bare skin, especially tablets that are broken or crushed. This is because it can get absorbed through the skin and cause harm to unborn babies. If the broken or crushed finasteride (Propecia) tablets are accidentally touched, you should wash your hands with soap and water right away.
Don't donate blood for at least 1 month after the last dose of finasteride (Propecia) due to the risk of harm to unborn babies.
Contact your provider if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. These could be signs of a more serious medical problem.
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Frequently asked questions about Finasteride (Propecia)
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What are the risks and warnings for Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride (Propecia) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of harm to babies
Pregnant females and females of childbearing age shouldn't handle or touch finasteride (Propecia) tablets, especially broken or crushed tablets, without protection. Touching finasteride (Propecia) can cause it to be absorbed into your skin, which can cause serious birth defects in the unborn baby.
Changes to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
Finasteride (Propecia) can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your body, which can affect the accuracy of prostate cancer tests. Your provider might measure your PSA levels before and during treatment with finasteride (Propecia). If your PSA level rises at any time during finasteride (Propecia) treatment, it could suggest prostate cancer. Make sure to mark your appointments in your calendar to see your provider and get blood work done to measure your PSA levels if your provider ordered this test for you.
Finasteride (Propecia) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1mg | 90 tablets | $308.50 | $3.43 |
Typical dosing for Finasteride (Propecia)
The typical dose is 1 tablet (1 mg) by mouth once per day.
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Interactions between Finasteride (Propecia) and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- St John's Wort
How much does Finasteride (Propecia) cost?
Finasteride (Propecia) contraindications
People who are pregnant or potentially pregnant
Allergy to any form of finasteride (including Proscar)
What are alternatives to Finasteride (Propecia)?
Male pattern baldness due to hormones (androgenetic alopecia) in adults
Male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss
What is the latest news about Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride (Propecia) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Cancer Society. (2021). Screening tests for prostate cancer.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Androgenetic alopecia.
Ascend Laboratories, LLC. (2023). FINASTERIDE tablet, coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Iamsumang, W., et al. (2020). Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: Evidence to date. Drug Design, Development and Therapy.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.
Roehrborn, C. G., et al. (2003). Effects of finasteride on serum testosterone and body mass index in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology.
Rossi, A., et al. (2011). Finasteride, 1 mg daily administration on male androgenetic alopecia in different age groups: 10-year follow-up. Dermatologic Therapy.
Shapiro, J., et al. (2003). Use of finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings.
You and Your Hormones. (2020). Testosterone. Society for Endocrinology.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Dihydrotestosterone. Society for Endocrinology.
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