Why is this medication prescribed?
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY
Finasteride is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate gland). The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a milky fluid for sperm. Over the age of 50, many men develop an enlarged prostate and as the prostate gets bigger it can restrict the flow of urine. Finasteride can help to improve the symptoms caused by BPH, including:
→ a weak or interrupted urine flow
→ a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
→ a need to pass urine more often (especially at night)
→ an urgent feeling that you must pass urine right away
→ a delay or hesitation when you start to urinate
It also may decrease the chance of needing prostate surgery.
TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS
Finasteride is also used for the treatment of certain types of male pattern hair loss, and has a reported 29–68% success rate (against a 17-45% in patients receiving a placebo). However, it is effective only for as long as it is taken, and the hair gained or maintained is lost within 6-12 months of ceasing therapy.
In clinical studies, Propecia®, like minoxidil, was shown to work on both the crown area and the hairline, but is most successful in the crown area. Furthermore, Propecia® has been shown to be ineffective for treating hair loss in women. Despite this, many Propecia® supporters questioned that the study was on post-menopausal women whose hairloss was more likely related to the loss of estrogen versus a sensitivity to testosterone. Other studies have shown that Propecia® is effective for many women with follicular sensitivity to androgens. Many doctors do prescribe it for women, but not without either careful birth control measures or assurance that the woman cannot become pregnant.
Despite the fact that Propecia® must be taken for a lifetime in order to avoid losing hair, future treatments are widely expected by baldness specialists to replace this medication, which would end the need for continued use. In addition, Propecia® is widely considered safe enough to prescribe by health professionals, and is one of the only two FDA-approved baldness treatment products currently on the market.
Dosage and using this medicine
What special precautions should I follow?
What should I do if I forget a dose?
What side effects can this medication cause?
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
In case of an emergency/overdose