Hair loss is a major concern for many men, especially young men. It can be frustrating to see hair all over your pillow in the morning and strands of hair on your hands after showering. Your doctor may have prescribed a pill called Finasteride as a solution. So, let's find out exactly what this medication is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about.
What is Finasteride?
Simply put, Finasteride is a medication that is used to treat certain types of hair loss in men. It is available on the market under names like Propecia.
This belongs to a class of drugs called `(5-alpha reductase inhibitor)`. Okay, that sounds a bit complicated, doesn't it? Think of it this way, the hormone `(testosterone)` in our body is converted into another chemical called `(dihydrotestosterone - DHT)`, which is the main cause of hair loss. What these Finasteride pills do is stop that conversion. Then the DHT levels decrease, the thinning of the hair follicles on the scalp stops, and new hair starts growing.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before you are prescribed this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor about these things. Don't hide anything, because it's for your own safety.
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to finasteride or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If your wife is pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If your wife is breastfeeding a child (although this is a medicine for men, this information may be important).
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it before or after meals. That's no problem.
- The most important thing is to take it at about the same time every day. Make it a habit.
- Do not take more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Even if your friends also have hair loss problems, do not give this medicine to them. They should see a doctor.
Special considerations when taking this medicine
There are a few things we need to pay special attention to when taking Finasteride. These are very important.
| Things to be aware of | Description and explanation |
|---|---|
| Time to get results | Don't expect results right away when you start taking the medicine. You need to take the medicine daily for at least 3 months to see hair loss decrease and new hair growth. You need to be patient. |
| What happens if you stop? | To maintain the results, you need to continue using the medication. If you stop taking the medication, your hair will start falling out again within 12 months . |
| Blood Donation | You should not donate blood while taking this medicine. This is because if your blood is given to a pregnant woman, the substances in this medicine can enter her body and affect the baby in the womb. Ask your doctor how long it will take to stop taking the medicine before you can donate blood. |
| Pregnant women and safety | This is very important. Pregnant or trying-to-become women should not handle these pills, especially broken or crushed ones. The active ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and harm an unborn baby, especially a male child. If you accidentally touch them, seek medical advice immediately. (Ingesting unbroken pills is usually not harmful, but it is not recommended to swallow them.) |
| PSA tests | Finasteride may affect the results of PSA blood tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have such a test, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. |
Interactions with other medications
This medicine may interact with dietary supplements like Saw Palmetto, so give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Finasteride can have some side effects. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in the breasts | Changes in breast tissue (lumps), new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple. (Yes, men can get breast cancer too.) |
| Notify doctor if persistent or bothersome | |
| Breast pain | Feeling pain or tenderness in the breasts. |
| Changes in sexual function | Decreased sexual desire or other problems related to sexual function. |
If you experience any other side effects not listed on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Finasteride is a medication that should only be taken on a doctor's prescription. Do not use it on the advice of friends.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- It takes several months to see results, so be patient and continue using it.
- It is very dangerous for pregnant women to come into contact with broken pills. Be very careful.
- If you notice any changes in your breasts or other serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions about the medication, ask your doctor.
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