Finasteride Propecia Proscar Hair Loss Medication

Finasteride (marketed as Proscar, Propecia, Fincar, Finpecia, Finax, Finast, Finara, Finalo, Prosteride, Gefina, Appecia, Finasterid IVAX, Finasterid Alternova) is a synthetic antiandrogen which acts prevents type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is used as a good treatment in prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and prostate cancer in higher doses. A May 2008 study indicates that Finasteride reduces the rate of prostate cancer by 30% (see below). It is also indicated for use in combination with doxazosin therapy to reduce the risk for symptomatic progression of BPH. In addition, it is registered in many countries for androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).

Finasteride was approved initially in 1992 as Proscar, a treatment for prostate enlargement, but the sponsor had studied 1 mg of finasteride and demonstrated hair growth in male pattern hair loss. On December 22, 1997, the U.S. administration of food and drug approved finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss.