Finasteride is an FDA approved drug to combat male pattern baldness. Finasteride is marketed under many different names; Propecia, Finpros, Proscar, Fincar, Finpecia, Finax, Finast, Penester, Finara, Finalo, Prosteride, Gefina, Appecia, Finasterid IVAX, Finasterid Alternova, Hyplafin, Tectum, and Prezepa. In 1997 the FDA approved Finasteride to treat male pattern baldness (MPB), under the name Propecia.
In a five year study of men with mild to moderate hair loss, 48% of those who were given 1 mg of Finasteride had some regrowth of hair, and another 42% had no more loss of hair. The average hair count in the group that got the Finasteride remained above baseline, and had increased difference from the placebo patients, for all the length of the study. It was found that Finasterid is effective only while it is taken, and that the extra hair is lost within six to twelve months of Finasteride not being taken. Finasterid was found to work on both the hair line and the crown, with the most effective being felt on the crown. Finasterid was found to be ineffective for treating hair loss in women, but this study wan on post-menopausal women whose hair loss could have been related to loss of estrogen rather than sensitivity to DHT, and this would be significant as Finasteride acts on DHT. It can be proscribed to women however there needs to be measures in place to ensure pregnancy does not occur as Finasteride can cause birth defects in a male fetus.
The Finasteride side effects include impotence, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal sexual function, gynecomastia, erectile problems, ejaculation issues and testicular pain. Generally these were found to go away when Finasteride is stopped being taken, or they would go away after continued therapy. At the end of 2008, the Swedish Medical Products agency finished a safety investigation of Finasteride and advised that the use of Finasterid could result in irreversible sexual dysfunction. The safety information they list a possible side effect of the drug to be difficult in obtaining an erection even after discontinuation of the drug. The UK's Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also said that they have had this side effect reported to them.
Finasteride is not indicated for use by women as it has not proven to be efficacious in this regard. It is FDA pregnancy category X. This is because it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn male babies. It is essential that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets as this can be absorbed through the skin. Also it is not known whether Finasteride goes into breast milk, so it should not be taken by a mother who is breastfeeding her child. Although Finasteride may pass into the semen of men, it is stated by Merck that a pregnant woman's contact with the semen of a man taking Finasteride is not an issue for concern. It also makes it not possible to donate blood and is normally restricted for at least one month after being administered for it to be allowed to give blood.
At the end of 2009, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK gave new drug safety advice on about Finasteride in connection with the risk of male breast cancer. The agency said that, although overall incidence of male breast cancer in the clinical trials for Finasteride was not significant, a higher risk of cancer with Finasteride use could not be excluded. Given all the Finasteride side effects it is important to look at all possible avenues and causes first before considering Finasteride, as well as consultation with your doctor. For more information on the side effects of Finasteride see here.