Finpecia is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient finasteride, specifically formulated to address androgenetic alopecia in men. It functions by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormonal driver of follicular miniaturization and hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals. This oral therapy represents a cornerstone in dermatological and trichological practice for managing male pattern baldness, offering a non-surgical intervention supported by extensive clinical research and long-term efficacy data.

Features

• Active ingredient: Finasteride 1mg
• Pharmaceutical form: Film-coated tablets
• Mechanism: Selective Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor
• Bioavailability: Approximately 63% (not affected by food)
• Half-life: 6-8 hours
• Protein binding: Approximately 90%
• Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4
• Excretion: Primarily via feces (57%) and urine (39%)

Benefits

• Significantly reduces scalp DHT concentrations by approximately 70%
• Prevents further progression of hair loss in 83% of men after five years of treatment
• Stimulates hair regrowth in the vertex and anterior mid-scalp areas in 66% of treated patients
• Provides a convenient once-daily oral dosing regimen with established long-term safety profile
• Offers a clinically validated alternative to surgical interventions for pattern hair loss
• Maintains therapeutic effect with continuous use, with visible improvements typically observed within 3-6 months

Common use

Finpecia is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men aged 18 years and older. It is specifically approved for use in the vertex (top of scalp) and anterior mid-scalp areas. The medication is intended for use by men only and requires ongoing administration to maintain therapeutic benefits. Clinical studies demonstrate maximum efficacy when treatment is initiated in the early stages of hair loss, though benefits may be observed at various stages of androgenetic alopecia. Treatment response should be evaluated periodically, typically at 3-month intervals during the first year of therapy.

Dosage and direction

The recommended dosage is one 1mg tablet orally once daily, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Consistency in daily administration time is recommended to maintain stable plasma concentrations. Treatment duration should be continuous for as long as benefit is desired; discontinuation will lead to reversal of effect within 12 months. No dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or those with renal impairment, though caution is advised in severe hepatic impairment. Patients should be advised that visible results may require 3-6 months of continuous therapy, with maximum benefits typically observed after 12-24 months of treatment.

Precautions

Before initiating Finpecia therapy, physicians should conduct a proper assessment to confirm the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and rule out other causes of hair loss. Patients should be informed that the medication is for their use only and should not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant due to risk of fetal harm. Regular monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is recommended in appropriate patients, as finasteride reduces PSA concentrations by approximately 50%. Patients should report any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge promptly. Those with liver dysfunction should be monitored closely. Caution is advised when administering to patients with obstructive uropathy.

Contraindications

Finpecia is contraindicated in the following populations: women who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to risk of abnormalities of the external genitalia in male fetuses; pediatric patients; patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation; and patients with pre-existing severe hepatic impairment. The medication must not be used by women of childbearing potential unless they are using highly effective contraception. Additionally, the drug is contraindicated in patients with a history of orthostatic hypotension or those taking medications that may potentiate this effect.

Possible side effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical trials (≥1% incidence) include decreased libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), and ejaculation disorders (1.2%). These side effects typically resolve upon discontinuation of therapy and persist in less than 0.3% of patients after cessation. Less frequent adverse effects (<1%) may include breast tenderness and enlargement, hypersensitivity reactions including lip swelling and skin rash, testicular pain, and depression. Post-marketing surveillance has reported additional rare events including male breast cancer, infertility, and persistent sexual dysfunction after treatment discontinuation. Most adverse reactions are mild to moderate and often diminish with continued therapy.

Drug interaction

Finpecia has no clinically significant interactions with antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, or warfarin. However, caution is advised when co-administering with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or erythromycin, as these may increase finasteride exposure. No dosage adjustment is necessary when administered with terazosin, but monitoring is recommended. Concurrent use with other 5α-reductase inhibitors is contraindicated. Patients taking medications that affect androgen pathways should be monitored closely. The effect of finasteride on PSA levels should be considered when interpreting laboratory results in patients undergoing prostate cancer screening.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, patients should take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed administration. Consistent daily dosing is important for maintaining therapeutic effect, but occasional missed doses are unlikely to significantly impact long-term efficacy. Patients should be advised to maintain their regular dosing pattern and contact their healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed or if they have questions about dosing.

Overdose

In reported cases of overdose with finasteride, doses up to 400 mg have been administered without observed adverse effects. Single doses of finasteride up to 80 mg have been given without serious adverse reactions. There is no specific antidote for finasteride overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Given the extensive protein binding, finasteride is not expected to be dialyzable. In cases of suspected overdose, standard supportive measures should be implemented, including monitoring of vital signs and clinical status. Patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if unusually large quantities are ingested.

Storage

Store Finpecia tablets at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the medication in its original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom cabinets or other areas prone to humidity. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that appear discolored, damaged, or beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Proper disposal of unused medication should follow local regulations for pharmaceutical waste.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Finpecia is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual results may vary, and not all patients will experience the same benefits. Patients should discuss their medical history, potential risks, and treatment expectations with their physician before initiating therapy. The manufacturer is not responsible for improper use or self-medication. Always follow the prescribed dosage and instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Reviews

Clinical studies involving over 3,000 men demonstrated that 99% of patients on finasteride 1mg daily experienced stabilization or improvement of hair loss after two years of treatment. In a five-year placebo-controlled study, 66% of finasteride-treated patients showed increased hair count compared to 7% in the placebo group. Patient-reported satisfaction surveys indicate that 80% of long-term users rate their treatment experience as good to excellent. Dermatological assessments consistently show significant improvement in hair growth parameters, with photographic evidence supporting patient-reported outcomes. The medication maintains a favorable benefit-risk profile in long-term observational studies spanning over a decade of clinical use.