Finasteride, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Finpecia, is a well-established 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). This oral medication works systemically to address the hormonal cause of progressive hair thinning at the crown and mid-scalp. By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), it effectively halts the miniaturization of susceptible hair follicles. Clinical studies and extensive post-market surveillance confirm its role as a first-line therapeutic option for men seeking to maintain and potentially regrow hair.

Features

• Contains 1mg of Finasteride per tablet
• Formulated as film-coated oral tablets for ease of administration
• Manufactured under strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines
• Bioequivalent to the brand-name formulation
• Prescription-only medication requiring medical supervision

Benefits

• Effectively slows or stops the progression of hair loss in the vast majority of men
• Promotes regrowth of terminal hair in a significant proportion of users with continued use
• Addresses the underlying hormonal mechanism of androgenetic alopecia
• Convenient once-daily oral dosing supports long-term treatment adherence
• Non-surgical, systemic approach to hair restoration
• Clinically demonstrated efficacy in multiple large-scale, placebo-controlled trials

Common use

Finpecia is indicated for the management of male pattern hair loss in men only. It is prescribed for adult men experiencing progressive hair loss in a pattern consistent with androgenetic alopecia, primarily affecting the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp area. Treatment is intended for long-term use, as discontinuation typically leads to a reversal of benefits within 12 months. It is not indicated for use in women or children, and its efficacy in treating receding temporal hairline is less established.

Dosage and direction

The standard therapeutic dosage for male pattern hair loss is one 1mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; they should not be crushed or chewed. Consistency in daily administration time may help maintain stable drug levels. Clinical response may not be immediately apparent; visible improvements typically require at least 3 months of continuous therapy, with optimal results often observed after 6-12 months of treatment. Treatment must be continued to sustain benefits.

Precautions

Prior to initiating therapy, a proper diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia should be confirmed by a healthcare professional. Patients should be informed that Finpecia may affect PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which is relevant for prostate cancer screening. Regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor treatment response and discuss any concerns. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to risk of absorption through the skin and potential risk to a male fetus. Sexual function should be discussed openly with the prescribing physician, as some men may experience related side effects.

Contraindications

Finpecia is contraindicated in the following populations: women who are pregnant or may become pregnant (due to risk of abnormalities in male fetal genital development); pediatric patients; patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation; and patients with severe hepatic impairment. It should not be used by women attempting to conceive or those who are breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

While generally well-tolerated, Finpecia may cause adverse effects in some patients. The most commonly reported side effects are related to sexual function and include: decreased libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), and ejaculation disorders (1.2%). These effects typically resolve in men who discontinue therapy and often diminish with continued treatment in those who remain on therapy. Less frequently reported effects include breast tenderness and enlargement, skin rash, and testicular pain. Post-marketing reports have described persistent sexual dysfunction continuing after discontinuation of treatment in some patients, though this appears to be rare. Any concerning symptoms should be promptly discussed with a healthcare provider.

Drug interaction

Finasteride is primarily metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme system. Concurrent use with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin) may increase finasteride concentrations. However, given finasteride’s wide therapeutic index, dosage adjustment is typically not necessary. No clinically significant interactions have been observed with common medications including warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, or propranolol. Nevertheless, patients should inform their physician of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, before starting treatment.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Doubling the dose to make up for a missed tablet is not recommended. Maintaining consistent daily dosing is optimal for therapeutic effect, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact long-term treatment outcomes.

Overdose

No specific cases of overdose with finasteride have been reported. Single doses up to 400mg and multiple doses up to 80mg/day for three months have been administered without observed adverse effects. In the event of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment is recommended. Given the drug’s mechanism, overdose would not be expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. However, medical attention should be sought if concerning symptoms develop or if very large quantities have been ingested.

Storage

Store Finpecia tablets at room temperature (15-30°C or 59-86°F) in their original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local guidelines to prevent accidental exposure or environmental contamination.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Finpecia is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will experience the same benefits. Patients should discuss their medical history, potential risks, and treatment expectations with their physician before beginning therapy. The manufacturer and distributors are not liable for any adverse outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of this information.

Reviews

Clinical studies involving thousands of men have demonstrated that finasteride 1mg daily promotes hair growth in 66% of men with vertex hair loss and 80% of men with frontal hair loss after two years of treatment. Patient-reported outcomes indicate high satisfaction with treatment among responders, particularly regarding stabilization of hair loss progression. Real-world evidence supports the clinical trial data, with many users reporting maintained hair density with long-term use. Some users note that initial shedding may occur in the first few months of treatment before stabilization and regrowth are observed. Persistent sexual side effects, while uncommon, are the most frequently cited reason for discontinuation among those who experience them.