Finasteride Oral tablet for Hairloss: Side effects,Interactions,Uses

In this article we will discuss about Finasteride for hair loss, this will be a complete guide for finasteride.

1-How it works
2-Possibles side effects of Finasteride
3-Things you should know before using finasteride
4-Dosage and storage
5-How to maximize Finasteride's impact on hair regrowth?
6-Most asked questions about it.
7-Efficacy of finasteride( Research-based analysis)

How does Finasteride for hair loss work?

Finasteride is given orally and is a 5-alpha reductase type 2 inhibitor. It is not an antiandrogen. 5-alpha reductase changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in males. Finasteride will decrease the prostate size and increases hair growth on the scalp. The effect of finasteride on the prostate and scalp will only last as long as the medicine is taken. When it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again and the hair will be lost.

Dosing /How to take finasteride for hair loss?

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. It is generally recommended by doctors.

The dose and form of finasteride depends upon

1-Your age

2-Which condition being treated

3-How severe your condition is

4- If you have any other medical conditions 

The general recommendation is-

Dosage of fenasteride for hairloss or male pattern baldness

Form: oral tablet

Strength: 1 mg

Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)

Typical dosage: 1 mg per day.

Child (ages 0-17 years)

Dosage for people younger than 18 years hasn’t been established. This drug is not prescribed for use in children.

Efficacy of Finasteride/ Research Analysis 

Finasteride was first used in 1992 for BPH(Benign Prostate Hyperplasia).

In 1998 it was approved by FDA to treat male pattern baldness at a 1mg dose.

Till now millions of currency are spent on its researches.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Finasteride stops the production of DHT in the body and helps slow hair loss in 88% of patients who have taken this drug.

Finasteride Side Effects

More common-

• Chills, cold sweats.
• Dizziness, confusion, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• Inability to have or keep an erection
• Loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance.
• Watery semen

Less common

• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs.
• Breast enlargement, nodules, and tenderness.
• Hives(a rash of round, red welts on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an allergic reaction )or welts.
• Redness of the skin, Itchy skin.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Skin rash.
• Swelling of the lips and face
• The tingling sensation of the hands or feet
• Unusual weight gain or loss.
• Runny nose or stuffy nose.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, sneezing

The most asked question about Finasteride is 

Does Finasteride cause infertility?

So basically it depends on your medical condition, if you are already suffering from low sperm count or a low amount of ejaculation it will make it worse.

So basically before taking Finasteride, discuss these things with your doctor.

What if you miss a dose?

If you forget to take a dose one day, do not take an extra dose, just take the next dose as usual.

THINGS YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE USING FINASTERIDE

1-Allergies

It can cause symptoms like -difficulty in breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, hives(a rash of round, red welts on the skin that itch intensely, sometimes with dangerous swelling, caused by an allergic reaction )

2-Pediatric
3-Geriatric
4-Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in male babies. If a woman does come in contact with this medicine, the affected area should be washed right away with soap and water.

5-Breastfeeding

Finasteride may cause changes to the breast tissue. Discuss with your doctor if you have any lumps, pain, tenderness, or an enlargement of the breasts while using this.

6-Drug Interactions

If you are taking any other medication tell your doctor about it so that drug interaction cant cause any major problem or side effects.

Some drugs can reduce the efficacy of Finasteride so it is most important to open about your other medication with the doctor.

7-Medical Problems

This drug is not meant to cure your other medical conditions.

For example, this medicine will not prevent prostate cancer but may increase your risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. Discuss with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine may cause a decrease in the amount of semen you ejaculate during sex. This will not affect your sperm count or your ability to have children.

WAYS TO SPEED UP THE RESULT FROM FINASTERIDE

1- Combine Finasteride with Minoxidil.

2-Use LLLT Device

In addition to taking finasteride and using minoxidil, you can use low-level laser therapy (LLLT), the third FDA-cleared method of treating hair loss. These devices come in the form of a wand you point at the scalp or a cap you can wear. They emit a constant red LED light, which is believed to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to hair follicles.

3-Add DHT Blocking shampoo to your haircare routine

4-Do scalp massage

If you want to know more about scalp massage check this-Scalp massage for hair regrowth research based analysis

5-Take Vitamin D supplements

The researchers noted that supplementing your diet with low levels of vitamin D can improve symptoms of androgenetic alopecia known as male pattern baldness and telogen effluvium which is temporary hair loss caused by stress or trauma.

CONCLUSION

Despite some side effects, finasteride is the greatest discovery for hair loss.

It is considered in The Big3 for hair loss which are Minoxidil, Ketoconazole, finasteride.

Finasteride is FDA approved drug for hair loss so it has been researched a lot in various aspects.

Till now we have to cope up with small side effects for hair regrowth.

Hope this article will help you, consult your doctor before taking any step.