Finasteride is the generic version of the brand-name drugs- Propecia and Proscar. Both of them have the same active ingredient, i.e., Finasteride but are administered in different dosages for different treatments. It is available in the market both as generic and brand-name drugs manufactured by various companies. These pills can be attained against a prescription.
Online Finasteride or Proscar is used for the symptom of enlarged prostate in people suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). It is a common condition in older men. It leads to uncomfortable urinary problems such as incomplete urination, frequent urination at night, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. Finasteride is used in 5mg doses to treat BPH.
Propecia is preferably recommended for male pattern baldness is 1mg doses. It is the permanent baldness of the scalp in men due to genetic causes. This drug was proven to be effective in hair growth for men in the early stages of balding with low to moderate hair loss. It works well in men between the ages between 18 and 45.
Finasteride is an inhibitor that restricts the actions of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). At least 10 percent of the testosterone present in the body gets converted to DHT which is also the cause of growth in male sexual parts like the penis, testes, and body hair. It also causes enlargement of the prostate. So, by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, finasteride enables the shrinkage of the prostate. Because there is a rise in testosterone levels in the body, it boosts hair growth.
Finasteride is taken by mouth, with or without food. The dosage and length of the treatment are given by your doctor depending on the severity of the condition, your age, and other underlying medical conditions. Take this drug every day at the same time to increase its effectiveness. Do not stop using it abruptly as it will reverse your progress. It will take at least six months to notice results while treating male pattern baldness.
A few of the most frequently occurring side effects of Finasteride include
These side effects may go away after the body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you experience any other side effects. They tend to differ from person to person. Some severe side effects that require immediate medical attention are-
Signs of an allergic reaction to Finasteride include hives, breathing troubles, itching, and swelling of the throat or tongue. Finasteride also increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer in men.
For women: Finasteride must never be prescribed for women. Our skin can absorb this drug. When pregnant women come in contact with it, this medication can have adverse effects on the fetus. It may affect the fertility of women who are planning to get pregnant.
For children: This drug is unsafe and is not approved for children by the FDA. Finasteride can cause severe deformities of the sexual parts in male infants.
For people with liver disorders: Liver processes Finasteride. So there may be a build-up of this drug in the liver in people with liver disorders because of the slow processing. They are more prone to the side effects of this medication. Adjust your dosage in consultation with your doctor.
For people with prostate cancer: There is a chance of prostate cancer growing faster on the administration of Finasteride. It will increase the risk of getting prostate cancer again if you had it previously.