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Finasteride is a potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor primarily used to treat conditions related to androgenic activity, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenetic alopecia.
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that is FDA approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).[1] It competitively inhibits the type II and III isoenzymes of 5-alpha-reductase, blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and it reduces serum DHT levels by about 70% and prostatic DHT levels by upwards of 90%.[1]
Long-term use reduces prostatic volume, relieving bothersome urinary symptoms, and patients treated for androgenetic alopecia have a reversal of hair count within 12 months.[1]
FDA-approved finasteride is taken orally as a tablet.[1] There is no FDA-approved topical formulation of finasteride, and FDA has stated that absorption of finasteride through the skin into the bloodstream is expected with compounded topical products.[2] FDA has received reports of serious adverse events with compounded topical finasteride, most of which continued after the product was stopped, and advises providers to educate patients on these risks, including risks from handling by and transfer to female individuals.[2]
When considering finasteride for treatment, it is crucial for prescribers to evaluate patient-specific factors, such as existing medical conditions and concurrent medications. Patient education on potential side effects, such as sexual dysfunction (including loss of libido and erectile dysfunction) or mood changes, is an essential part of finasteride therapy.[1][2] Bayview Pharmacy compounds finasteride preparations on a prescriber's order.
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
