Finasteride and Its Effects

Are you looking for treatment options available for hair loss? Then you must hear of Finasteride. It would be the reason that you are here, isn't it? Do you want to know more about this medication? Let's read about Finasteride and why it's quite popular as a hair loss treatment. 

Finasteride is a popular and effective medication that helps treat hair loss. It is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of male-pattern baldness. Finasteride works by stopping hair fall and promoting hair growth. A majority of men who use Finasteride has been benefited from their condition. This hair loss medication may take three to four months to see the results of this medicine.

Finasteride is available in oral and topical forms and is designed to be used once a day. Under the supervision of a medical expert, one can start taking its treatment. And, start using it at the right time may help to stop the progression of male pattern baldness. 

But like other medicines, Finasteride has its potential risks and benefits. Also, there is a lot of misleading warning regarding Finasteride. So it is important to get the right facts before taking this medicine for yourself. 

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is the active ingredient of Propecia, a popular drug for hair loss. Finasteride is available in both topical and oral forms as prescription drugs. It is well known for treating male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride belongs to a group of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors(5ARIs).

It works by inhibiting an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting your body's testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. And the primary culprit seen behind male pattern baldness is DHT(Dihydrotestosterone).

Thus, reducing your body's DHT levels may help protect your hair follicles from miniaturization. It can help prevent male pattern baldness from worsening and also stimulate re-growth. 

Studies also claim the effectiveness of Finasteride in the treatment of hair loss. For example, a study published in 1998 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology where one of them. It reported that 1,553 men facing male pattern hair loss used Finasteride daily over two years. Most men saw significant improvements in their hair count during this period. 

Also, another study published in 2015 by the journal Dermatologic Therapy claims the same benefits of Finasteride. In the trial, 80 percent of the 450 men with pattern hair loss who used Finasteride showed improvements over 1 year. 

Common side effects of Finasteride:

Finasteride, an FDA-approved medication, may also cause side effects like any other medication. These side effects are commonly seen in consumers. But the chances of getting them are rare. It is important to know the potential risks and benefits of the drug you will take. So here are the common side effects of Finasteride that may appear during its use. 

During the trials, very few men faced the serious side effects of Finasteride. Also, the side effects are more commonly seen with the higher dose of Finasteride. The higher dose of Finasteride, which is 5mg, is used to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).

Also, there are some unique side effects that Finasteride may cause, including.

Skin rash

Breast enlargement and or tenderness

Less common side effects that Finasteride may cause:

Finasteride may cause some side effects that are rarely seen in consumers. These include:

  • Pain in the testicles
  • Blood in semen
  • Breast pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nipple discharge
  • Depression 

Please inform a doctor if you develop any side effects while taking Finasteride. 

Also, some ingredients in Finasteride may cause allergies in some people. Here are the potential signs of allergic reactions that may occur:

  • Hives
  • Rashes

Itching and swelling of the tongue, lips, face, and throat

Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergy to any substance. Also, make sure that you do not have allergic to Finasteride. 

Ways to Reduce the side effects of Finasteride:

Like any other medication, Finasteride may cause side effects in some cases. However, here are some ways that may help to reduce the chances of getting these side effects.

Take Finasteride as prescribed, and taking the advised dose would be the best. Using a higher dosage may increase the risk of side effects.

Try to take Finasteride at fixed intervals each day. It would be best to take it simultaneously every day, and you can take it with or without food. 

Do not take double doses, especially when you forget to take any dose. Take only one dose at a time of Finasteride, and if you forget to take a dose, then take it as soon as possible. But if it's late and almost time for the next dose, then choose to take the next scheduled dose at its time. 

If you develop any side effects after taking Finasteride, inform your doctor immediately. Seek medical care if they turn severe and counter them before they worsen. 

Inform your doctor of other medications you take before starting Finasteride. It is important to avoid drug interaction to prevent adverse effects. 

Store your Finasteride tablets properly and keep them at room temperature. Avoid keeping it in a moist and hot atmosphere.