Finasteride 5mg is a prescription medicine.
Two conditions in adult men are addressed by this medicine:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- Male pattern hair loss
DHT levels throughout the body are significantly lowered when the 5-alpha reductase enzyme is blocked by this medicine. Lower DHT levels slow both follicle shrinkage and prostate enlargement.
If you have been prescribed Finasteride, you may come across the brand name Fincar 5. It is one of several brands containing Finasteride, alongside the better-known UK reference brand Proscar.
Many men in the UK live with an enlarged prostate or gradual hair loss. Both conditions are common, and both can significantly affect daily wellbeing and confidence.
Each Fincar 5 tablet is formulated with 5mg of Finasteride as its active constituent. Classified within the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor group, this medicine acts on a specific hormonal enzyme pathway. This guide is written to help UK patients understand how Fincar 5 works, what it treats, and how to use it safely.
Understanding the Two Conditions Fincar 5 Treats
Fincar 5 is prescribed for two distinct medical conditions in adult men. Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss, clinically known as androgenetic alopecia, are treated by this medicine.
A shared hormonal mechanism connects both conditions, meaning that one treatment can address either presentation. Because both conditions share the same hormonal root, Finasteride’s effectiveness across both is better understood when each is examined individually.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
A slow, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can progressively interfere with normal urinary function, defines BPH as a condition. Positioned just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate is a small gland approximately the size of a walnut. Urinary difficulties can arise when an enlarging prostate begins to exert pressure on the surrounding urethra.
Common symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak urine stream
- Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night
A man’s day-to-day quality of life can be considerably disrupted by these urinary symptoms. Without appropriate treatment, the progression of BPH is likely to continue and intensify.
Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Among the various forms of hair loss affecting men, male pattern hair loss is the most frequently occurring. A genetically inherited sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone produced from testosterone, is responsible for this type of hair loss. Scalp hair follicles are progressively reduced in size by DHT, resulting in increasingly thin, short hairs until regrowth ceases entirely.
The temples or the crown of the scalp are most commonly where hair loss first becomes visible. Hair loss associated with this condition progresses slowly. Because hair loss progresses at a slow and variable pace, the true extent of the condition may not become visible until months or years have passed. Because the visible effects can cause significant distress, a great number of men pursue medical treatment aimed at slowing or reversing hair loss.
How Fincar 5 Addresses These Conditions
An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase is inhibited by Fincar 5. This action disrupts the hormonal chain that drives both conditions. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced when 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone. Fincar 5 interrupts this conversion process.
DHT is the key hormone responsible for both prostate enlargement and follicle shrinkage in the scalp. By blocking 5-alpha reductase, Finasteride significantly reduces DHT levels throughout the body.
Treating BPH With Finasteride 5mg
In BPH, high DHT levels stimulate prostate tissue to grow excessively. Reducing DHT with Finasteride 5mg allows the prostate gland to gradually shrink. As the prostate reduces, pressure on the urethra decreases, and urinary symptoms begin to improve.
Because hair regrowth and prostate symptom relief are gradual processes, patients should not expect immediate results. Most men with BPH need to take Fincar 5 for at least six months before noticing meaningful symptom relief. Early discontinuation of treatment should be avoided unless your doctor has been consulted first.
Treating Male Pattern Hair Loss With Finasteride
In androgenetic alopecia, DHT causes hair follicles on the scalp to miniaturise and eventually stop producing visible hair. Lower doses of Finasteride (1mg) are typically used for hair loss. However, 5mg tablets are sometimes prescribed at a clinician’s discretion.
By reducing scalp DHT levels, Finasteride slows further hair loss and may help some men experience regrowth over time. Because hair growth occurs slowly at a biological level, consistent treatment for at least three months is typically required before improvement becomes noticeable.
What Clinical Evidence Shows
Clinical studies support the use of Finasteride for both BPH and male pattern hair loss. In BPH trials reviewed by the MHRA, Finasteride significantly reduced prostate volume and improved urinary flow scores compared to placebo.
In the majority of men with androgenetic alopecia, the rate of hair loss progression has been shown by studies to be slowed by Finasteride. Some participants also experienced visible hair regrowth, particularly at the scalp crown.
The evidence base supports long-term use under medical supervision. Treatment must be continued to maintain benefits. Where treatment with Fincar 5 is discontinued, a return of symptoms can generally be expected within 12 months.
Patient Suitability and Alternatives
Fincar 5 is prescribed for adult men only. This medicine is indicated only for adult men and must not be used by women or children. Because of the risk of skin absorption, any contact with crushed or broken tablets must be strictly avoided by women who are pregnant or of childbearing potential.
Because Finasteride is capable of being absorbed through the skin, even brief contact carries a risk. Absorption during pregnancy carries a risk of harm to a male foetus. Whole, intact tablets are coated to prevent this, but broken tablets pose a direct risk.
A thorough clinical assessment is carried out by your doctor before Fincar 5 is prescribed. Your medical history will be reviewed alongside a full assessment of any other medicines currently being taken. Because liver function affects how this medicine is processed, caution is required in men with liver problems. Your doctor may request liver function monitoring during treatment.
Alternative medicines doctors may consider include:
- Dutasteride — may be considered in BPH management. Unlike Finasteride, which targets only one form, Dutasteride is distinguished by its ability to inhibit both type 1 and type 2 of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme
- Alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin) — often used alongside Finasteride for BPH to relax prostate muscles and improve urinary flow
- Minoxidil — a topical treatment for male pattern hair loss that works through a different mechanism; available over the counter from GPhC-registered pharmacies in the UK and sometimes used alongside Finasteride
See available treatment options for BPH and male pattern hair loss by speaking to your GP or a registered UK pharmacist.
Side Effects in the Context of Treatment
Like any medicine, Fincar 5 has the potential to produce side effects in some individuals. Side effects are not encountered by every patient, and those that do occur frequently resolve as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine.
| COMMON SIDE EFFECTS | LESS COMMON BUT SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS |
|---|---|
| Decreased sexual desire (reduced libido) | Depression, low mood, or anxiety |
| Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection | Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm |
| Abnormal ejaculation, including reduced volume | Testicular pain |
| Dizziness | Difficulty breathing or severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat) |
| Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia) |
Important note on mood changes:
Mood changes, including depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts, have been reported by some men using Finasteride. Any shift in mental state must be taken seriously and reported to your doctor without delay. Any change in mood or behaviour that is noticed should be reported to your doctor without delay. Because mood changes can escalate rapidly, contacting your doctor without delay is essential rather than waiting for a scheduled visit.
Even following the discontinuation of Finasteride, certain sexual side effects may continue to be experienced by some men. The persistence of these effects beyond treatment is a recognised phenomenon, sometimes referred to clinically as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS). Before beginning treatment, any questions or concerns should be raised with your GP or a sexual health specialist.
When to Speak to a Doctor
Contact your GP promptly if you experience any of the following while taking Fincar 5:
- A lump or pain in the breast area, or any nipple discharge
- Significant mood changes, low mood, or thoughts of self-harm
- Sexual side effects that persist or worsen
- Difficulty breathing, skin rash, or signs of allergic reaction
- Where BPH symptoms remain unchanged after six months of treatment, this should be reported to your GP promptly
- Where hair loss shows no signs of improvement after three to six months of treatment, your GP should be informed promptly
Abrupt discontinuation of Fincar 5 must be avoided. Your doctor should always be consulted before stopping treatment. Stopping without medical guidance may lead to BPH symptoms or hair loss returning, typically within 12 months of discontinuation.
A missed dose must be taken as soon as it is remembered, provided it is within the appropriate time window. Where more than 12 hours have passed, that dose must be omitted and the usual routine continued. Doubling up on doses to account for one that has been missed is unsafe and must never be done.
Important Safety Advice
Drug interactions
Fincar 5 can interact with certain medicines. Known interactions include itraconazole (an antifungal), nelfinavir (an antiviral), tacrolimus (an immunosuppressant), and diltiazem (a calcium channel blocker used to treat heart conditions). A full and up-to-date list of all medicines currently being taken must be shared with your doctor and pharmacist at every consultation.
Over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins are all included within the scope of treatments that must be disclosed. Because certain interactions can either heighten the risk of side effects or reduce clinical effectiveness, full disclosure of all treatments is essential.
Alcohol
Clinical studies have not yet fully characterised the interaction between Finasteride and alcohol, meaning caution is advisable. Alcohol intake should be discussed openly with your doctor prior to starting Fincar 5. Because individual health circumstances vary, discussing alcohol use with your doctor before starting Fincar 5 helps ensure the overall treatment plan remains both safe and clinically appropriate. Excessive alcohol use may worsen some side effects, including dizziness.
Liver conditions
Men with liver disease should use Fincar 5 with caution. The liver processes Finasteride, and impaired liver function may increase the risk of side effects. During the course of treatment, regular liver function tests may be requested by your doctor to monitor how the medicine is being processed.
PSA testing and prostate cancer screening
Finasteride can lower blood prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Used in the clinical screening of prostate cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key biological marker that can be affected by Finasteride. Before any PSA test is arranged or carried out, inform your GP or the specialist involved that you are taking Fincar 5. Because Finasteride affects PSA readings, your doctor may need to apply adjusted interpretation criteria when reviewing your results.
Pregnancy and handling safety
Fincar 5 must not be used by women. Fincar 5 tablets that are crushed or broken must not be handled by pregnant women or those of childbearing age. Because Finasteride is absorbed through the skin, contact with a broken tablet carries a risk of harm to a developing male foetus.
Should accidental contact occur between a pregnant woman and a broken tablet, the affected area must be washed immediately with soap and water, followed by prompt medical advice.
Storage and Responsible Access
Store Fincar 5 at room temperature, below 25°C. Until a dose is required, tablets must remain sealed within their original blister packaging to preserve their integrity. All medicines, including Fincar 5, must be kept where children are unable to reach or see them.
Once the printed expiry date has elapsed, tablets must not be used and should be safely discarded without delay. Using expired tablets is unsafe and must be avoided entirely. The prescribed dose must not be exceeded. Taking more than directed does not improve outcomes and may cause harm. Prescription medicine is intended solely for the individual to whom it has been prescribed and must not be shared.
Fincar 5 is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK. You must obtain medicine with a valid prescription from a registered healthcare professional. Purchasing this medicine from unregulated online sources is unsafe and must be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is finasteride used for?
A: Male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) are both conditions for which Finasteride is prescribed by doctors. A reduction in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels within the body is achieved through the action of this medicine.
Q: When to take Fincar?
A: Because consistency supports treatment effectiveness, Fincar is best taken once daily at the same time, with or without food. Always follow your GP’s dosage instructions carefully and do not stop taking this medicine without first consulting your doctor.
Conclusion
Fincar (Finasteride 5mg) is a prescription medicine. It is used to treat two common conditions in adult men: benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern hair loss.
A clinically significant fall in DHT levels throughout the body is brought about by the inhibition of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This reduction addresses both prostate enlargement and the shrinkage of scalp hair follicles. Results take time — at least three to six months for hair loss and up to six months for improvement in BPH symptoms. If no improvement is noticed within these timeframes, a treatment review should be requested from your GP.
Medical supervision throughout treatment is essential. Fincar 5 carries important safety considerations, including effects on mood, sexual function, and PSA test results. Always speak to your GP or a UK-registered pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing this medicine.
References
- NHS. Finasteride. Available at: www.nhs.uk
- MHRA. Finasteride: Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.gov.uk/mhra
- NICE. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Management. Available at: www.nice.org.uk
Important Information
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a registered healthcare professional before starting or changing any treatment.