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- Pharmacy First
- Miscellaneous
- What Finasteride is and what it is used for This belongs to a group of medicines called Type II ‘5-alpha reductase inhibitors’. Finasteride is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia). Finasteride increases hair growth on the scalp and prevents further hair loss in men. Men with mild to moderate, but not complete hair loss, can benefit from using Finasteride. How does the hair on your head grow? On average your hair grows about 1 centimetre (half an inch) each month. Hair grows from hair follicles, which are located under your skin. A single scalp hair grows continuously for 2-4 years (growth phase) and then stops growing for 2-4 months (rest phase). After this the hair falls out. In its place a new healthy hair begins to grow, and the cycle is repeated. The hairs on your scalp are always in different stages of this cycle so it is normal to lose scalp hair every day. What is male pattern hair loss? Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp, often resulting in a receding hairline and/or balding on the top of the head. This condition is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and a particular hormone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT causes a decrease in the growth phase and thinning of the hair (see picture). This leads to male pattern hair loss. These changes can start to occur in some men in their 20s and become more common with age. Once hair loss has occurred over a long period of time, the hair may be permanently lost. How does Finasteride work? Finasteride lowers the levels of DHT in the scalp. This helps to reverse the balding process, leading to an increased hair growth and prevention of further hair loss. What you need to know before you take Finasteride Do not take Finasteride: if you are a woman (because this medicine is for men). It has been shown in clinical trials that Finasteride does not work in women with hair loss. if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to finasteride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in Section 6). If you are already taking finasteride or dutasteride used for a prostate problem called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Do not take Finasteride if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Warnings and Precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Finasteride if: You are going to have a blood test for prostate cancer called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This is because Finasteride can affect the result of this test. Effects on fertility Infertility has been reported in men who took finasteride for long time and had other risk factors that may affect fertility. Normalisation or improvement of seminal quality has been reported after discontinuation of finasteride. Long-term clinical studies about the effects of finasteride on fertility in men have not been conducted. Mood alterations and depression Mood alterations such as depressed mood, depression and, less frequently, suicidal thoughts have been reported in patients treated with Finasteride. If you experience any of these symptoms stop taking Finasteride and contact your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible. Children and adolescents Finasteride should not be used in children. There are no data demonstrating efficacy or safety of finasteride in children under the age of 18.
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