Finasteride (Propecia)

Finasteride is a prescription drug that is commonly used for the treatment of male pattern baldness in men. While the medication is not a cure for hair loss, it is effective in stopping hair loss and regrowing hair on the top and front of the head. Finasteride comes in tablet form and is available in only one strength. Potential side effects of the drug may include sexual problems such as impotence, decreased sex drive, or decreased ejaculate amount.

 

What Is Finasteride?

Finasteride (Propecia®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed for the treatment of male pattern baldness (known medically as androgenetic alopecia).
 
(Click Propecia Uses for more information on what finasteride is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Finasteride?

Finasteride is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does Finasteride Work?

Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which decreases the amount of DHT in the body. Since DHT is important for male pattern baldness, using finasteride to decrease DHT levels can help to stop hair loss and regrow hair.
 
Finasteride works for male pattern baldness with hair loss on the top and front of the head. It has not been shown to be effective for a receding hairline near the temples. Finasteride is also not licensed to treat hair loss in women or children.
 
Finasteride is not a hair loss cure. Hair loss will return within a year of stopping finasteride.
 

Finasteride Effects

There have been several studies looking at how well finasteride treats male pattern baldness.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;