Finasteride 1 mg Film Coated Tablets (28)

Misc (Generics)

Prescription medicine – hair loss treatment

Oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor for androgenetic alopecia

Prescription Only medicine subject to national medicines regulation (e.g. MHRA Authorised generic finasteride 1 mg tablets for androgenetic alopecia, depending on country).

Prescription Only medicine subject to national medicines regulation (e.g. MHRA Authorised generic finasteride 1 mg tablets for androgenetic alopecia, depending on country).

Oral 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor for androgenetic alopecia

Description

Finasteride 1 mg Film-Coated Tablets are an oral treatment indicated for adult men (typically 18–41 years) with early stages of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Each film-coated tablet contains 1 mg of finasteride, a type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp, helping to stabilise hair loss and promote regrowth in mild to moderate male pattern baldness. The product is not suitable for women or children and contains lactose. Treatment is usually long term and benefits are maintained only while therapy is continued.

Bnefits

Treats male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men, helping to prevent further hair loss.
Can promote increased hair growth and improve hair density in areas affected by early-stage thinning.
Stabilises the hair loss process in the majority of treated men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness.
Convenient once-daily oral tablet (1 mg).
Best suited for early stages of hair loss; helps maintain existing hair and slow progression.

Indications

Treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men, typically aged 18–41 years, with mild to moderate hair loss.
Prevention of further hair loss and promotion of hair regrowth in affected scalp areas.
Not indicated for use in women, children or adolescents.

Composition

Active ingredient: Finasteride 1 mg per film-coated tablet.
Excipients (vary by manufacturer) – commonly include lactose monohydrate (product contains lactose), and standard tablet excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, starch derivatives, and coating agents as listed in the specific manufacturer’s leaflet.

Formulation

Film-coated oral tablet.
Strength: 1 mg finasteride.
Typically coloured/tan or similar, shape and markings dependent on manufacturer.

Packaging

Blister packs of 28 film-coated tablets (1 mg each).
Carton containing blister strips and a patient information leaflet.

Usage

For oral use only.
The usual dose for adult men is one 1 mg tablet once daily, with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush or split tablets (pregnant women must not handle broken or crushed tablets).
Take the tablet at approximately the same time each day.
It may take 3–6 months of daily use before an improvement in hair growth or slowing of hair loss is noticeable.
If treatment is stopped, any gained hair is likely to be lost within 9–12 months and hair loss may resume.
Always use as prescribed by a qualified prescriber; do not exceed the recommended dose.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to finasteride or to any of the excipients (including lactose).
Use in women, especially during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible (finasteride can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus).
Use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
Concurrent use with other finasteride-containing products or other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors for different indications, unless specifically directed by a prescriber.

Adverse Effects

Commonly reported: decreased libido (reduced sex drive), erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders (such as decreased ejaculate volume).
Other possible effects: breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia), testicular pain, rash or other mild skin reactions.
Mood changes including depressed mood and depression have been reported; suicidal thoughts and behaviour have also been reported, particularly with the 1 mg dose used for hair loss.
Infrequent reports of persistent sexual dysfunction (such as persistent erectile dysfunction or decreased libido) after stopping treatment.
Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, and pruritus (itching) may occur; urgent medical attention is required if these occur.
Any unusual breast changes (lumps, pain, nipple discharge) should be promptly evaluated to exclude breast cancer.
Not everyone experiences side effects; some effects may occur after months of treatment.

Storage Conditions

Store below the temperature specified in the manufacturer’s leaflet (commonly at or below 25–30°C).
Keep the tablets in their original blister pack and outer carton to protect from moisture and light.
Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Unused or expired tablets should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements; do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste.

Duration

Long-term, continuous treatment is usually required. An initial evaluation is generally made after 3\u20136 months; if no benefit is observed after 12 months, treatment may be reconsidered. Benefits are maintained only while treatment continues; discontinuation typically results in reversal of effect within 9\u201312 months.

Onset

Some stabilisation of hair loss may be seen after 3 months of daily use, with clearer improvement in hair count, coverage and slowing of hair loss usually evident after 6\u201312 months of continuous treatment. Maximum benefit may require continued use over several years.