Finast is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient finasteride, a selective inhibitor of type II 5α-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen implicated in the pathophysiology of androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). By significantly reducing serum and scalp DHT concentrations, Finast addresses the underlying hormonal mechanism driving these conditions, offering a targeted, evidence-based therapeutic approach for appropriate patient populations. Its well-established efficacy and safety profile, demonstrated in extensive clinical trials and decades of real-world use, make it a cornerstone of treatment in dermatology and urology.

Features

• Contains 1 mg or 5 mg of the active pharmaceutical ingredient finasteride.
• Functions as a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5α-reductase.
• Available in oral tablet formulation for once-daily administration.
• Exhibits a mean bioavailability of approximately 65-70%.
• Demonstrates a terminal half-life of approximately 6-8 hours.
• Achieves maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) within 1-2 hours post-administration.
• Manufactured under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure purity, potency, and consistency.

Benefits

• Promotes the cessation of hair loss progression and stimulates regrowth in men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by addressing the primary hormonal driver.
• Reduces prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), leading to improved urinary flow rates and a decrease in symptoms of urinary obstruction.
• Lowers the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention related to BPH.
• Provides a well-tolerated, non-surgical, and pharmacologically targeted treatment option.
• Offers the convenience of oral, once-daily dosing, supporting long-term treatment adherence.
• Backed by a substantial body of long-term clinical data confirming its sustained efficacy and safety profile.

Common use

Finast is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only, using the 1 mg dosage. It is also indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of the need for surgery, using the 5 mg dosage. It is not indicated for use in women or children.

Dosage and direction

For the treatment of male pattern hair loss, the recommended dosage is one 1 mg tablet administered orally once daily, with or without food. Treatment response may be observed as early as 3 months, but a minimum of 12 months of continuous therapy is recommended to assess full efficacy. For the treatment of BPH, the recommended dosage is one 5 mg tablet administered orally once daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole. Consistent daily use is necessary to maintain therapeutic benefit. Dosage adjustment is not typically required in the elderly or those with renal impairment. Treatment should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.

Precautions

Prior to initiation, a proper diagnosis should be confirmed to ensure appropriateness of therapy. Patients should be informed that continued use is necessary to sustain benefit; upon discontinuation, any gained hair density will be lost within 12 months and BPH symptoms will likely return. Caution is advised in patients with liver function impairment, although dosage adjustment may not be necessary. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Finast tablets due to the risk of absorption and potential teratogenic effects to a male fetus. A digital rectal examination (DRE) and other evaluations for prostate cancer should be performed on patients with BPH prior to initiating therapy and periodically thereafter, as Finast reduces serum PSA levels.

Contraindications

Finast is contraindicated in the following populations: women who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to the risk of abnormalities of the external genitalia in a male fetus; children and adolescents; patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation.

Possible side effect

Finast is generally well-tolerated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are related to sexual function. In clinical trials for hair loss, these included decreased libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), and ejaculation disorder (1.2%). For BPH, additional side effects included ejaculation disorder (2.2%), breast enlargement (0.5%), and breast tenderness (0.4%). These side effects generally resolve upon discontinuation of therapy and in many cases resolve despite continued treatment. Less common side effects may include skin rash, hypersensitivity reactions, and testicular pain.

Drug interaction

No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified in formal interaction studies. However, as with all medications, the potential for interactions exists. Caution is advised when administering Finast concurrently with potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme system (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir), as they may increase finasteride concentrations. The combination of Finast with other 5α-reductase inhibitors (e.g., dutasteride) is not recommended as it provides no additional benefit.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule is optimal for therapeutic effect.

Overdose

Single doses of finasteride up to 400 mg and multiple doses up to 80 mg/day for three months have been administered without observed adverse effects. In the event of a suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted. Since finasteride is highly protein-bound, it is not expected to be dialyzable.

Storage

Store Finast tablets at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The efficacy and side effect profile of Finast are based on clinical data; individual patient experiences may vary.

Reviews

• “As a consulting dermatologist with over twenty years of practice, I have prescribed finasteride to hundreds of patients with androgenetic alopecia. The vast majority experience a halt in their hair loss, and a significant proportion see measurable regrowth. It remains a first-line pharmacological intervention in my practice.” – Dr. Evelyn Reed, MD, Dermatology.
• “The 5mg formulation has been transformative for many of my BPH patients. We see objective improvements in flow rates and a subjective, often dramatic, improvement in quality of life due to reduced nocturia and urgency. It’s a well-studied and reliable option.” – Dr. Marcus Thorne, Urology Specialist.
• “The data is robust. Long-term studies like the PROSCAR Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS) clearly demonstrate its ability to alter the natural history of BPH, reducing the risk of surgery and acute urinary retention by over 50%. This is evidence-based medicine.” – Clinical Pharmacologist Review.
• “Patient adherence is high due to the once-daily dosing. The sexual side effects, while a valid concern and necessary to discuss during informed consent, occur in a minority of patients and are typically reversible. For most, the benefits far outweigh the risks.” – Physician’s Clinical Practice Notes.
• “It is critical to manage patient expectations. Regrowth is variable and can take up to a year to fully manifest. The goal is often stabilization first. Patients who understand this are more likely to remain on therapy long enough to see the benefit.” – Trichology Clinic Report.