Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is a synthetic drug and its basic composition includes the following:
1.Active Ingredient:
- Finasteride: This is the core active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). It is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that works by reducing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a key role in hair loss and prostate enlargement.
2.Inactive Ingredients (Excipients): The specific excipients can vary depending on the manufacturer but often include:
- Lactose monohydrate: Used as a filler.
- Microcrystalline cellulose: Acts as a binder and filler.
- Pregelatinized starch: Functions as a disintegrant.
- Sodium starch glycolate: Another disintegrant to aid in tablet dissolution.
- Magnesium stearate: A lubricant to prevent sticking during manufacturing.
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: Often used as a film-coating agent.
- Talc: A glidant to ensure smooth processing.
- Titanium dioxide: Used in the coating for color and opacity.
If you are interested in a specific brand of finasteride, the exact list of excipients can usually be found in the product’s package insert or by contacting the manufacturer.
Adverse effects of Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). While it can be effective for these conditions, it may also cause a range of adverse effects, some of which can be long-lasting. The following are potential side effects of finasteride:
Common Side Effects:
1.Sexual Dysfunction: This includes:
- Decreased libido (sexual desire)
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Ejaculation disorders (such as reduced volume of ejaculate or difficulty ejaculating)
- Decreased semen quality
2.Breast Issues:
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men)
3.Mood Changes:
- Depression or low mood
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Some reports of suicidal thoughts (rare)
4.Skin Reactions:
- Rash
- Itching
- Dry skin
5.Hormonal Effects:
- Decreased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can affect hormone balance
- Reduced prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can interfere with prostate cancer detection
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
- Persistent Sexual Side Effects: Some men experience ongoing sexual dysfunction even after stopping the medication, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “post-finasteride syndrome.” This can include persistent erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and other sexual health issues.
- Liver Damage: Though rare, liver toxicity has been reported. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, or abdominal pain.
- Allergic Reactions: Severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the lips, face, or throat (angioedema), difficulty breathing, or hives, though rare, require immediate medical attention.
- Cognitive Effects: Some men report experiencing cognitive issues like memory problems or brain fog, although these are not common.
Long-Term Risks:
- Breast Cancer: Although extremely rare, there have been some reports linking finasteride to an increased risk of male breast cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: There is some evidence that finasteride may alter the presentation of prostate cancer in some men, potentially masking early signs of high-grade prostate cancer.
If you are concerned about the side effects of finasteride, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help weigh the benefits against the risks and explore alternative treatments if necessary.