Finasteride

Finasteride is an effective FDA-approved medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. It is the generic version of the hair loss treatment Propecia.

Finasteride slows down the rate of hair loss and helps with hair regrowth.

Other uses

Finasteride is also commonly prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate or BPH) and is used as a part of hormone therapy for transgender women.

Speedy Health currently only sells Finasteride for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. If you are looking to use this medication for another condition, you should contact your regular doctor.

Male pattern hair loss, also referred to as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is thought to be caused by genetics and changing hormone levels as you age.

When your body produces testosterone, a small amount is converted to the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This is a completely natural process. However, over time, DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. With each growth cycle, the shaft of the hair also shrinks.

Finasteride belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. These medicines inhibit the conversion of DHT, which can help slow down or stop the loss of hair and, in many cases, regrow it.

What do the results show?

Treatment usually leads to visible improvements within 3 to 6 months, although it can take up to a year for the full effects to show up.

Clinical studies have shown that the simultaneous use of anti-inflammatory shampoo can improve the results of the treatment. The same can be said for a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet with sufficient protein, iron, and vitamins.

One clinical trial measured the hair count of men with mild to moderate hair loss over a five-year period and found that:

• after 12 months of using Finasteride, over 4 in 5 men no longer experienced hair loss
• 75% of men treated with a placebo had further visible hair loss after 5 years, compared to less than 10% of men using Finasteride
• after 5 years, 48% of men treated with Finasteride demonstrated an increase in hair growth, 42% displayed no further hair loss, and 10% lost hair

What are the differences between Finasteride, Propecia, and Proscar?

Propecia and Proscar are brand names of hair loss products manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. Finasteride is the name of the active ingredient found in these medications and is sold generically under the same name.

A generic has the same characteristics as a branded version and is used in the same way. The only difference is the price and manufacturer.

Finasteride is available in 1mg tablets. You can purchase packs for one or several months.

For hair loss, our doctors recommend a course of at least 6 months to see the treatment's full effects - long-term usage is advised for the best results. After stopping treatment, further hair loss may continue.

Instructions:

• take one tablet whole with a small amount of water every day
• tablets can be taken with or without meals
• take tablets around the same time daily
• do not break, crush or split tablets

If you forget to take a dose, there is no need to replace it with an additional tablet. You can continue with the next dose the following day.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose, as this may put you at an increased risk of side effects. Taking more than the prescribed dosage does not improve the efficacy of the medication and can lead to serious health problems.

Finasteride tablets should be stored at room temperature

Like all prescription medication, Finasteride comes with the risk of adverse effects.

In the case of an allergic reaction, which may include hives, a rash, and swelling of the face, seek immediate medical attention.

Finasteride's most common side effects are trouble getting and maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction), a decreased sex drive, and a lower sperm count.

Less common side effects include changes in sexual function that last after treatment, testicular pain, and breast abnormalities, such as breast enlargement.

If you discover any changes to your breast tissue, such as breast pain, discharge, or lumps, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Changes do not always mean breast cancer, but it is important to get checked.

Finasteride can affect the results of prostate blood tests, as it decreases your Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood levels. You should inform your doctor about the use of this medication if you are screened for prostate cancer.

A rare side of Finasteride is depression. If you have depressive thoughts, you should stop treatment and immediately contact a healthcare professional.

If you experience serious side effects, or any of the other listed side effects last for a long time, you should stop treatment and seek medical advice.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in it.

You should tell your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, including any conditions which affect your prostate or liver.

Certain medications may interact with Finasteride. You should always tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, including herbal supplements and vitamins, even if they are not prescribed.

This medication should not be used by women or children. You should also not use or handle this medication if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may cause birth defects. If a pregnant woman or child comes into contact with Finasteride, they should wash the area of contact and contact a healthcare provider immediately.

For more information on precautions and interactions, refer to the patient information leaflet included with your order.

You can buy Finasteride online from Speedy Health. You must first complete an online consultation.

Our doctors will review your answers to decide if it is safe to prescribe you the medication or not. If they do not approve, you will not be charged.

If they approve, they will issue a prescription to our pharmacy. The pharmacy will then package and dispatch your order with complimentary next-day delivery.