Finasteride is approved to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
In the scalp, finasteride lowers the levels of a male hormone (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of male pattern hair loss. In this way, finasteride helps to slow the balding process, preventing further hair loss, and leading to increased hair growth in some patients.
The improvement rate varies from person to person; it usually occurs after the medication has been used for at least 3 months and lasts only as long as the medication continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within 3 to 6 months after stopping the medication.
This medication is also used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications, or herbal remedies.
Common side effects include:
These side effects may be temporary and reversible. If they are persistent and become bothersome, please discuss it with your doctor.
Rarely, this medication may cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop the medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Finasteride use in males planning to have children:
Keep this medication away from children, pregnant women and women who are of childbearing age.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately.
Disclaimers
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System, and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity, and Watsons), and the Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last Updated on September 2019
Use Medicine Order Service on HealthBuddy.
Get reminders and chart progress on HealthBuddy.
Related Medicines or Drugs