Finpecia is made in India. Even though it contains the exact same chemical as Propecia (1mg of finasteride), its cost is significantly less than that of Propecia.
Cipla is allowed by Indian patent law to make drugs that are patented by other companies internationally as the law protects only the processes by which drugs are made, and not the drugs themselves.
Under current Indian law, which recognizes patents on ways to make drugs but not the drugs themselves. This means Indian companies can make drugs under patent in the West, provided they use a process that is different from the original.
Manufacturers are able to produce and sell medicines here at a tiny fraction of the prices charged in the United States. In some cases, though, the generic makers have been blocked from selling their wares in other developing countries that have Western-style patent laws.
Composition
Each film coated tablet contains Finasteride 1mg.
Description
Finpecia, a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound is a specific inhibitor of 5 α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts androgenic testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Administration of finasteride 1mg decreases scalp and serum DHT concentrations, increased amounts of which are thought to be responsible for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
Indications
Finpecia is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY.
Safety and efficacy have been demonstrated in men between the ages of 18 to 41 years with mild to moderate hair loss of the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area.
Dosage and Administration
The recommended dosage is 1 mg once a day, with or without meals. In general, daily use for three months or more is necessary before benefit is observed. Continued use is recommended to sustain benefits. Withdrawal of treatment leads to reversal of effect within 12 months.
In impaired renal function
No dosage adjustments are required.
In impaired hepatic function
To be used with caution since finasteride is metabolised extensively in the liver.
Contra-Indications
Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Finpecia is contraindicated in women and children.
Warnings and Precautions
Finpecia is not indicated for use in paediatric patients or women. Women should not handle crushed or broken Finpecia 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.
Drug Interaction
No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Finasteride does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolising enzyme systems. Compounds that have been tested in man include antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin and no interactions were found.
Side Effects
Finpecia is generally well tolerated and side effects have usually been mild and transient. These include decreased libido, erectile dysfunctions, and ejaculation disorders (primarily decreased volume of ejaculate).
Overdosage
No adverse effects have been noticed in patients who received single doses of 400 mg finasteride and multiple doses of upto 80 mg/day for three months.
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