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Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor Propecia® Adult

Finasteride - What is it for

Finasteride is approved to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
In the scalp, finasteride lowers the levels of a male hormone (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of male pattern hair loss. In this way, finasteride helps to slow the balding process, preventing further hair loss, and leading to increased hair growth in some patients.
The improvement rate varies from person to person; it usually occurs after the medication has been used for at least 3 months and lasts only as long as the medication continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within 3 to 6 months after stopping the medication.
This medication is also used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Finasteride - Additional Information

  • Tags: Finasteride
  • Updated on 9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

​If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and Sing Health), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore.

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