Finasteride - Overview

Finasteride, marketed under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is frequently used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Through Push Health, you can request a finasteride prescription online and get finasteride medication, including branded and generic finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg tablets, near you when appropriate.

Finasteride for Hair Loss

Finasteride prescription medication is used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss - similar to minoxidil (Rogaine). Hair loss is a common problem that can consist of symptoms ranging from slight thinning of the hair to full loss of most of the hair, exposing the scalp and resulting in an unwanted appearance. Finasteride for hair loss is often more effective than other over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for hair loss. Finasteride medication, like dutasteride (Avodart), belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is thought to accelerate male pattern hair loss and finasteride can decrease levels of DHT in the scalp and the serum. Finasteride helps reverse hair loss in many men but it does not work for everyone. Also, people who have been taking finasteride can lose any hair that grew from taking finasteride if the medication is discontinued.

Finasteride for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

In addition to hair loss, finasteride 5 mg has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that sometimes develops in men as they age. BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as a weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. When marketed at 5 mg for BPH, finasteride is sold under the brand name Proscar.

For this condition, finasteride is thought to work by reducing the size of the prostate gland through blocking DHT - the hormone primarily responsible for prostate enlargement. Within several months, some men experience improved urinary flow and reduced BPH symptoms. In clinical trials, finasteride 5 mg also reduced the long-term risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention related to BPH. Finasteride for BPH is often prescribed alongside alpha-blocker medications such as tamsulosin (Flomax) for patients with moderate to severe symptoms.

Finasteride vs. Dutasteride and Minoxidil

Finasteride vs. Dutasteride. Both finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors but they differ in their selectivity. Finasteride inhibits only type 2 5-alpha-reductase - the form predominant in hair follicles and the prostate. Dutasteride (Avodart) inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase, producing greater overall DHT suppression. Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the United States but some clinical studies suggest it may be more effective than finasteride for hair regrowth. Both drugs carry similar sexual side effect profiles. Dutasteride has a longer half-life and takes longer to clear the system after stopping.

Finasteride vs. Minoxidil. Finasteride and minoxidil work through completely different mechanisms and target different aspects of hair loss. Finasteride reduces DHT - addressing the hormonal cause of androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that stimulates hair follicle activity and prolongs the hair growth phase, regardless of DHT levels. Neither drug cures hair loss and, as a result, both require continued use to maintain results. The two medications are sometimes prescribed in combination as they may provide additive benefit. While finasteride medication requires a prescription, minoxidil (2% and 5% topical) is available over the counter.

Finasteride - Dosage and Cost

Finasteride prescription tablets are available in different dosages - finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg. Finasteride medication is generally prescribed in 1 milligram tablets although the specific dosing depends on the prescribing medical provider. It can take several months before one starts seeing the benefits related to taking finasteride. People who discontinue finasteride after taking it for a period of time might lose any hair that grew while taking the medication. Finasteride 5 mg tablets are sometimes requested for cost reasons and then are cut up into the appropriate prescribed dosage. Generic finasteride tablets are considered affordable, generally costing under forty cents per pill. Insurance plans may cover the cost of finasteride, depending on what the medication is being used for and one's insurance plan. Finasteride prescription savings card may also be available online or from the manufacturer.

Can I Buy Finasteride Online?

Because finasteride is a prescription medication, one cannot simply buy finasteride online. Because of this, finasteride OTC (over the counter) is not available, either. The first step to getting a finasteride medication prescription is consulting a licensed medical provider. Push Health can connect people who might need a finasteride medication prescription, including generic finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg tablets, with a medical provider who can prescribe finasteride prescription tablets when appropriate to do so.

Finasteride - Side Effects

While well tolerated in many people, finasteride medication can cause side effects when used. Side effects that may result from finasteride prescription tablet use include problems related to sexual function, including decreased libido, trouble with ejaculation, decreased sperm count, and erectile dysfunction. These sexual side effects occur in a minority of patients and typically resolve after discontinuing the medication. Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) has been reported infrequently.

Possible cancer risk. Clinical studies have examined finasteride's relationship with prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial found that finasteride reduced the overall rate of prostate cancer but also found a higher proportion of high-grade tumors in the finasteride group. It is not clear whether these results reflect improved detection rather than a true increase in risk. Patients with concerns about prostate cancer risk and finasteride should discuss this with their medical provider.

Post-finasteride syndrome. Some patients report persistent sexual, neurological, and other side effects after stopping finasteride - a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). While the existence and prevalence of PFS is debated in the medical literature, the FDA updated finasteride's label to include mention of persistent sexual side effects. Patients with concerns about long-term side effects should discuss them with their medical provider before starting or continuing finasteride.

Most side effects will go away once finasteride tablets are stopped. Finasteride medication can cause birth defects and the medication should not be handled by women of childbearing age. Finasteride can reduce serum PSA levels so patients taking finasteride should tell any provider who is interpreting a PSA result so the lab value can be adjusted. Blood donations should be avoided while taking finasteride and for at least 1 month after the last dose. People with a known hypersensitivity to finasteride medication or similar medications should not use finasteride. Prior to using finasteride prescription medication, it is important to discuss concerns about side effects with a pharmacist or medical provider.

How to Get a Finasteride Prescription with Push Health

1. Complete a brief health intake. Answer a few questions about your hair loss or BPH symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any prior use of finasteride or other hair loss treatments.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether finasteride is appropriate for your situation - including the correct dose (1 mg for hair loss, 5 mg for BPH). Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription electronically. If finasteride is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
4. Pick up your medication same day. Generic finasteride is available at most retail pharmacies, typically under $15 for a 30-day supply. No health insurance or subscription is required.

Medical providers are available now.

More Finasteride Information

• Finasteride - Medline