From the Research
Maximum Duration for Using Finasteride
The maximum duration for using finasteride (Propecia) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) is not strictly defined, but several studies provide insight into its long-term use:
- A 5-year multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia showed that treatment with finasteride led to durable improvements in scalp hair over five years 1.
- A review of finasteride's use in male pattern hair loss noted that evidence suggests the improvement in hair count reported after 1 year is maintained during 2 years' treatment 2.
- A 24-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of finasteride 1 mg in men aged 41 to 60 years with male pattern hair loss found that finasteride improved scalp hair growth compared with placebo, with improvement evident by 6 months of treatment and continued through 24 months 3.
- A review of finasteride for hair loss noted that finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased total hair count compared to placebo after 24 weeks and 48 weeks, but did not provide a specific maximum duration for treatment 4.
Key Findings
- Finasteride is generally well tolerated, but may cause sexual adverse events, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction 2, 4.
- The efficacy of finasteride in women with female pattern hair loss is less clear, with some studies showing no benefit over placebo or no treatment 5.
- Finasteride may be considered for treatment of female pattern hair loss in patients who fail topical minoxidil treatment, but women of childbearing potential must adhere to reliable contraception while receiving finasteride 5.