It’s almost impossible to discuss modern treatments for hair loss and prostate issues without mentioning finasteride. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, scientists found themselves intrigued by the role of hormones in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. Dr. Julianne Imperato-McGinley and her team encountered a community in the Dominican Republic, where a genetic deficiency caused some men to lack a key enzyme—5-alpha-reductase. These men rarely had enlarged prostates or developed male-pattern baldness, a finding that sparked global curiosity. Researchers at Merck latched onto this idea and developed a synthetic drug that blocks this enzyme, setting the stage for FDA approval in 1992 for BPH and later for androgenetic alopecia. This blend of curiosity, field research, and pharmaceutical innovation shaped the path toward today’s finasteride products.
Pharmacies today stock finasteride mostly in tablet form, with 1 mg pills for hair loss and 5 mg pills for prostate treatment. Some compounding pharmacies offer the drug in topical forms, used off-label for scalp application. While many know the brand names Propecia and Proscar, generic versions line the shelves across the globe. Each pill contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient paired with stabilizers and fillers, a routine practice for ensuring stability and absorption. Regulatory standards control tablet weight, and uniformity checks keep dosing as reliable as possible. As a prescription-only medication, finasteride isn’t available for casual pick-up; a physician’s approval remains central due to its risks and benefits.
Finasteride presents as a white crystalline powder, with poor solubility in water and better solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform. Its chemical formula, C23H36N2O2, shows a complex steroid backbone, typical of drugs that modulate hormonal pathways. The compound exhibits a melting point near 250°C, which helps during the production and quality control stages. Stability and shelf life rely on the delicate balance struck between heat, humidity, and light exposure, making blister packaging a common choice to guard against degradation. The drug’s molecular weight clocks in at 372.55 g/mol, and the structure contains two nitrogen atoms, essential for its ability to bind to the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.
Regulations on finasteride labeling cover a broad spectrum, touching on everything from contraindications in women and children, to storage conditions aimed at preserving the active ingredient’s integrity. Each batch undergoes strict identity verification by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and microbial contamination checks follow standard pharmacopoeial protocols. For customer safety, leaflets provide in-depth instructions, flagging potential adverse effects such as decreased libido and depression, and detailing precautions for patients with hepatic issues. Child-resistant packaging is mandatory, and pharmacies enforce tracking, given the targeted application and risk profile. Barcode systems link back to batch certificates and production records, ensuring traceability from factory to consumer.
Industrial manufacturing of finasteride starts with commercially available steroid precursors, such as pregnenolone or testosterone derivatives. Synthesis relies on several staged reactions: oxidation, reduction, esterification, and introduction of an amide side chain. Each step involves close control of temperature, pH, and reagent purity. Continuous flow reactors streamline the process, increasing yield and minimizing exposure. Purification steps use recrystallization or chromatography, and vacuum drying removes solvent residues. Quality control teams analyze purity and potency at every junction, using spectral and chromatographic techniques. The final crystalline product undergoes micronization before being pressed into tablets, blending seamlessly with excipients for even distribution in each pill.
Chemists love to tinker with finasteride’s core to explore better efficacy or new uses. One common route involves altering the steroid backbone at key positions, affecting both enzyme selectivity and bioavailability. Some researchers explore halogenation or oxidation steps at specific carbons on the A or D rings, evaluating impacts on metabolic pathways. The 17β-N-(tert-butylcarbamoyl) group is crucial for finasteride’s binding, so few modifications touch this area outside of exploring analogs for research. Intermediate steps regularly employ protecting groups to shield reactive centers, which are then removed during the final synthetic stages. Each modification passes through rigorous biological assays, seeking activity against various 5-alpha-reductase isoforms and teasing out safety profiles for potential next-generation drugs.
The market recognizes finasteride by several names. Propecia dominates the branding for hair loss, while Proscar circles medical charts for prostate issues. Chemical catalogs refer to it as N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androst-1-ene-17β-carboxamide, and some publications abbreviate it simply as MK-906 or SCH-530348. In the generic market, dozens of local brands offer their own presentations, but the core ingredient remains unchanged. Pharmacies and doctors often use “finasteride” outright in medical records to avoid confusion, given the frequency of brand-to-generic switches during prescription renewals.
Finasteride’s prescription status doesn’t just rely on its power; it comes from real concern about side effects and inappropriate use. Regulatory bodies require manufacturers to maintain clean-room conditions during production, and all handlers use protective equipment to avoid accidental exposure. Pregnant women face strict warnings—exposure to crushed or broken tablets can pose risks to fetal development due to the drug’s anti-androgenic action. Pharmacovigilance systems track reported side effects, prompting regular label updates and benefit-risk reassessments. Disposal instructions recommend returning unused pills to pharmacies rather than flushing, a precaution to keep pharmaceuticals from contaminating waterways. Compliance audits by drug safety authorities make sure these protocols don’t slip.
Finasteride sits at a crossroads of two common medical frustrations: urinary problems in older men and hair loss across ages. Doctors prescribe it for benign prostatic hyperplasia to shrink the prostate, easing symptoms like frequent urination or trouble starting flow. Dermatologists increasingly recommend it for androgenetic alopecia, tapping its hormone-blocking effect to slow receding hairlines. This crossover makes the compound a fixture in both urology and dermatology clinics. Off-label, finasteride sometimes finds its way into protocols for women with certain kinds of hair loss, though only after strict screening and counseling due to the potential for birth defects. Insurance coverage and patient demand keep sales steady, marking it as a mainstay in long-term treatment regimens.
Laboratories keep pushing the envelope with finasteride, looking beyond its main uses. Researchers hunt for improved delivery systems, such as nanoparticles or microneedle patches, that could target the scalp more efficiently with fewer systemic effects. Some projects explore combination therapies with other agents like minoxidil or dutasteride, checking for improved results or reduced side effects. Investigations into genetic markers help identify which patients respond best, aiming to personalize treatments and avoid wasted effort on non-responders. Scientists also keep tabs on the psychological side effects reported in some users, probing mechanisms to figure out how blocking DHT influences mood and sexual function. Every year, review papers dig into real-world evidence, guiding updates for doctors and patients alike.
Toxicity studies by manufacturers and independent bodies shape every aspect of finasteride’s labeling. Animal experiments long ago established doses high above human prescriptions produce developmental defects in male offspring—hence the strict pregnancy warnings. Chronic toxicity research spots subtle changes in liver enzyme activity and reproductive organ function with sustained high dosing. Post-marketing surveillance, which gathers data from prescriptions worldwide, monitors signals related to depression, suicide ideation, or sexual dysfunction. Regulatory agencies require detailed reporting of suspect cases and press for real-world studies to untangle cause and effect. The most careful analysis always centers on the classic risk-benefit calculation, targeting safe and practical use for each patient group.
The story of finasteride isn’t finished yet. As patent barriers fall, new manufacturers enter the market, dropping prices and boosting accessibility. Researchers probe alternative indications, like treating hirsutism or exploring prevention strategies for select prostate cancers. Biotech startups develop next-generation inhibitors, designed to fine-tune hormonal effects and sidestep side effects. Personalized medicine promises more targeted use, with genetic predictors poised to guide patient selection. Digital health tools offer reminders and side-effect tracking, seeking to keep patients engaged with long-term therapies. With each new paper and product launch, the field draws closer to tailoring hair and prostate treatments to the individual, making the most of what started as a spark of curiosity about an enzyme in a rural village decades back.
Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines meant to handle issues tied to male hormones. Its two main uses: slowing hair loss in men and treating prostate problems. Doctors have turned to this medication since the nineties, mostly because it works by lowering a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This change can make a real difference for many men facing frustrating health changes.
Most people hear about this drug in the context of male pattern baldness. Men start to notice hair thinning at the front or the top of their head, and that hits self-confidence hard. Finasteride comes into play by blocking excess DHT. Less of this hormone means hair follicles get a chance to grow thicker hair again, leading to less scalp showing through. Studies suggest about two out of three men see some improvement after taking finasteride daily over several months. This effect can feel like a lifeline to those who feel helpless as their hair thins out year after year.
The second major use deals with prostate health, mostly for men over 50. Benign prostatic hyperplasia makes urinating difficult, causes frequent urges, or even disrupts sleep. The culprit is an enlarged prostate, driven by DHT piling up in the gland. Finasteride helps shrink the prostate back down, making bathroom visits less of a hassle for many older men. Many doctors see real improvements in flow and fewer nighttime trips after men take this medicine consistently.
Both problems — hair loss and BPH — may seem like separate issues, but both link back to the effects of male hormones building up over time. Men often feel embarrassed to talk about these changes, yet treatment can have a positive ripple effect. Keeping a full head of hair or just sleeping through the night can boost both physical and mental well-being. As a result, more men ask their doctors outright about this option. Open conversations help people take control of their choices, instead of hiding quietly with growing anxiety.
No drug comes without drawbacks. Some users experience lower libido, trouble with erections, or even mood swings. These side effects raise real concerns, and any doctor worth their salt will warn patients before starting finasteride. The risks make it important to have honest discussions about family plans, too, since the medicine can affect sperm. Family doctors and specialists guide men through monitoring and weighing pros alongside possible downsides.
Hair loss and prostate growth cause so much stress that people sometimes turn to risky internet treatments. Licensed doctors, on the other hand, follow evidence and stay alert for new research. Ongoing studies look at better versions, lower doses, or combination therapies that promise lasting results with fewer downsides. By staying tuned to these developments, people can make smarter choices for their health — and avoid snake oil trapdoors. For anyone worried about hair or prostate symptoms, the best place to start is still a straightforward talk with a medical professional.
Men often turn to finasteride with hope. It’s been prescribed for hair loss or to manage prostate issues. The main promise is straightforward—keep what’s up top, or support a healthy prostate. A daily pill can seem simple, but real experience shows a more complicated picture.
Sexual side effects draw the most attention. Reduced libido, less satisfying performance, or even trouble with erections show up in conversations and medical reports. The Journal of Sexual Medicine shared data showing that up to 20% of users noticed a dip in sexual desire. In some groups, these issues stuck around, even after putting the bottle away for good. Some call it post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), a topic still under debate in the scientific community.
Less talked about—though just as real—are shifts in mood. Depression and anxiety sometimes seem to tag along. It’s not just in the anecdotal reports, either; researchers at Northwestern University found a link between finasteride and increased risk of depressive symptoms in certain people. For someone struggling with mental health already, these side effects hit hard. No one wants to trade thicker hair for heavy thoughts or clouds hanging over their head.
My own friends have mentioned brain fog, days where focus slips, or trouble getting excited about things. Busy lives do that on their own—mixing in unexpected mental side effects only makes everything feel heavier.
Breast tenderness, growth, or pain sometimes show up. The medical term is gynecomastia, which can leave men feeling embarrassed or self-conscious. Rashes, swelling of the lips or face, and testicular pain round out less common but alarming changes. These symptoms demand attention from a doctor instead of waiting things out.
For men over 50, one unnoticed risk stands out. Finasteride lowers PSA (prostate-specific antigen) readings on blood tests, which doctors use to watch for early signs of prostate cancer. That number seems reassuring, but finasteride hides true levels, possibly delaying a diagnosis.
Benefits show up in the numbers—most men using finasteride report less hair on the pillow and better urinary flow. But those wins don’t mean side effects get brushed aside. Loss of interest in sex, mood swings, or worrying lumps derail confidence quickly.
Clear communication builds trust in medicine. Doctors and pharmacists deserve to bring up the real issues, not just the ones buried in small print. Honest stories help. Hearing a friend talk about energy slumps, or reading community forums, paints a more complete picture. The science supports these lived stories, and it’s helped lead clinics to caution some users while encouraging open reporting.
Looking for solutions often means keeping channels open. Talking with a doctor about symptoms feels awkward, but waiting usually makes problems worse. Those who see side effects sometimes do better with a lower dose or a switch to another treatment. Nutrition, stress management, or topical hair loss options build up a plan instead of relying on a single fix.
No drug fits everyone. Real stories, rigorous science, and honest medical advice empower people to make decisions based on the facts, not just promises. Finasteride brings hope for many facing hair loss or prostate challenges—but the conversation about its side effects must stay front and center.
Starting finasteride for hair loss often feels like a leap of faith. The promise of slowing or even reversing hair loss attracts plenty, but most folks find the waiting game tough. I remember the frustration of checking the mirror week after week, searching for even the tiniest new growth. Dermatologists regularly tell people to give the drug time, and there’s a good reason for that. Hair grows in cycles, and finasteride works by altering hormones that affect those cycles, so expecting quick changes just leads to disappointment.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main culprit behind pattern hair loss. The drop in DHT doesn’t cause instant regrowth. It’s more like stopping the drain in a leaky bucket—you keep what you have, and then the body has a chance to rebuild. Clinical research and patient stories line up: noticeable results show up for most around three to six months. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology confirmed that over 80% saw reduced shedding after half a year, but only about half reported new hair by then. Stepping into your doctor’s office at three months hoping for a miracle usually brings disappointment. Seeing less hair on your pillow or in the shower can be the first hopeful sign, long before bald patches start to fill in.
Not everyone reacts the same. Age plays a big part; men under 40 often see changes quicker, perhaps because they catch the process earlier. If your hair loss has been going on for decades, regrowth comes much slower. Genetics, overall health, and whether you use additional treatments like minoxidil matter. I have friends who stacked both and swore by results after only four months, while others saw nothing new until a year had passed. Stress, diet, and even how consistently you take the pill all factor in. Skipping doses or halting use sets progress back and can undo months of steady gains.
Doctors and dermatologists stress the importance of not quitting early. Too many stop at three months, disappointed, and lose ground before finasteride even has a chance to work. In my experience, staying on track and managing expectations matter almost as much as the medicine itself. Documenting changes with monthly photos, under the same lighting and angle, helped me see real progress nobody else noticed at first. Comparing these directly, instead of vague memories, kept me hopeful and consistent.
Before starting finasteride, it makes sense to talk openly with a dermatologist. Not every brand of hair loss comes from DHT, and misdiagnosing yourself leads to wasted time. Honest conversations about side effects, what to look for, and practical tips for sticking with the routine pay off more than any marketing claim. Trusted sources like the Mayo Clinic or certified dermatologists can help separate myths from real results. If new hair hasn’t sprouted after a year, checking in with your provider is smart. Sometimes lifestyle tweaks, added treatments, or switching medications is needed.
For those feeling stuck after several months, getting bloodwork done can clarify what's happening. Hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and unmanaged stress can sabotage the process. Sometimes layering in other treatments like microneedling or prescription shampoos makes a difference. Most important: keep realistic goals and celebrate small wins, such as less shedding or thickened existing hair. Those steps count toward the bigger goal, even if full regrowth takes longer than you’d like.
Watching clumps of hair clog the shower drain stirs up worry for a lot of people, myself included. Hair loss chips away at confidence in a way that feels uncomfortably visible. Conversations about solutions usually end up circling back to drugs like finasteride. Its popularity probably isn’t just hype—over two decades of use and stacks of personal stories back it up. But it’s worth kicking the tires before going for a prescription.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha-reductase, which keeps testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles and sends hair into a permanent vacation. By blocking DHT, finasteride slows down this process for people dealing with male pattern baldness. The FDA gave finasteride the green light in the late 1990s, and it’s been used worldwide ever since.
Clinical trials look solid: two-thirds of men see visible improvements or at least less hair loss after using finasteride for a year. I’ve seen close friends regain not just hair, but a measure of self-assurance after sticking to the pill every day. Photos don’t lie—temples and crowns can fill back in with fuzz, sometimes even real thickness, often much more than the empty promises from shampoos or “magic” oils.
Researchers found that most men using finasteride slowed or even stopped their hair loss after six months to a year. Real, consistent use matters here. The numbers from studies—published in journals like the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology—show over 80% of men keeping the hair they had at the start of treatment. Some even see sprouting in once-barren territory. As the American Hair Loss Association puts it, finasteride stands as one of the few options that genuinely works.
The drug doesn’t tackle every form of balding, though. If hair loss comes from stress, medical treatments, or autoimmune conditions, finasteride doesn’t help. Its benefits turn up clearest in men starting treatment early—waiting until most follicles have died off usually means little regrowth.
Just swallowing the pill doesn’t always go smooth. Sexual side effects show up for some—reduced libido, difficulty with erections, or less semen. Reports put the risk at about 2-4% based on studies, but some people say the effects last even after stopping the drug, a condition with the controversial label “post-finasteride syndrome.” Not everyone agrees about the extent of these risks, so talking it through with a trusted doctor matters.
If you’re looking at finasteride as a solution, getting bloodwork and a checkup first makes sense. Trust counts, and involving a dermatologist or GP who cares about more than making a sale helps. Pairing the drug with other steps—like gentle styling, scalp care, and eating well—often leads to better results. Regular follow-ups help spot side effects early.
Hair loss brings up real feelings for a lot of people. Tools like finasteride can offer hope backed by research, but honest conversations about risks and realistic goals should come first. For many, reclaiming hair means reclaiming a bit of self-worth, and nothing beats the feeling of running your hands through hair you thought was gone for good.
Finasteride gained attention across clinics and pharmacies as a popular treatment for male pattern baldness and enlarged prostates. People find it in prescriptions and over-the-counter bottles, hoping to slow down or even reverse hair loss. Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a big role in scalp hair thinning for men. Doctors hand this medication to men all the time, but questions often land about its use among women.
Plenty of women struggle with hair shedding and thinning. Sometimes, the answer hides behind genetics, hormonal changes, or medical conditions. Men rely on science-backed options like finasteride, but for women, the story has fewer straightforward chapters. Most studies examining this drug focus on male bodies. Women often get less research, especially around new therapies, and it shows here.
Finasteride’s approval by the FDA only stretches to men. Some dermatologists and hair loss clinics experiment with it for postmenopausal women, arguing that lower estrogen makes hair loss more testosterone-driven after menopause. One small study out of Spain even hinted that women with certain types of hair loss saw improvement using 2.5 mg to 5 mg of finasteride daily. Still, the data remains patchy, and strong evidence never really appeared in large clinical trials.
For women of childbearing potential, finasteride brings real risks. The drug can cause birth defects, especially in developing male babies if taken during pregnancy. Even touching crushed pills or breathing in powder can be dangerous for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The FDA demands pharmaceutical packaging to carry stark warnings, flagging the possible dangers.
Doctors usually shy away from prescribing this medication to premenopausal women. People think of medicine as a path to healing, but in some cases, it introduces serious dangers. My own clinical rotation in a dermatology clinic brought a vivid lesson: a woman asked about taking her husband’s prescription finasteride for her own hair loss, and the doctor explained in detail about birth defect risks and the lack of long-term safety data for women. The caution seemed real, and it stuck with me.
Women experiencing hair loss deserve real answers and more research. Scientists have started looking at lower doses and even topical forms of medications like finasteride, hoping to reduce side effects. Doctors sometimes try other options with better evidence for safety in women, like minoxidil, or they work with hormone balancing therapies. What seems clear is that no single approach works for everyone, and what helps men can sometimes harm women.
Health decisions should involve regular conversations with doctors, especially for women thinking about treatments that mostly target men. People need details tailored to their unique histories and risks. Asking questions, pushing for research, and demanding real evidence push medicine forward. Support, clear facts, and doctor-patient trust will always matter more than quick fixes or guesswork.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-tert-butyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androst-1-ene-17β-carboxamide |
| Other names |
Propecia
Proscar Finpecia Fincar Finalo |
| Pronunciation | /fɪˈnæs.tə.raɪd/ |
| Preferred IUPAC name | N-({1S,2S,4S,5S}-3-oxo-4-azaandrost-1-en-17β-yl)-2-methylpropanamide |
| Other names |
Propecia
Proscar Finara Finax Finalo Fincar Finpecia |
| Pronunciation | /fɪˈnæs.təˌraɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 98319-26-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 2251864 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:37558 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1871 |
| ChemSpider | 54644 |
| DrugBank | DB01216 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b14dd2-191d-4187-9458-54e4701f8fe7 |
| EC Number | 3.1.1.31 |
| Gmelin Reference | 613162 |
| KEGG | D04139 |
| MeSH | D004247 |
| PubChem CID | 57363 |
| RTECS number | RG2100000 |
| UNII | '57GNO47CAV' |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CAS Number | 98319-26-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1718731 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:37983 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1877 |
| ChemSpider | 54648 |
| DrugBank | DB01216 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.109.144 |
| EC Number | 1.3.1.22 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1309995 |
| KEGG | D07917 |
| MeSH | D015373 |
| PubChem CID | 57363 |
| RTECS number | RG5900000 |
| UNII | PB93Y7JI75 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID7020356 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C23H36N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 372.55 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | 0.02 mg/mL |
| log P | 2.75 |
| Vapor pressure | 4.8 x 10^-10 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.32 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb = 14.97 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -75.9·10^−6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.164 |
| Dipole moment | 2.99 D |
| Chemical formula | C23H36N2O2 |
| Molar mass | 372.55 g/mol |
| Appearance | White or off-white, oval, film-coated tablet |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.1 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Very slightly soluble in water |
| log P | 2.26 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.58E-10 mmHg |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.34 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 15.77 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -73.5·10^-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.254 |
| Dipole moment | 8.52 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 385.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -186.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8027 kJ/mol |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 312.7 J∙mol⁻¹∙K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -274.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -8378 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | G04CB01 |
| ATC code | G04CB01 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause birth defects if handled by pregnant women, potential risk of sexual dysfunction, possible allergic reactions, may increase risk of high-grade prostate cancer. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | eye irritation, skin irritation, hazardous to environment |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H361fd: Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. For use by adults only. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Use only as directed by your healthcare provider. |
| Flash point | > 233.8 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 410°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): 150 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Finasteride: 836 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | WT2625000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 1 mg daily |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not Established |
| Main hazards | May cause birth defects, sexual dysfunction, depression, breast tenderness or enlargement, and risk of high-grade prostate cancer. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling for Finasteride: `"Warning; H361, P201, P308+P313, P405, P501"` |
| Pictograms | 'eye irritation', 'pregnancy warning', 'keep out of reach of children', 'oral use', 'do not crush or chew', 'prescription only' |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H360FD: May damage fertility. May damage the unborn child. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets. |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 2, Flammability: 1, Instability: 0, Special: |
| Flash point | > 257.2 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 410 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): 636 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of Finasteride: **>4000 mg/kg (rat, oral)** |
| NIOSH | VX8200000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | Male pattern hair loss |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not Established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dutasteride
Epristeride Azasteroid 4-azasteroid Testosterone Androstanolone Bicalutamide |
| Related compounds |
Dutasteride
Epristeride Azasteroids |
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