Finasteride

About Finasteride

Finasteride is a synthetically produced medicine for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and hair loss in men. Finasteride is a type 2 inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. 5alpha-reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. It is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is excellent for lowering blood levels of dihydrotestosterone. 

From history

A tribe in Africa was discovered in which adolescents were found to produce male characteristics just after puberty. This became interesting to doctors and scientists from the US, while investigating this phenomenon, they found another interesting fact - the adult male sex of the tribe, was not found to have an enlarged prostate. As a result, they concluded that men are genetically missing an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which affects prostate tissue growth. They further concluded that if this enzyme was removed, it would not work.

In order to block this element, finasteride was invented, which is commonly known as proskar. Proscar helps to reverse the development of the prostate gland. Without any operation, it improves the urination, the difficulties at the beginning of urination and the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder disappear.

Pharmacological action 

5-alpha reductase inhibitor - an enzyme that converts testosterone into the more mobile dihydrotestosterone. Reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone in the blood and prostate tissues. Inhibits dihydrotestosterone stimulation to the growth of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Finasteride has an effect on reducing the size of the gland, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy. It may take a couple of months of treatment to reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Key properties of finasteride

For medical purposes, Finasteride is prescribed for the treatment of benign BPH. The dosage recommended by the FDA is five milligrams, once a day. It takes about six months of finasteride use to achieve a therapeutic result. If you stop taking finasteride, the disease could start manifesting itself again in seven months. Finasteride has an effect on the reduction of symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Finasteride only has a positive effect during its use. Hair that has grown back while taking it can fall out again after six to twelve months. 

Finasteride has anti-androgenic properties and is rarely used in hormone replacement therapy for transsexuals. At the moment there is little data on the use of Finasteride for this purpose and the evidence of its efficacy in this area is inadequate. Scientists have proven that Finasteride mitigates the effects of withdrawal after prolonged alcohol intake.

Taking Finasteride

Men

The dosage is five milligrams once a day.

Women

For women, taking this drug is strictly on medical advice. Women from twenty to thirty-five years of age, as well as pregnant women, should not take this drug, as it has teratogenic properties.

Side effects of taking finasteride

Side effects include impotence (1.1-18.5% probability of occurrence), excessive ejaculation (7.2% probability of occurrence), reduced ejaculate volume (0.9-2.8% probability of occurrence), impaired sexual function (2.5% probability of occurrence), gynecomastia (2.2% probability of occurrence), erectile dysfunction (1.3% chance of occurrence) and testicular pain. 

In 2008, the Swedish Agency for Medicines studied Finasteride for safety. They stated that it is possible to develop irreparable sexual dysfunction when taking Finasteride.

It also causes depression and strange behaviour in animals. Taking finasteride can cause symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts in some people.

In 2009 the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency made an addendum to the safety of taking Finasteride, a potential risk of breast cancer in men. 

The FDA decided to put a warning on a pack of Finasteride that it could cause the development of malignant prostate cancer. Similarly, another scientific trial found a reduction in the size of the prostate caused by taking Finasteride, which led to the detection of cancer bundles and aggressive cells. 

Medical use and contraindications

Prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (to reduce the size of the prostate; to improve urine flow; to reduce the risk of urinary retention).

Should not be taken if there is increased sensitivity to finasteride, impaired urine flow, prostate cancer. Finasteride should not be administered to girls and children.