Propecia Tablet (Finasteride): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Propecia Tablet (Finasteride) Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Finasteride? (Finasteride kya hai)

Finasteride is a prescription medicine that works by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — DHT is a major cause of hair loss and prostate enlargement in men. Finasteride is available in Pakistan as Propecia (1mg) and under generic names.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Male androgenetic alopecia — hair loss in men (ganjapan) — 1mg dose
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia — 5mg dose

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adult men who have been diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia or BPH by a doctor
• Men only — strictly forbidden for women and children

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• Women — especially those who are pregnant or could become pregnant
• Children
• Known allergy to finasteride
• Severe liver disease

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

• As prescribed by doctor (typically 1mg once daily)

• As prescribed by doctor (typically 5mg once daily)

• Do not exceed the recommended limit

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

• Once daily

• Same time

• Do not crush or break the tablet — especially women must not handle crushed/broken tablets (teratogenic risk)

• With or without food

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

• Taking it at the same time every day builds a routine and prevents missing a dose

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Can be taken either way — on an empty stomach or after food. It has no particular effect on the stomach.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• NEVER allow women — especially pregnant or potentially pregnant women — to handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Even this tablet can cause atypical genital development in a male fetus.
• If a woman accidentally handles it, wash immediately with soap and water and consult a doctor.

• Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (mardana kamzori), ejaculation disorders — these side effects can persist in some cases even after stopping the medicine (post-finasteride syndrome).

• Rare but there is a risk of breast cancer in men — report any lump or nipple discharge to your doctor immediately.

• Cases of depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported. If you experience this, contact a doctor or emergency services immediately.

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store in a cool, dry place, below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of the reach of children
• Dispose of damaged or broken tablets

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction (mardana kamzori)
• Ejaculation disorders
• Decreased semen volume

• Male breast cancer (rare) — lumps, nipple discharge
• Depression, suicidal ideation — seek help immediately
• Severe allergic reaction — rash, swelling of the face, eyes, or throat

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• Warfarin — inform your doctor
• Show the complete list of your medicines to your doctor and pharmacist

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Sexual side effects — especially if they continue even after stopping the medicine (post-finasteride syndrome)
• Any lump in the breast or nipple discharge in men
• Depression or suicidal thoughts — contact emergency services or a doctor immediately
• Signs of severe allergic reaction

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

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17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Finasteride kis kaam aata hai?

A: Finasteride is prescribed by doctors for hair loss in men (ganjapan / androgenetic alopecia) and enlarged prostate (BPH). It works by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which lowers DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels.

Q: What are the side effects of finasteride?

A: Common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. Serious but rare effects include depression, suicidal thoughts (post-finasteride syndrome), and male breast cancer. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.

Q: Finasteride ka istemal kaise karein?

A: Always take Finasteride as per your doctor's prescription. Do not crush the tablet and especially women of reproductive age must not handle it. The doctor decides the dose and duration.

Q: Finasteride price in Pakistan kitni hai?

A: Finasteride price in Pakistan varies by pack size and brand. Generic 5mg is approximately Rs. 400–800 and branded Propecia 1mg (28 tablets) can be approximately Rs. 1,200–1,800. Confirm the updated price at a local pharmacy.

Q: Is finasteride safe?

A: Finasteride is safe for men under doctor's supervision but carries a risk of sexual side effects that in some cases can persist even after stopping the medicine (post-finasteride syndrome). It is absolutely forbidden for women and children. Always consult your doctor before taking.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. PakVita is not responsible for any harm.