Finasteride, the active ingredient in Finpecia, is a well-established oral medication for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It works by specifically inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormonal driver of follicular miniaturization and hair thinning in genetically susceptible individuals. By reducing scalp and serum DHT levels, Finpecia helps to halt the progression of hair loss and, in many cases, stimulates regrowth. It is indicated for use by men only and requires a prescription, reflecting its status as a potent hormonal modulator. Consistent, long-term use is necessary to achieve and maintain optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Finasteride (1 mg)
• Pharmacological Class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, Type II
• Presentation: Film-coated tablets
• Standard Dosage: One 1 mg tablet administered orally once daily
• Bioavailability: Approximately 63% (not affected by food)
• Half-life: 6-8 hours
• Time to Peak Plasma Concentration: 1-2 hours post-administration
• Manufacturing Standards: Produced in facilities compliant with international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines

Benefits

• Halts Hair Loss Progression: Effectively slows or stops the further miniaturization of hair follicles by significantly reducing scalp dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations.
• Promotes Hair Regrowth: Clinical studies demonstrate an increase in hair count in the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp areas after sustained use.
• Convenient Dosing Regimen: A single, small, once-daily tablet integrates easily into a patient’s routine, promoting long-term adherence.
• Non-Surgical Intervention: Provides a pharmacological alternative to hair transplant surgery for men seeking to manage their androgenetic alopecia.
• Well-Studied Efficacy: Supported by extensive, multi-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials involving thousands of male patients.
• Improves Patient Self-Assessment: A significant proportion of men report improvements in their hair appearance and overall satisfaction, correlating with objective photographic assessments.

Common use

Finpecia is exclusively indicated for the management of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men. It is intended for use in men who are experiencing mild to moderate, but progressive, hair loss primarily in the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp areas. Treatment is most effective for arresting the progression of loss rather than reversing extensive baldness. It is not indicated for use by women or children. A clinical diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential to confirm that the hair loss is indeed androgenetic alopecia before initiating therapy.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage of Finpecia is one 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, with or without food. To maximize absorption consistency, it is advisable to take the tablet at approximately the same time each day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; it should not be crushed or chewed. Clinical response is not immediate; a minimum of three months of daily dosing is typically required before any effect on hair loss prevention may be observed, and at least six to twelve months of treatment are usually necessary to assess the potential for hair regrowth. Treatment must be continued indefinitely to sustain benefit; cessation of therapy will lead to a gradual reversal of effect within 6-12 months.

Precautions

Prior to prescribing Finpecia, a digital rectal examination (DRE) and consideration of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing should be conducted to rule out other urological conditions, particularly in older men, as finasteride can alter PSA values. Patients should be advised that they must not handle crushed or broken tablets if they are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the risk of absorption through the skin and potential risk of abnormalities to a male fetus. Patients should be informed about the potential for sexual side effects. Regular follow-up with a prescribing physician is recommended to monitor efficacy and tolerability. Liver function should be considered, as the drug is metabolized extensively by the liver.

Contraindications

Finpecia is contraindicated in the following populations:

• Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Finasteride is a Pregnancy Category X drug. Exposure to finasteride through semen is considered a risk, though the actual risk is thought to be low.
• Children and adolescents.
• Patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride, any other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or any of the excipients in the formulation.
• Patients with existing severe liver impairment, as the pharmacokinetics and safety have not been established in this population.

Possible side effect

As with all medications, Finpecia can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following adverse reactions are related to the drug’s anti-androgenic mechanism and are typically reversible upon discontinuation of therapy.

• Sexual Dysfunction: Decreased libido (sexual desire), erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders (e.g., decreased ejaculate volume) have been reported in clinical trials. The incidence is low (approximately 3.8% for sexual side effects vs. 2.1% in placebo) and often diminishes with continued treatment in many men.
• Reproductive System: Breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia) have been reported rarely.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Reactions such as rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face have been reported.
• Psychological: Depressed mood has been reported in some patients.
• Other: Testicular pain.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have been conducted. While no clinically significant interactions have been identified with a range of drugs including antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin, caution is advised.

• Theoretically, concomitant use with other drugs that are potent inhibitors of the CYP3A4 enzyme system (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) could increase finasteride plasma concentrations.
• Finasteride does not appear to significantly influence the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system.
• PSA Levels: Clinicians must be aware that Finpecia reduces serum PSA concentrations by approximately 50% in men treated for 12 months. Any interpretation of PSA values for prostate cancer screening in a patient taking finasteride must be adjusted accordingly.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as remembered on that same day. If the missed dose is not remembered until the next day, the patient should skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule with the next tablet. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. Maintaining a consistent daily routine, such as taking the tablet with another daily activity (e.g., brushing teeth), can help prevent missed doses.

Overdose

In clinical trials, doses of finasteride up to 400 mg per day have been administered for three months without observed serious adverse effects. Single doses of up to 80 mg have been given without associated adverse experiences. There is no specific antidote for finasteride overdose. In the event of a suspected overdose, treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be considered if the overdose is recent. Given the extensive protein binding, finasteride is not expected to be eliminated by dialysis.

Storage

Store Finpecia tablets below 30°C (86°F). Keep the tablets in their original blister pack or bottle to protect them from light and moisture. Keep the medication out of the reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Do not dispose of medications via wastewater or household waste; consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal method to avoid environmental contamination.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and 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 before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this product card. The information provided here may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.

Reviews

Clinical studies and patient-reported outcomes form the basis of the following summary: Clinical Trial Data: In pivotal 12-month studies, 83% of men taking finasteride 1 mg had no further hair loss (vs. 28% on placebo), and 66% demonstrated some degree of hair regrowth based on investigator assessment. After five years of treatment, 90% of men showed no further progression of hair loss, and 65% had visible increases in hair growth. Patient Feedback: Many long-term users report high satisfaction with the product’s ability to stabilize their hair loss, often describing it as a “maintenance” therapy that provides peace of mind. Common themes in positive reviews include the convenience of the dosing and the prevention of further recession. A subset of users reports experiencing the known sexual side effects, which for some led to discontinuation. The consensus among prescribing dermatologists and trichologists is that Finpecia (finasteride 1mg) is a first-line, evidence-based cornerstone of medical management for male pattern hair loss.