Description
Fin-ash (Finasteride) 2.5 mg
Fin-ash is listed as a finasteride 2.5 mg oral tablet. Finasteride is a prescription medicine used as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. In official prescribing information, finasteride is established for benign prostatic hyperplasia in men and for male pattern hair loss in men only, depending on the product and indication. Because the brand name and strength listed here are not a standard reference product name, this summary is based on the verified active ingredient, finasteride.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The verified active ingredient is finasteride. It belongs to the class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. This medicine reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement and androgen-related scalp hair loss.
Established Medical Uses
Official prescribing information supports finasteride for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with an enlarged prostate, where it can help improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of urinary retention and surgery. Finasteride is also officially indicated for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only for specific products. Efficacy for bitemporal recession has not been established in U.S. labeling.
How It Works
Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. By lowering DHT levels, it can reduce prostate tissue stimulation and, in male pattern hair loss, slow the hormone-driven miniaturisation of scalp hair follicles. The effect is gradual and reflects changes in hormone signalling rather than a direct stimulant action.
Important Safety Information
Finasteride is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to any component of the product and is not indicated for use in women. It must not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of abnormalities of the external genitalia in a male fetus. Pregnant people should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Clinically important precautions include the effect of finasteride on PSA testing: it can lower PSA values and any confirmed rise from the lowest value while on treatment should be evaluated. Official labeling also warns that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Reported adverse reactions and cautionary areas also include sexual adverse effects and breast-related symptoms.
Possible Side Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. In prostate studies, adverse reactions have also included reduced ejaculate volume, breast tenderness, breast enlargement, impotence, and rash. Serious or important reactions described in official information include hypersensitivity reactions, persistence of sexual adverse effects in some post-marketing reports, and abnormalities in PSA interpretation that may affect prostate cancer assessment. Mood-related adverse events have also been discussed in the medical literature and post-marketing data, although the strength of evidence varies.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical research supports finasteride’s benefit in male androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Reviews and trial summaries report improved hair counts versus placebo in men with androgenetic alopecia, and urologic studies show reductions in prostate size and improvement in urinary outcomes in men with BPH. The scientific literature also notes that sexual adverse effects are the most frequently reported tolerability concerns. Overall, the evidence base is strongest for established male indications and official product labeling, while individual outcomes and tolerability can vary.
Medical Information Notice
This page is an educational summary based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, product labeling, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed. Finasteride tablet, film coated. Official prescribing information. View official label
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. PROPECIA (finasteride) tablets for oral use. Prescribing information PDF. View official FDA label
- Deborah A Finn et al. A new look at the 5alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride. CNS Drug Reviews, 2006. View scientific article
- A K Gupta et al. Finasteride for hair loss: a review. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2022. View scientific article
