Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Overview
Finasteride is a prescription tablet taken once a day. In Canada it comes in two strengths with different uses: 1 mg (brand name Propecia, plus generics) for male pattern hair loss, and 5 mg (brand name Proscar, plus generics) for an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Finasteride is for men only. It is not for women or children, and women who are or may be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets.
BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health to ask whether finasteride is appropriate for them. The doctor decides based on your health history. A prescription is not guaranteed.
- Finasteride 1 mg: male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men with mild to moderate hair loss at the crown and the front-middle of the scalp.
- Finasteride 5 mg: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate that causes urinary symptoms.
Finasteride is not indicated for women or children.
Finasteride
5-alpha reductase inhibitor
skin care
Prescription required
Available
How Finasteride Works
Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lower DHT has two effects:
- Scalp: DHT shrinks hair follicles in male pattern hair loss. Lowering it can slow hair loss and, in some men, lead to regrowth.
- Prostate: DHT drives prostate growth. Lowering it can shrink an enlarged prostate over time and ease urinary symptoms.
Dosage Instructions of Finasteride
Your doctor sets your dose. The usual doses are:
- Hair loss: one 1 mg tablet once a day, with or without food.
- Enlarged prostate (BPH): one 5 mg tablet once a day, with or without food.
For hair loss, it usually takes 3 months or more of daily use before you see a benefit. The effect lasts only while you keep taking it. If you stop, the gain is generally lost within 12 months.
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, 15°C to 30°C, protected from moisture. Keep the tablets in their original package and out of reach of children. Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
Side Effects of Finasteride
Most men have no side effects. In clinical trials of finasteride 1 mg, the following were reported slightly more often than with placebo:
- Decreased sex drive: 1.8% (1.3% with placebo)
- Erectile dysfunction: 1.3% (0.7% with placebo)
- Ejaculation problems: 1.2% (0.7% with placebo)
Since finasteride came to market, some men have reported sexual side effects that continued after they stopped the medicine.
Stop the medicine and talk to a doctor promptly if you notice:
- Low mood, depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Breast lumps, pain, enlargement or nipple discharge
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling of the lips or face
Important Safety Information About Finasteride
- Pregnancy: finasteride can harm a male fetus. Women who are or may be pregnant must not take it and must not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- PSA test: finasteride lowers PSA, a blood test used in prostate cancer screening. Tell any doctor who orders a PSA test that you take it.
- Mood: depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts have been reported. Tell your doctor about any history of depression, and report mood changes right away.
- Breast changes: report any lumps, pain or nipple discharge to your doctor.
- Women and children: finasteride is not indicated for either group.
Drug Interactions
No clinically important drug interactions have been identified for finasteride in the Canadian product monograph. Still, tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription products and supplements.
Brands & DIN Number of Finasteride
Brand Names
- Propecia
- Proscar
DIN (Drug Identification Numbers)
02010909
Key Takeaways
- 1Finasteride is a once-daily prescription tablet: 1 mg for male pattern hair loss and 5 mg for an enlarged prostate.
- 2It lowers DHT, the hormone that shrinks scalp hair follicles and drives prostate growth.
- 3For hair loss, expect 3 months or more of daily use before seeing a benefit. The effect is lost within about 12 months of stopping.
- 4Sexual side effects were reported by fewer than 2% of men in 1 mg trials. Report mood changes or breast changes to a doctor.
- 5Women who are or may be pregnant must not take finasteride or handle crushed or broken tablets.
- 6BC PharmaCare does not cover finasteride for hair loss. The 5 mg tablet can be covered for BPH through Special Authority.
- 7BC residents can ask a BC-licensed doctor by phone whether finasteride is right for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for finasteride in Canada?
How do I get finasteride in BC?
How long does finasteride take to work for hair loss?
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
Can women take finasteride?
How much does finasteride cost in Canada, and is it covered in BC?
What is the difference between Propecia and Proscar?
Avee Editorial
Avee Editorial Team