Finasteride

Key points

• Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor: it blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which builds up in a balding scalp.
• Propecia is not indicated for use in women, and its label states that efficacy for hairline recession at the temples (bitemporal recession) has not been established.
• The most common side effects are sexual ones, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems, and they can continue even after you stop taking it; depression and suicidal thoughts are also listed as possible reactions.

What Finasteride is used for

This catalogue lists finasteride for two separate uses. Propecia and Morr F are used for Androgenetic Alopecia, the medical term for male pattern hair loss. Finpecia is used for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Brands and forms in this catalogue

Three companies stand behind this finasteride line-up. Propecia, the originator brand, comes from Merck as a coated tablet. Finpecia, manufactured by Cipla, is also a tablet, listed under Prostate Health. Morr F, from originator Intas Pharmaceuticals, takes a different form: a scalp spray that combines finasteride with minoxidil in one application rather than a tablet you swallow.

Because Propecia’s tablets are coated, normal handling does not expose anyone else to the drug. Even so, women who are or could become pregnant should avoid handling a broken or crushed tablet, since finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may affect a male fetus.

Further reading

• DailyMed - PROPECIA- finasteride tablet, film coated
• Propecia 1 mg Film-Coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 2194