Finasteride

Finasteride is the generic version of the well-known hair loss treatment Propecia and named after its active ingredient finasteride. It has the exact same application and characteristics as Propecia and is just as effective.

Propecia was the first prescription medication that became fully approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Today it is widely regarded as the most effective hair loss treatment after several clinical trials confirming its efficacy. After going on the market for the first time in 1997, it has been repeatedly researched and tested in scientific studies which conclude that the component finasteride stops further hair loss in over 90% of the men treated, while two-thirds of those also experience regrowing of hair.

Most cases of male pattern baldness are caused by the production of the testosterone by-product dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the basis of how Finasteride works. Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT which influences hair follicles to the extend that hair growth is slowed and then stopped completely. During the treatment with Finasteride the production of DHT is prevented, which causes the body to eventually stop the process of hair loss and in many cases reversing it.

The treatment with Finasteride usually leads to visible improvements within 3 to 6 months after starting, although it might take up to a year for the full effect to be experienced. It has been shown in clinical studies that the concurrent use of anti-inflammatory shampoo can improve the results of the treatment. The same applies to an improved lifestyle, including a healthy diet with good amounts protein and iron, which can be found in high quantities in certain vegetables, fish, eggs and beans.

Finasteride has been proven an effective treatment for hair loss in up to 90% of the patients. A clinical trial running for five years measured the hair count of men with mild to moderate hair loss and came to the following results:

• After 12 months more than 4 in 5 men no longer experienced hair loss
• Compared to 70% of men in the control group treated with placebos, only 1% of the men treated for up to 2 years with Finasteride displayed further hair loss
• After 5 years only 25% of the men in the control group displayed no further hair loss, compared with 90% of the men undergoing treatment with Finasteride

After 2 Years		After 5 Years
66%(353 of 535) hair regrowth33%(177 of 535) no further hair loss1%(5 of 535) lost hair		27%(134 of 279) hair regrowth63%(177 of 279) no further hair loss10%(28 of 279) lost hair

Finasteride is available in a dosage of 1mg per pill and comes in packages for one or several months. Our doctors recommend a therapy length of at least 6 months with Finasteride in order to see the full effect of the treatment.

One tablet is taken whole with a bit of water once a day. It does not have to be taken with meals, but should ideally be taken at the same time each day. Should you forget to take a dose of Finasteride, there is no need to replace that dose with an additional tablet, you can simply continue with the next dose the following day. Should you have missed more than one dose, please refer to the detailed patient leaflet or speak directly with your doctor.

Taking a double dose to make up for a missed one is highly discouraged due to potential side effects. Taking more than the prescribed dosage does not improve the efficacy of the medication and can lead to dangerous health problems. The treatment has to be kept up continuously for three to six months to see the full effect of the medication and long-term usage is advised for maximum benefits. After discontinuing the therapy, further hair loss might be experienced within 6 to 12 months.

Certain health conditions prohibit the use of Finasteride. The medication must not be used by women or children under any circumstances. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid touching the ingredient when tablets are broken or crushed as it can negatively affect the child. Further known contraindications for the treatment with Finasteride are:

• male breast cancer
• liver damage
• high-grade prostate cancer

Finasteride is also not advised for patients with persistent alcohol misuse. Should you have a blood test for prostate cancer, speak to your GP about the use of Finasteride.

As with any medication, Finasteride can cause side effects throughout the treatment. In case of an allergic reaction to the ingredients, immediate medical treatment has to be sought. Symptoms of an allergic reaction might be one or more of the following:

• cold sweats, chills
• confusion and dizziness
• faintness and feeling lightheaded after getting up from seated of lying positions
• bloating and swelling of the face and extremities, itchy or red skin and rashes
• quick and unusual weight gains or losses
• enlarged breast

Among the more common known side effects of Finasteride are erectile dysfunction (impotence) and decreased libido. There are further less common side effects, such as runny nose, sleepiness or drowsiness, sneezing and stuffed nose. Rare side effects may include abdominal and back peain, headaches and diarrhoea.

If any the listed or further side effects persist for a long time or are unusually strong, it is recommended to discontinue the treatment and seek medical advice from your GP.