Finasteride: Uses and Side Effects

Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). It works by reducing the action of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Finasteride is available in tablet form and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Finasteride FAQ

Does finasteride cause drowsiness?

Finasteride oral tablet doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects. The more common side effects that can occur with finasteride include: If these effects are mild, they may disappear within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t disappear, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is finasteride a generic?

Finasteride oral tablet is available in brand-name and generic versions. Brand names include: Proscar and Propecia. Finasteride only comes as a tablet you take by mouth. Finasteride is used to treat enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and male pattern hair loss.

What is finasteride used for?

Finasteride is used to treat an enlarged prostate ( benign prostate enlargement ). It can help ease your symptoms if: Finasteride is available on prescription only. It comes as tablets. It can also be used to treat hair loss in men (male pattern baldness). However, for hair loss you can only get finasteride on a private prescription.

What brands of finasteride are there?

Brand names include: Proscar and Propecia. Finasteride only comes as a tablet you take by mouth. Finasteride is used to treat enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and male pattern hair loss. Pregnancy contact warning: Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant shouldn’t handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets.

What is Finasteride (Proscar) used for?

Finasteride (Proscar) is used alone or with other medication to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with enlarged prostate. Finasteride (Propecia) is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. Finasteride is for use in men only. Finasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Finasteride References

If you want to know more about Finasteride, consider exploring links below:

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