How long should we take finasteride tablet?

Question: I have hair loss caused by genetics, so I went to the doctor for taking medicine named finasteride tablet. I have taken finasteride (1 mg) tablet for three months. I don’t know how long should I take this drug?  The doctor did not tell me anything and I do not dare ask him.

Answer:  Finasteride (1 mg) tablet is used for treatment of hair loss in men caused by genetics, the drug should be used for at least 3 consecutive months. After that it will start to see effective in stimulating hair growth and prevent the loss of pre-existing hair.

There is evidence supported that taking finasteride for 12 months continuously, can increase the amount of hair undoubtedly.

The duration of treatment depends on the consideration of the doctor according to the result of treatment.

There have been reports on medication use: Using finasteride 1 mg for a period of 5 years, also see the effective of treatment without severe side effect.

References:

1. Merck & Co., Inc. Propecia® (Finasteride) Tablets, 1 mg. Available form: www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788Orig1s022lbl.pdf - 110k - 2011-06-17.

2. Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, Reygagne P, Del Marmol V, Spuls PI, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2011; 9 (suppl 6): S1-57.

3. Olsen EA, Messenger AG, Shapiro J, Bergfeld WF, Hordinsky MK, Roberts JL, et al. Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005; 52: 301-11.

4. The Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. Long term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Eur J Dermatol 2002; 12: 38-49.