Finasteride Products
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a synthetic steroid compound that inhibits the Type 2 isoform of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).1 DHT compromises the growth phase of the hair cycle, leading to follicular miniaturisation. The end result is the progressive formation of shorter, finer hairs leading to hair loss.
The oral administration of 1 mg/day of finasteride results in a rapid decrease in serum and scalp DHT within 24 h of dosing. As a result, miniaturisation of the hair follicle is inhibited/reversed and new hair growth is stabilised. Oral finasteride (also known as Propecia) is therefore an approved drug for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Treatment must be continued indefinitely because the balding process restarts once treatment ceases.2
Oral finasteride is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only. Although it is very safe and well tolerated, impairment of sexual function is a documented side effect.3 Oral finasteride is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant.
Emerging evidence indicates that TOPICAL finasteride is a promising safe and effective treatment for hair loss.4, 5, 6
In support of this, a clinical trial determining the efficacy and safety of topical finasteride was successfully completed with positive results.7, 8
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that topical formulations of minoxidil combined with finasteride lead to superior results compared to minoxidil alone.9, 10, 11, 12
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