Finasteride (Generic Propecia)

Finasteride

Finasteride is a drug that prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and is used to treat hair loss in men.

Dosage

Finasteride is a prescription drug that should be taken according to the instructions given by a doctor. For the treatment of male pattern hair loss, 1 mg should be taken orally once a day for at least 3 months so as to observe benefit.

Should, one stop using the treatment, reversal of the effects is observed within 12 months.

Usage

Finasteride should be taken once a day continuously for optimal results. For men between 18 to 41 years with moderate hair loss, efficacy and safety has been recorded. The drug can be taken with or without food but should be taken at the same time everyday. Avoid taking the drug in smaller or larger quantities.

Side effects

Like most other drugs, Finasteride may have a number of side effects on different people due to a number of reasons. These effects include:

• Loss of interest in sex
• Impotence
• Abnormal ejaculation

Other effects include signs of breast cancer like breast pains, breast lumps or nipple discharge. If any of these appear, one should contact a doctor at once. Some of the sexual related effects may persist even after one discontinues Finasteride, so seek clarification from your doctor.

Precautions

Finasteride should be kept in a cool and dry place away from the reach of pets and children. Women are especially advised to avoid contact with the tablet since it can be absorbed through the skin and causes birth defects if a pregnant woman is exposed to it.

The drug also increases the risk of prostate cancer in men and should not be used if one has liver disease, trouble urinating or a bladder muscle disorder. One should not use Finasteride if they are allergic to it.