PROPECIA finasteride 1 mg Tablet, Film Coated, 90-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
- Finasteride is used for two different conditions in men, and the brand matters. Proscar (the higher-strength tablet) is prescribed for an enlarged prostate (BPH) to ease urinary sy...
- What exactly is finasteride used for — and which brand should I be taking?
- It depends on what you're treating. For hair loss with Propecia, you generally need at least three months of daily use before noticing a difference — and you need to keep taking it...
- How long will it take before I see results?
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Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Finasteride — tap one for details:
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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Docusate sodium is a stool softener compound that helps medicines dissolve and move through the digestive tract. It acts as a surfactant, reducing surface tension in the intestines, and also serves as a wetting agent in tablet formulations.
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UNII 1K09F3G675
Ferric oxide red is an inorganic iron compound used as a colorant in medicines. It gives tablets, capsules, or other dosage forms a red or reddish tint for identification and appearance.
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Ferric oxide yellow is a naturally occurring iron compound used as a colorant in medications. It gives tablets, capsules, and other forms a yellow or golden hue for identification and appearance.
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UNII RFW2ET671P
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is a plant-derived thickening agent made from cellulose. It acts as a binder to hold tablet ingredients together and as a film-former to coat tablets or control how fast the medicine releases.
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Hypromellose is a plant-based thickener made from cellulose. It's used in medicines as a binder to hold ingredients together, a coating for tablets, and a thickener for liquids.
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Lactose monohydrate is a natural sugar derived from milk. It serves as a filler and binder in tablets and capsules, helping create the proper size, texture, and consistency of the medicine.
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UNII 70097M6I30
Magnesium stearate is a salt made from magnesium and stearic acid, a fatty substance. It's used in tablets and capsules as a lubricant and glidant to help ingredients flow smoothly during manufacturing and prevent sticking.
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Microcrystalline cellulose is a purified form of cellulose, a natural fiber from plant sources. It acts as a binder and filler in tablets and capsules, helping hold ingredients together and give the medicine its shape and size.
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A starch-based powder made from potatoes and processed with sodium. It acts as a disintegrant, helping the tablet or capsule break apart quickly in the stomach so the medicine can be absorbed.
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A plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn kernels. It acts as a filler to add bulk, a binder to hold ingredients together, and a disintegrant to help the tablet break apart in your stomach for absorption.
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A powder made from a naturally occurring mineral. In medicines, talc works as a glidant and anti-caking agent, helping tablets and capsules flow smoothly during manufacturing and preventing clumping.
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Titanium dioxide is a bright white mineral powder commonly used as a colorant and opacifying agent. It makes pills and tablets white or lighter in color and helps make coatings non-transparent.
12 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $3.585 | $322.66 / 90 tablets |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1 mg 35573-0400-99 | Burel | 1000 tablets | $0.043 | AB | Availability likely | save 99% |
| Finasteride 1 mg 43598-0390-30 | Dr | 30 tablets | $0.043 | AB | Availability likely | save 99% |
| Finasteride 1 mg 57237-0061-30 | Rising | 30 tablets | $0.043 | AB | Availability likely | save 99% |
| Finasteride 1 mg 65862-0927-30 | Aurobindo | 30 tablets | $0.043 | AB | Availability likely | save 99% |
| Finasteride 1 mg 67877-0455-05 | Ascend | 500 tablets | $0.043 | AB | Availability likely | save 99% |
| Finasteride 1 mg 16729-0089-10 | Accord | 30 tablets | $0.045 | AB | FDA listed | save 99% |
| Propecia 1 mgthis 78206-0152-02 | Organon | 90 tablets | $3.585 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 31722-0526-10 | Camber | 1000 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 47335-0714-08 | Sun | 100 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 50090-4648-00 | A-S | 90 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 55111-0171-05 | Dr. | 500 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 63187-0863-20 | Proficient | 20 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68071-3094-03 | NuCare | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68071-3744-06 | NuCare | 60 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68071-4808-03 | NuCare | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68788-6875-03 | Preferred | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68788-8275-03 | Preferred | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 70518-2287-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 90 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 71205-0790-30 | Proficient | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 71335-1304-01 | Bryant | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 71713-0099-90 | Thirty | 90 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 76420-0074-30 | Asclemed | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 76420-0151-30 | Asclemed | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 68071-3993-03 | NuCare | 30 tablets | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Finasteride 1 mg 70518-4687-00 | REMEDYREPACK | 1 tablet | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
FDA-approved generic versions are listed, and recent pricing/market data suggests they may be available — see Therapeutic equivalents.
Where does this data come from?
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78206-0152-01 | 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (78206-152-01) | $3.97 / ea | $118.95 | 2021-06-01 | Active |
| 78206-0152-02 You're viewing this | 90 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE (78206-152-02) | $3.59 / ea | $322.66 | 2021-06-01 | Active |
You're viewing the largest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
This pack has the lowest per-ea cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($3.59 NADAC).
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 78206-0152-02?
What is the difference between NDC 78206-0152-02 and NDC 78206-0152-01?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of PROPECIA finasteride 1 mg Tablet, Film Coated?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PROPECIA ® is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY . Efficacy in bitemporal recession has not been established. PROPECIA is not indicated for use in women. PROPECIA is a 5α-reductase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY ( 1 ). PROPECIA is not indicated for use in women ( 1 , 4 , 5.1 ).
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION PROPECIA may be administered with or without meals. The recommended dose of PROPECIA is one tablet (1 mg) taken once daily. In general, daily use for three months or more is necessary before benefit is observed.
Continued use is recommended to sustain benefit, which should be re-evaluated periodically. Withdrawal of treatment leads to reversal of effect within 12 months. PROPECIA may be administered with or without meals ( 2 ).
One tablet (1 mg) taken once daily ( 2 ). In general, daily use for three months or more is necessary before benefit is observed ( 2 ).
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS PROPECIA tablets (1 mg) are tan, octagonal, film-coated convex tablets with "stylized P" logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other. 1 mg tablets ( 3 ).
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PROPECIA is contraindicated in the following: Pregnancy. Finasteride use is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant. Because of the ability of Type II 5α-reductase inhibitors to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), finasteride may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus of a pregnant woman who receives finasteride.
If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the pregnant woman should be apprised of the potential hazard to the male fetus. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) , How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) and Patient Counseling Information (17) .] In female rats, low doses of finasteride administered during pregnancy have produced abnormalities of the external genitalia in male offspring. Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. Pregnancy ( 4 , 5.1 , 8.1 , 16 ).
Hypersensitivity to any components of this product ( 4 ).
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS PROPECIA is not indicated for use in women or pediatric patients ( 5.1 , 5.4 ). Women should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant due to potential risk to a male fetus ( 5.1 , 8.1 , 16 ). PROPECIA causes a decrease in serum PSA levels.
Any confirmed increase in PSA while on PROPECIA may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for men not taking a 5α-reductase inhibitor ( 5.2 ). 5α-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer ( 5.3 , 6.1 ).
5.1Exposure of Women — Risk to Male Fetus PROPECIA is not indicated for use in women. Women should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets have not been broken or crushed. [See Indications and Usage (1) , Contraindications (4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) , How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) and Patient Counseling Information (17) .]
5.2Effects on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) In clinical studies with PROPECIA (finasteride, 1 mg) in men 18-41 years of age, the mean value of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) decreased from 0.7 ng/mL at baseline to 0.5 ng/mL at Month 12. Further, in clinical studies with PROSCAR (finasteride, 5 mg) when used in older men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), PSA levels are decreased by approximately 50%. Other studies with PROSCAR showed it may also cause decreases in serum PSA in the presence of prostate cancer.
These findings should be taken into account for proper interpretation of serum PSA when evaluating men treated with finasteride. Any confirmed increase from the lowest PSA value while on PROPECIA may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if PSA levels are still within the normal range for men not taking a 5α-reductase inhibitor. Non-compliance to therapy with PROPECIA may also affect PSA test results.
5.3Increased Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer with 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Men aged 55 and over with a normal digital rectal examination and PSA ≤3.0 ng/mL at baseline taking finasteride 5 mg/day (5 times the dose of PROPECIA) in the 7-year Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) had an increased risk of Gleason score 8-10 prostate cancer (finasteride 1.8% vs placebo 1.1%). [See Adverse Reactions (6.1) . ] Similar results were observed in a 4-year placebo-controlled clinical trial with another 5α-reductase inhibitor (dutasteride, AVODART) (1% dutasteride vs 0.5% placebo).
5α-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of development of high-grade prostate cancer. Whether the effect of 5α-reductase inhibitors to reduce prostate volume, or study-related factors, impacted the results of these studies has not been established.
5.4Pediatric Patients PROPECIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] .
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥1% of patients treated with PROPECIA and greater than in patients treated with placebo are: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Organon LLC, a subsidiary of Organon & Co., at 1-844-674-3200 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Clinical Studies for PROPECIA (finasteride 1 mg) in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss In three controlled clinical trials for PROPECIA of 12-month duration, 1.4% of patients taking PROPECIA (n=945) were discontinued due to adverse experiences that were considered to be possibly, probably or definitely drug-related (1.6% for placebo; n=934).
Clinical adverse experiences that were reported as possibly, probably or definitely drug-related in ≥1% of patients treated with PROPECIA or placebo are presented in Table 1 . TABLE 1: Drug-Related Adverse Experiences for PROPECIA (finasteride 1 mg) in Year 1 (%) MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS PROPECIA N=945 Placebo N=934 Decreased Libido 1.8
1.3Erectile Dysfunction 1.3
0.7Ejaculation Disorder (Decreased Volume of Ejaculate) 1.2 (0.8) 0.7 (0.4) Discontinuation due to drug-related sexual adverse experiences 1.2
0.9Integrated analysis of clinical adverse experiences showed that during treatment with PROPECIA, 36 (3.8%) of 945 men had reported one or more of these adverse experiences as compared to 20 (2.1%) of 934 men treated with placebo (p=0.04). Resolution occurred in men who discontinued therapy with PROPECIA due to these side effects and in most of those who continued therapy. The incidence of each of the above adverse experiences decreased to ≤0.3% by the fifth year of treatment with PROPECIA.
In a study of finasteride 1 mg daily in healthy men, a median decrease in ejaculate volume of 0.3 mL (-11%) compared with 0.2 mL (-8%) for placebo was observed after 48 weeks of treatment. Two other studies showed that finasteride at 5 times the dosage of PROPECIA (5 mg daily) produced significant median decreases of approximately 0.5 mL (-25%) compared to placebo in ejaculate volume, but this was reversible after discontinuation of treatment. In the clinical studies with PROPECIA, the incidences for breast tenderness and enlargement, hypersensitivity reactions, and testicular pain in finasteride-treated patients were not different from those in patients treated with placebo .
Controlled Clinical Trials and Long-Term Open Extension Studies for PROSCAR ® (finasteride 5 mg) and AVODART (dutasteride) in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia In the PROSCAR Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS), a 4-year controlled clinical study, 3040 patients between the ages of 45 and 78 with symptomatic BPH and an enlarged prostate were evaluated for safety over a period of 4 years (1524 on PROSCAR 5 mg/day and 1516 on placebo). 3.7% (57 patients) treated with PROSCAR 5 mg and 2.1% (32 patients) treated with placebo discontinued therapy as a result of adverse reactions related to sexual function, which are the most frequently reported adverse reactions.
Table 2 presents the only clinical adverse reactions considered possibly, probably or definitely drug related by the investigator, for which the incidence on PROSCAR was ≥1% and greater than placebo over the 4 years of the study. In years 2-4 of the study, there was no significant difference between treatment groups in the incidences of impotence, decreased libido and ejaculation disorder. TABLE 2: Drug-Related Adverse Experiences for PROSCAR (finasteride 5 mg) BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA Year 1 (%) Years 2, 3 and 4 Combined Years 2-4 (%) Finasteride 5 mg Placebo Fina…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1Cytochrome P450-Linked Drug Metabolizing Enzyme System No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Finasteride does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug-metabolizing enzyme system. Compounds that have been tested in man include antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin and no clinically meaningful interactions were found.
7.2Other Concomitant Therapy Although specific interaction studies were not performed, finasteride doses of 1 mg or more were concomitantly used in clinical studies with acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, α-blockers, analgesics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, cardiac nitrates, diuretics, H 2 antagonists, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors (also referred to as NSAIDs), and quinolone anti-infectives without evidence of clinically significant adverse interactions.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Category X [see Contraindications (4) ]. PROPECIA is contraindicated for use in women who are or may become pregnant. PROPECIA is a Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone necessary for normal development of male genitalia.
In animal studies, finasteride caused abnormal development of external genitalia in male fetuses. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the male fetus. Abnormal male genital development is an expected consequence when conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is inhibited by 5α-reductase inhibitors.
These outcomes are similar to those reported in male infants with genetic 5α-reductase deficiency. Women could be exposed to finasteride through contact with crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets or semen from a male partner taking PROPECIA. With regard to finasteride exposure through the skin, PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent skin contact with finasteride during normal handling if the tablets have not been crushed or broken.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets because of possible exposure of a male fetus. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water. With regard to potential finasteride exposure through semen, a study has been conducted in men receiving PROPECIA 1 mg/day that measured finasteride concentrations in semen [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats received finasteride during the period of major organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 17). At maternal doses of oral finasteride approximately 1 to 684 times the recommended human dose (RHD) of 1 mg/day (based on AUC at animal doses of 0.1 to 100 mg/kg/day) there was a dose-dependent increase in hypospadias that occurred in 3.6 to 100% of male offspring. Exposure multiples were estimated using data from nonpregnant rats.
Days 16 to 17 of gestation is a critical period in male fetal rats for differentiation of the external genitalia. At oral maternal doses approximately 0.2 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 0.03 mg/kg/day), male offspring had decreased prostatic and seminal vesicular weights, delayed preputial separation and transient nipple development. Decreased anogenital distance occurred in male offspring of pregnant rats that received approximately 0.02 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 0.003 mg/kg/day).
No abnormalities were observed in female offspring exposed to any dose of finasteride in utero . No developmental abnormalities were observed in the offspring of untreated females mated with finasteride-treated male rats that received approximately 488 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 80 mg/kg/day). Slightly decreased fertility was observed in male offspring after administration of about 20 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 3 mg/kg/day) to female rats during late gestation and lactation.
No effects on fertility were seen in female offspring under these conditions. No evidence of male external genital malformations or other abnormalities were observed in rabbit fetuses exposed to finasteride during the period of major organogenesis (gestation days 6-18) at maternal doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (finasteride exposure levels were not measured in rabbits). However, this study may not have included the critical period for finasteride effects on development of male external genitalia in the rabbit.
The fetal effects of maternal finasteride exposure during the period of embryonic and fetal development were evaluated in the rhesus monkey (gestation days 20-100), in a species and development period more predictive of specific effects in humans…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Category X [see Contraindications (4) ]. PROPECIA is contraindicated for use in women who are or may become pregnant. PROPECIA is a Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone necessary for normal development of male genitalia.
In animal studies, finasteride caused abnormal development of external genitalia in male fetuses. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the male fetus. Abnormal male genital development is an expected consequence when conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is inhibited by 5α-reductase inhibitors.
These outcomes are similar to those reported in male infants with genetic 5α-reductase deficiency. Women could be exposed to finasteride through contact with crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets or semen from a male partner taking PROPECIA. With regard to finasteride exposure through the skin, PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent skin contact with finasteride during normal handling if the tablets have not been crushed or broken.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets because of possible exposure of a male fetus. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water. With regard to potential finasteride exposure through semen, a study has been conducted in men receiving PROPECIA 1 mg/day that measured finasteride concentrations in semen [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
In an embryo-fetal development study, pregnant rats received finasteride during the period of major organogenesis (gestation days 6 to 17). At maternal doses of oral finasteride approximately 1 to 684 times the recommended human dose (RHD) of 1 mg/day (based on AUC at animal doses of 0.1 to 100 mg/kg/day) there was a dose-dependent increase in hypospadias that occurred in 3.6 to 100% of male offspring. Exposure multiples were estimated using data from nonpregnant rats.
Days 16 to 17 of gestation is a critical period in male fetal rats for differentiation of the external genitalia. At oral maternal doses approximately 0.2 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 0.03 mg/kg/day), male offspring had decreased prostatic and seminal vesicular weights, delayed preputial separation and transient nipple development. Decreased anogenital distance occurred in male offspring of pregnant rats that received approximately 0.02 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 0.003 mg/kg/day).
No abnormalities were observed in female offspring exposed to any dose of finasteride in utero . No developmental abnormalities were observed in the offspring of untreated females mated with finasteride-treated male rats that received approximately 488 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 80 mg/kg/day). Slightly decreased fertility was observed in male offspring after administration of about 20 times the RHD (based on AUC at animal dose of 3 mg/kg/day) to female rats during late gestation and lactation.
No effects on fertility were seen in female offspring under these conditions. No evidence of male external genital malformations or other abnormalities were observed in rabbit fetuses exposed to finasteride during the period of major organogenesis (gestation days 6-18) at maternal doses up to 100 mg/kg/day (finasteride exposure levels were not measured in rabbits). However, this study may not have included the critical period for finasteride effects on development of male external genitalia in the rabbit.
The fetal effects of maternal finasteride exposure during the period of embryonic and fetal development were evaluated in the rhesus monkey (gestation days 20-100), in a species and development period more predictive of specific effects in humans than the studies in rats and r…
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use PROPECIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Clinical efficacy studies with PROPECIA did not include subjects aged 65 and over. Based on the pharmacokinetics of finasteride 5 mg, no dosage adjustment is necessary in the elderly for PROPECIA [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . However, the efficacy of PROPECIA in the elderly has not been established.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE In clinical studies, single doses of finasteride up to 400 mg and multiple doses of finasteride up to 80 mg/day for three months did not result in adverse reactions. Until further experience is obtained, no specific treatment for an overdose with finasteride can be recommended. Significant lethality was observed in male and female mice at single oral doses of 1500 mg/m 2 (500 mg/kg) and in female and male rats at single oral doses of 2360 mg/m 2 (400 mg/kg) and 5900 mg/m 2 (1000 mg/kg), respectively.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Finasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into DHT. Two distinct isozymes are found in mice, rats, monkeys, and humans: Type I and II. Each of these isozymes is differentially expressed in tissues and developmental stages.
In humans, Type I 5α-reductase is predominant in the sebaceous glands of most regions of skin, including scalp, and liver. Type I 5α-reductase is responsible for approximately one-third of circulating DHT. The Type II 5α-reductase isozyme is primarily found in prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymides, and hair follicles as well as liver, and is responsible for two-thirds of circulating DHT.
In humans, the mechanism of action of finasteride is based on its preferential inhibition of the Type II isozyme. Using native tissues (scalp and prostate), in vitro binding studies examining the potential of finasteride to inhibit either isozyme revealed a 100-fold selectivity for the human Type II 5α-reductase over Type I isozyme (IC 50 =500 and 4.2 nM for Type I and II, respectively). For both isozymes, the inhibition by finasteride is accompanied by reduction of the inhibitor to dihydrofinasteride and adduct formation with NADP+.
The turnover for the enzyme complex is slow (t 1/2 approximately 30 days for the Type II enzyme complex and 14 days for the Type I complex). Inhibition of Type II 5α-reductase blocks the peripheral conversion of testosterone to DHT, resulting in significant decreases in serum and tissue DHT concentrations. In men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared with hairy scalp.
Administration of finasteride decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men. The relative contributions of these reductions to the treatment effect of finasteride have not been defined. By this mechanism, finasteride appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of androgenetic alopecia in those patients genetically predisposed.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Finasteride produces a rapid reduction in serum DHT concentration, reaching 65% suppression within 24 hours of oral dosing with a 1-mg tablet. Mean circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol were increased by approximately 15% as compared to baseline, but these remained within the physiologic range. Finasteride has no affinity for the androgen receptor and has no androgenic, antiandrogenic, estrogenic, antiestrogenic, or progestational effects.
The relationship between these pharmacodynamic activities and the mechanisms(s) by which PROPECIA exerts its clinical effect is unknown. In studies with finasteride, no clinically meaningful changes in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or prolactin were detected. In healthy volunteers, treatment with finasteride did not alter the response of LH and FSH to gonadotropin-releasing hormone indicating that the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis was not affected.
Finasteride had no effect on circulating levels of cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyroxine, nor did it affect the plasma lipid profile (e.g., total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides) or bone mineral density.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Absorption In a study in 15 healthy young male subjects, the mean bioavailability of finasteride 1-mg tablets was 65% (range 26-170%), based on the ratio of area under the curve (AUC) relative to an intravenous (IV) reference dose. At steady state following dosing with 1 mg/day (n=12), maximum finasteride plasma concentration averaged 9.2 ng/mL (range, 4.9-13.7 ng/mL) and was reached 1 to 2 hours postdose; AUC (0-24 hr) was 53 ng∙hr/mL (range, 20-154 ng∙hr/mL). Bioavailability of finasteride was not affected by food.
Distribution Mean steady-state volume of distribution was 76 liters (range, 44-96…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Finasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into DHT. Two distinct isozymes are found in mice, rats, monkeys, and humans: Type I and II. Each of these isozymes is differentially expressed in tissues and developmental stages.
In humans, Type I 5α-reductase is predominant in the sebaceous glands of most regions of skin, including scalp, and liver. Type I 5α-reductase is responsible for approximately one-third of circulating DHT. The Type II 5α-reductase isozyme is primarily found in prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymides, and hair follicles as well as liver, and is responsible for two-thirds of circulating DHT.
In humans, the mechanism of action of finasteride is based on its preferential inhibition of the Type II isozyme. Using native tissues (scalp and prostate), in vitro binding studies examining the potential of finasteride to inhibit either isozyme revealed a 100-fold selectivity for the human Type II 5α-reductase over Type I isozyme (IC 50 =500 and 4.2 nM for Type I and II, respectively). For both isozymes, the inhibition by finasteride is accompanied by reduction of the inhibitor to dihydrofinasteride and adduct formation with NADP+.
The turnover for the enzyme complex is slow (t 1/2 approximately 30 days for the Type II enzyme complex and 14 days for the Type I complex). Inhibition of Type II 5α-reductase blocks the peripheral conversion of testosterone to DHT, resulting in significant decreases in serum and tissue DHT concentrations. In men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the balding scalp contains miniaturized hair follicles and increased amounts of DHT compared with hairy scalp.
Administration of finasteride decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations in these men. The relative contributions of these reductions to the treatment effect of finasteride have not been defined. By this mechanism, finasteride appears to interrupt a key factor in the development of androgenetic alopecia in those patients genetically predisposed.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING PROPECIA tablets, 1 mg, are tan, octagonal, film-coated convex tablets with "stylized P" logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other. They are supplied as follows: NDC 78206-152-01 bottles of 30 (with desiccant) NDC 78206-152-02 PROPAK ® bottles of 90 (with desiccant). Storage and Handling Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Keep container closed and protect from moisture. Women should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Storage and Handling Store at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F). Keep container closed and protect from moisture. Women should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets when they are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus.
PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and Patient Counseling Information (17) ] .
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION PROPECIA (finasteride) tablets contain finasteride as the active ingredient. Finasteride, a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The chemical name of finasteride is N-tert -Butyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5α-androst-1-ene-17β-carboxamide.
The empirical formula of finasteride is C 23 H 36 N 2 O 2 and its molecular weight is 372.55. Its structural formula is: Finasteride is a white crystalline powder with a melting point near 250°C. It is freely soluble in chloroform and in lower alcohol solvents but is practically insoluble in water.
PROPECIA (finasteride) tablets are film-coated tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 1 mg of finasteride and the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, talc, docusate sodium, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide. image of finasteride chemical structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information) . Exposure of Women — Risk to Male Fetus Physicians should inform patients that women who are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets because of the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets have not been broken or crushed.
If a woman who is pregnant or may potentially be pregnant comes in contact with crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) and How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) ] . Increased Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer Patients should be informed that there was an increase in high-grade prostate cancer in men treated with 5α-reductase inhibitors indicated for BPH treatment, compared to those treated with placebo in studies looking at the use of these drugs to prevent prostate cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Adverse Reactions (6.1) ].
Sexual Adverse events Physicians should inform the patients that PROPECIA may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder, including decreased ejaculate volume. Additional Instructions Physicians should instruct their patients to promptly report any changes in their breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Breast changes including breast enlargement, tenderness and neoplasm have been reported [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] .
Physicians should instruct their patients to read the patient package insert before starting therapy with PROPECIA and to read it again each time the prescription is renewed so that they are aware of current information for patients regarding PROPECIA.