Finasteride
FDA-Approved moleculeCompounded form not FDA-approved5-alpha-reductase type II inhibitor
Medical emergency? If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait.
- How it works (plain English)
- Reduces conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone most associated with male-pattern hair follicle miniaturization.
- Key risks
- Sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile or ejaculatory changes) reported in a minority of users; mood changes and persistent symptoms after discontinuation have been described in some reports.
- Who should not use it
- Use by women who are or may become pregnant; pediatric use. Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- Drug interactions
- Few clinically significant interactions; can alter PSA levels, relevant to prostate-cancer screening interpretation.
Compounded medications are prepared by licensed US pharmacies on a valid prescription and are not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Treatment is provided only when prescribed by a licensed provider.
This page is general educational information, not medical advice, and is not a complete list of risks. Your prescribing provider will review your full history. Report side effects to your provider; you may also report to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.