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Finasteride is a prescription-only medication. It comes in the form of an oral tablet and is prescribed as the best hair loss treatment for female. Proscar and Propecia are two different brands of medicine that contain finasteride.
However, they may not be accessible in every strength or form as the brand-name drug in some circumstances. Finasteride is used to treat a variety of conditions, depending on the drug type. For example, Proscar is a medication used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia).
That means you’ll have to combine it with other medicines with doxazosin to lessen the chance of symptoms of an enlarged prostate progressing. Topical minoxidil administration is the currently approved treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL); nevertheless, this medication does not result in hair regrowth.
Finasteride, a selective 5-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI), is an alternate therapy option. However, the use of finasteride for clinical trials in some patients for FPHL is limited due to its potential teratogenic effects.
How it Works
Finasteride (C23H36N2O2) is a synthetic 4-azasteroid molecule (Figure 2) that inhibits type II 5-reductase, preventing testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the skin, liver, and prostate gland.
According to a study, oral finasteride achieves its maximal plasma concentration roughly 1–2 hours after intake while maintaining the steady-state effect. Finasteride works by lowering your body’s levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT causes your prostate to enlarge in the regular course of things. DHT reduction aids in the prevention of prostate enlargement. It also promotes hair growth and reduces hair loss on your head. Other regions of the body’s hair development are unaffected.
Finasteride Side Effects
Finasteride oral pills do not induce drowsiness. However, it does have the potential to produce other side effects.
The Following are Some of the More Prevalent Finasteride Adverse Effects:
- Decreased sex drive
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Ejaculation disorder
- Increase in breast size and tenderness
- Skin rash
If the side effects are minor, they may go away in a matter of days or weeks. However, consult your doctor or pharmacist if they become more severe or do not go away.
Other Drugs May Interact with Finasteride
When a chemical alters the way a drug functions, this is known as an interaction. It can be hazardous or impair the drug’s effectiveness. Your doctor should closely monitor all of your prescriptions to help prevent interactions. In addition, make sure your doctor is aware of any medicines, supplements, or herbs you’re using.
Essential Factors to Consider When Using Finasteride
If your doctor recommends finasteride for you as a possible best hair loss treatment for female, keep these things in mind:
General
The tablets should not be crushed, sliced, or chewed.
Storage
Finasteride should be kept between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. This medication should not be kept in a moist or damp environment, such as a restroom.
Clinical monitoring
Your doctor will check your prostate-specific essential clinical antigen (PSA) levels during your treatment with finasteride.
Prior approval is required.
Suppose you’re taking finasteride for male pattern hair loss. In that case, your insurance company may want prior According to a study, oral in some patients authorization before approving and paying for your medication.
