Finasteride

What is Finasteride (Propecia)?

Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia among others as pills and tablets, is a medication used mainly to treat an enlarged prostate or hair loss in men. It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women and as a part of hormone therapy for transgender women. It is taken by mouth.

The reduction of DHT in the scalp is so far the only known and proven way to arrest hair loss. It is now used as the first line of attack for the treatment of male pattern baldness with Finasteride.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride blocks an important enzyme (Type II 5α-reductase), which is involved in the

regulation of the hair follicle. A major cause of male pattern hair loss is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), so by blocking the enzyme, Finasteride prevents further hair loss. Not only that but it can actually reverse the balding process and encourage new hair to grow.

What are the benefits of taking Finasteride?

Hair loss can cause psychological effects for men, causing them to become embarrassed and lacking in self confidence. Using Finasteride to slow and reverse this process can help men live happier lives.

How do I use Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Take the tablets by swallowing whole with a drink of water, with or without food. You should not divide, crush or chew the tablets as this may affect how well they work.

You should continue taking Finasteride daily, even if it takes 3 to 6 months before you start to notice any effects. Your doctor will be able to advise after this if the medication is working or not.

Finasteride dosage

Finasteride contains the active ingredient finasteride, at a strength of 1mg per tablet.

The normal dose is one 1mg tablet a day. Do not exceed your prescribed dose, particularly not on the belief that taking more will make it work faster, as this is not the case.

If you forget to take your Finasteride tablet then you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one, as you should never take a double dose.

If you take more Finasteride than you should, then go to your doctor or nearest emergency department immediately.

Side effects & precautions

Before taking Finasteride, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Finasteride if any of the following apply to you:

• If you are allergic to finasteride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you are a child or adolescent
• If you are a woman (Finasteride has been found to be ineffective in the treatment of hair loss in women in clinical studies)
• If you are already taking finasteride or any other 5α-reductase inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or any other condition.

Your prescription of Finasteride may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• If you are planning to father a child, as Finasteride can affect fertility

Like many medications with active ingredients, Finasteride can affect or be affected by other medicines. If you are taking any medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Finasteride will be the best course of action for you.

Mood alterations and depression have been reported by those using Finasteride. If you find yourself having depressed or suicidal thoughts then contact your doctor immediately for advice.

The most common side effects of using Finasteride include:

• less desire to have sex  
• difficulty having an erection  
• problems with ejaculation such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex
• depression

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as allergic reaction or suicidal thoughts.

How do I buy Finasteride online?

You can safely buy Finasteride online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a medical doctor before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Finasteride is the right medication for your medical condition.

More Information

• How does finasteride work?
• What is Finasteride used for?
• How long does Finasteride stay in your system?
• What is Avodart?
• What happens when you stop taking Propecia?