Finast

Finast represents a significant advancement in the pharmacological management of androgen-dependent conditions, specifically benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia. As a selective Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor, it operates by precisely targeting the enzymatic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary androgen mediator in prostate tissue and hair follicles. This targeted mechanism reduces serum and tissue DHT concentrations by approximately 70%, offering a clinically validated, non-surgical approach to symptom management and disease progression modification. Its well-established efficacy profile, backed by extensive clinical trials and long-term post-marketing surveillance, positions it as a cornerstone therapy in urological and dermatological practice for appropriate patient populations.

Features

• Contains finasteride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
• Available in 1mg and 5mg film-coated tablet formulations
• Selective inhibition of Type II 5α-reductase isoenzyme
• High oral bioavailability with approximately 63% absorption不受 food影响
• Extensive hepatic metabolism primarily via CYP3A4 isoenzyme
• Mean terminal elimination half-life of approximately 6-8 hours
• Linear pharmacokinetics across recommended dosage range
• Manufactured under cGMP conditions with rigorous quality control

Benefits

• Reduces prostate volume by approximately 20% within 6 months of therapy initiation
• Improves urinary flow rates and reduces BPH symptom scores (IPSS reduction of 3-4 points)
• Decreases risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgical intervention by approximately 50%
• Promotes hair regrowth and prevents further hair loss in male pattern baldness
• Provides predictable and sustained DHT suppression with once-daily dosing
• Offers well-characterized safety profile with extensive clinical experience

Common use

Finast is primarily indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate gland, where it ameliorates lower urinary tract symptoms including hesitancy, weak stream, urgency, frequency, and nocturia. Additionally, the 1mg formulation is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men, promoting hair growth on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp areas. Off-label uses may include adjunctive therapy in hirsutism and as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy, though these applications require specialized medical supervision and are not FDA-approved indications.

Dosage and direction

For benign prostatic hyperplasia: The recommended dosage is one 5mg tablet orally once daily, with or without food. Treatment response may require six months or longer to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit. For male pattern hair loss: The recommended dosage is one 1mg tablet orally once daily. Consistent daily administration is necessary to maintain response. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; they should not be crushed or chewed. Dosage adjustment is not routinely required in elderly patients or those with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance >9 mL/min).

Precautions

Patients should be advised that finasteride reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations by approximately 50% after six months of treatment. This reduction must be considered when evaluating PSA laboratory values for prostate cancer screening. Baseline PSA determination is recommended before initiating therapy and at regular intervals thereafter. Caution should be exercised in patients with hepatic impairment, as finasteride is extensively metabolized in the liver. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to risk of absorption through the skin and potential teratogenic effects on a male fetus.

Contraindications

Finast is contraindicated in the following populations: women who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to risk of abnormalities in external genitalia of male fetus; pediatric patients; patients with hypersensitivity to finasteride or any component of the formulation; and patients with history of obstructive uropathy with renal impairment. The medication is not indicated for use in women of childbearing potential, and appropriate contraception must be discussed when prescribing to sexually active men whose partners may become pregnant.

Possible side effect

The most frequently reported adverse reactions include decreased libido (3.4-3.8%), erectile dysfunction (4.9-8.1%), and ejaculation disorders (2.1-3.7%). These sexual side effects typically resolve upon discontinuation of therapy, though persistent sexual dysfunction beyond treatment cessation has been reported in post-marketing surveillance. Other reported effects include breast tenderness and enlargement (2.2%), rash (1.1%), and hypersensitivity reactions including lip swelling and testicular pain. Laboratory abnormalities may include reduced semen volume and total sperm count, though these parameters generally remain within normal range and recover after discontinuation.

Drug interaction

No clinically significant drug interactions have been identified with finasteride through formal interaction studies. However, theoretical interactions may occur with potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) which could increase finasteride exposure. Conversely, inducers of CYP3A4 (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) may decrease finasteride concentrations. No interactions have been observed with terazosin, warfarin, digoxin, or theophylline. Concurrent administration with other 5α-reductase inhibitors is not recommended due to potential additive effects without demonstrated clinical benefit.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Consistent daily administration is important for maintaining therapeutic effect, particularly for the hair loss indication where treatment response is dependent on continuous DHT suppression.

Overdose

In clinical trials, single doses of finasteride up to 400mg and multiple doses up to 80mg/day for three months have been administered without significant adverse effects. No specific antidote for finasteride overdose exists. In case of suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be instituted. Since finasteride is highly protein-bound, dialysis is not likely to be of benefit. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within a short time frame. Medical attention should be sought for any suspected overdose situation.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused medication through medication take-back programs or according to local regulations.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual patient responses may vary. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess individual patient circumstances. The prescribing physician should be familiar with the complete prescribing information and latest clinical data. Patients should report any adverse effects to their healthcare provider and to the appropriate regulatory authority.

Reviews

Clinical studies demonstrate that 65-70% of men with BPH experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms and flow rates after 12 months of finasteride therapy. In hair loss studies, 48% of men treated with finasteride 1mg daily showed increased hair count at 12 months, compared to 7% with placebo, with 66% rated as improved by investigator assessment. Long-term extension studies show maintained efficacy with continuous treatment for up to 5 years. Patient satisfaction surveys indicate high treatment continuation rates, though individual experiences with side effects vary. Real-world evidence supports the clinical trial findings regarding efficacy and safety profile.