Generic Fincar (Finasteride)

Introduction

Fincar is a tablet that contains the active ingredient finasteride, supplied in a 5 mg dose. Finasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid that selectively inhibits the enzyme 5-α-reductase type II. The medication is classified as a hormonal modulator and is marketed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While the 5 mg formulation is approved for BPH, finasteride is also known for its use in androgen-dependent conditions such as male pattern hair loss, which is an off-label application of the 5 mg tablet.

What is Fincar?

Fincar is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound finasteride. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option. Finasteride was first introduced in the early s and is marketed under brand names such as Proscar (5 mg for BPH) and Propecia (1 mg for male pattern hair loss). The drug is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies; the specific manufacturer of the Fincar tablets offered through our pharmacy adheres to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and holds relevant regulatory approvals.

How Fincar Works

Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting the type II isoenzyme of 5-α-reductase. DHT is the principal androgen that drives prostatic growth and hair follicle miniaturisation. Reducing circulating DHT levels lowers the stimulus for prostatic cell proliferation, which translates into decreased prostate volume and relief of lower urinary tract symptoms. After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are reached within 2-6 hours, and the drug’s half-life is approximately 5-6 days, allowing steady-state levels after about three weeks of daily dosing. Finasteride is metabolised primarily in the liver and eliminated via the feces.

Conditions Treated with Fincar

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Finasteride 5 mg is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for symptomatic BPH in adult men. By lowering DHT, the drug reduces prostate size, improves urinary flow, and decreases the risk of acute urinary retention. Clinical trials have demonstrated a mean reduction of prostate volume by 20 % after one year of therapy, with concomitant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Fincar

• Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) - Although the 1 mg dose (Propecia) is approved for this indication, clinicians sometimes prescribe the 5 mg tablet off-label for hair loss. Studies show that finasteride reduces scalp DHT by >60 % and can promote hair regrowth in men with moderate to severe thinning.
• Hirsutism in Women - Small open-label studies have indicated that finasteride may diminish excessive facial hair in women with elevated DHT levels. Formal regulatory approval is lacking, and use must be supervised by an endocrinologist.
• Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer - Randomised trials (e.g., the PCPT) observed a modest reduction in low-grade prostate cancer incidence among men receiving finasteride 5 mg. However, concerns about a possible increase in high-grade disease have prevented formal approval for cancer prevention.

All off-label applications are not approved by regulatory agencies. Patients should discuss any such use with a qualified healthcare provider, and treatment should be initiated only under direct medical supervision.

Is Fincar the Right Medication for You?

Finasteride 5 mg is appropriate for adult males diagnosed with symptomatic BPH who have an enlarged prostate confirmed by digital rectal examination or imaging. It is especially useful in patients who prefer medical therapy over surgical intervention.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any excipients.
• Women who are or may become pregnant (finasteride is teratogenic to a male fetus).
• Children (the drug is not indicated for pediatric use).

Patients with severe liver impairment may require dose adjustment or alternative therapy, as finasteride metabolism is hepatic.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced ejaculate volume
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

These effects are usually reversible after discontinuation.

Rare

• Gynecomastia (persistent breast enlargement)
• Testicular pain
• Mood changes (depression, anxiety)

Serious

• Allergic reactions (rash, urticaria, angioedema)
• Severe hepatic dysfunction (elevated transaminases)

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) may increase finasteride plasma concentrations.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine) can lower exposure, potentially reducing efficacy.
• Concomitant use of testosterone replacement therapy may counteract finasteride’s anti-androgenic effect.

Drug-Food Interactions

Finasteride can be taken with or without food; high-fat meals do not significantly affect absorption. Alcohol does not interact pharmacologically, but excessive consumption may exacerbate sexual side effects.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing: One 5 mg tablet orally once daily, preferably at the same time each day.
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless less than 12 hours have passed since the scheduled time. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
• Overdose: Acute overdose of finasteride is unlikely to be life- threatening. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or dizziness should be reported. Contact a poison-control centre or seek medical attention promptly.

Practical precautions: Finasteride does not impair alertness, so operating machinery or driving is generally safe. However, patients experiencing sexual dysfunction or mood changes should assess fitness for such activities. No specific alcohol restriction is required, but moderation is advisable.

FAQ

• What is the shelf-life of a finasteride tablet?

  • Finasteride tablets typically remain stable for 24 months when stored in their original blister pack at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C. Exposure to moisture or extreme heat can shorten the shelf-life.

• Can I travel internationally with Fincar tablets?

  • Yes. Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription (if required) and a letter from a healthcare provider. Some countries may request documentation at customs; a brief statement of medical necessity is usually sufficient.

• Does food affect the absorption of finasteride?

  • Finasteride is well absorbed regardless of meals. Taking the tablet with a light snack may reduce gastrointestinal discomfort for some individuals, but no significant pharmacokinetic change occurs.

• What inactive ingredients are present in the 5 mg tablet?

  • Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. Patients with lactose intolerance should be aware of the small amount of lactose present.

• Are there regional formulation differences for finasteride?

  • Some manufacturers use film-coated tablets, while others provide uncoated tablets. The active dose remains 5 mg, but the tablet’s appearance (color, shape) may vary by country of origin.

• Will finasteride show up on a drug test?

  • Finasteride is not typically screened for in standard workplace urine drug tests. However, specialized anti-doping laboratories can detect the compound if specifically requested.

• Is finasteride safe for men with a history of prostate cancer?

  • Clinical data are mixed. While finasteride reduces the incidence of low-grade prostate cancer, some studies suggest a possible increase in high-grade disease. Men with a prior diagnosis should discuss risks and benefits with an oncologist before initiating therapy.

• Can finasteride be used in combination with alpha-blockers?

  • Yes. Combination therapy is common for BPH, as alpha-blockers provide rapid symptom relief while finasteride reduces prostate size over months. Monitoring for additive blood pressure effects is recommended.

• What is the effect of finasteride on PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels?

  • Finasteride lowers serum PSA by approximately 50 % after six months of therapy. Clinicians must adjust PSA interpretation accordingly when monitoring for prostate cancer.

• How should I store finasteride tablets in a humid climate?

  • Keep the blister pack sealed and store the medication in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using an airtight container can provide additional protection against moisture in very humid environments.

Glossary

5-α-Reductase

An enzyme that converts testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Inhibiting this enzyme reduces DHT-driven tissue growth.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary obstruction, frequency, and urgency in men.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

The androgen responsible for prostate growth and hair follicle miniaturisation. Levels are reduced by finasteride therapy.

Half-Life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %. Finasteride’s half-life is about 5-6 days, supporting once-daily dosing.

Buying Fincar from Our Online pharmacy

Fincar can be obtained directly from our online pharmacy, a dedicated pharmacy-broker service that collaborates with accredited overseas suppliers.

• Affordable pricing - Because we source the generic compound near manufacturer cost, the final price is typically lower than branded alternatives.
• Verified quality - All tablets are sourced from GMP-certified facilities and undergo third-party testing to confirm potency and purity.
• Discreet, reliable delivery - Orders are packaged in unmarked envelopes and shipped through secure carriers, with express options delivering within 7 days for many regions and regular airmail arriving in approximately three weeks.
• Privacy-focused service - Our platform respects patient confidentiality; no personal health details are displayed on packaging, and communications are encrypted.

For patients who encounter limited access through local pharmacies or insurance formularies, our service offers a practical, cost-effective pathway to obtain the medication they need.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Fincar is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions, including those concerning off-label applications, must be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers are assumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy provides access to Fincar for individuals who may experience limited availability through conventional pharmacies or insurance programs and who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your clinician before initiating, altering, or discontinuing any medication.