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Oral finasteride hair loss treatment in Singapore
Clinically proven treatment for male patttern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia.
Stop hair loss, regrow hair and renew your confidence with FDA-approved oral finasteride hair loss treatment.
- Professional | Established | Trusted
- For mild to moderate hair loss of vertex and mid-scalp
- Just one pill a day (Oral finasteride 1mg/day)
- Clinically effective with high safety profile
- From only $64.9 per month
What is oral finasteride?
Oral finasteride is a FDA-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. Since the inception of oral finasteride hair loss treatment in 1997, it has helped many individuals halt relentless hair loss and improve hair growth.
Fnasteride for hair loss Singapore
Finasteride is a widely recognized pharmacological treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male and female pattern hair loss. Its efficacy, safety profile, and mechanism of action have been extensively studied, making it a cornerstone in the management of this condition, particularly in men. Hair loss can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and mental health. A holistic approach helps in managing the emotional and psychological aspects of hair loss, providing a better quality of life for patients.
How does oral finasteride work?
One of the reasons for male pattern hair loss is the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the hair follicles. Other reasons include genetics, compromised vascular supply around the hair follicle and reduced anagen phase. Testosterone in the body is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Oral finasteride works by inhibiting the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase and therefore reduces the circulating levels of DHT and its effects on the hair follicle.
How effective is oral finasteride hair loss treatment?
Studies have shown oral finasteride 1mg/day to be effective in treating patients with androgenetic alopeica and long-term use of up to 5 years has shown significant hair growth and permanent stabilization of hair loss. A Japanese study of over 3000 males with hair loss demonstrated that 11.1% of subjects exhibited significant hair regrowth with finasteride use, 36.5% exhibited moderate growth, and 39.5% had only a slight increase in hair growth over a period of 3 years
How safe is oral finasteride?
Oral finasteride is a well-studied treatment for male pattern hair loss over more than 2 decades. Most patients tolerate the treatment well. In clinical trials, about 1.4% of patients had to stop the treatment due to side effects. The risk of loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculate volume is less than 2%, and these symptoms usually improves over time.
Older men should have regular checks of their prostate with a serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination. There is an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer due to masking of PSA levels and delayed detection.
Finasteride vs minoxidil
Oral finasteride and topical minoxidil are both used to treat hair loss, but they work in different ways and can vary in effectiveness depending on the individual.
Oral Finasteride:
- Mechanism: Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a key factor in androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
- Effectiveness: It tends to be quite effective for many people, with studies showing that it can significantly reduce hair loss and promote hair regrowth in men. It generally has a higher success rate compared to topical treatments.
- Side Effects: Potential side effects include sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and a risk of other systemic effects since it works throughout the body.
Topical Minoxidil:
- Mechanism: Minoxidil is a vasodilator that works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss.
- Effectiveness: It is also effective for many users, though its effectiveness can vary more widely compared to finasteride. It’s typically used for both men and women and can be beneficial for those who are looking for a non-systemic treatment.
- Side Effects: Common side effects can include scalp irritation, itching, and unwanted facial hair growth in some cases.
A study evaluating male patients with androgenetic alopecia over 12 months showed that oral finasteride to be more effective than topical 5% minoxidil at increasing hair density. The side effects were reported to be mild in both groups of patients.
Who is suitable for oral finasteride?
Oral finasteride is commonly prescribed for male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and can be effective for many individuals. However, its suitability depends on various factors:
Diagnosis of Male Pattern Baldness: It is typically recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with male pattern baldness, characterized by a progressive thinning of hair on the crown, temples, and frontal hairline.
Age: It is generally suitable for adult men, often starting from around age 18 or 20. It is not usually prescribed for adolescents or children due to potential risks and unknown effects on developing bodies.
Overall Health: Candidates should be in good overall health. People with certain medical conditions or who are taking specific medications may need to avoid finasteride or use it with caution. For instance, those with liver issues or those who have had prostate cancer should discuss risks with their healthcare provider.
Risk Tolerance for Side Effects: Individuals must be aware of and willing to accept potential side effects, which can include sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and other systemic effects. It’s important to weigh these potential risks against the benefits.
Commitment to Treatment: Oral finasteride requires ongoing, daily use to maintain effectiveness. Individuals should be prepared for the long-term commitment to the medication.
Pregnancy and Women of Childbearing Age: Finasteride is not recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects. Women with a risk of pregnancy should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets.
Effectiveness Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results. Finasteride is effective for many but may not be a cure-all for everyone. It’s more effective in individuals with early stages of hair loss and can help in maintaining existing hair and promoting new growth.
Who is unsuitable for oral finasteride?
Oral finasteride is not suitable for everyone, and there are certain groups of people for whom it may be inappropriate or require special consideration. Here are some categories of individuals who may be unsuitable for oral finasteride:
Women:
- Pregnant or Pregnant-Wanting: Finasteride can cause serious birth defects, particularly affecting the genitalia of a male fetus. It is contraindicated in pregnant women or those who may become pregnant.
- Women of Childbearing Age: Even though finasteride is not typically prescribed to women, it’s essential for women who are of childbearing age to avoid handling crushed or broken tablets due to the risk of exposure.
Children and Adolescents:
- Under 18: The safety and efficacy of finasteride in individuals under 18 have not been well-established. It is generally not prescribed to minors.
People with Certain Health Conditions:
- Liver Disease: Those with liver impairment or disease should avoid finasteride, as it is metabolized in the liver and could exacerbate liver conditions.
- Prostate Cancer: Finasteride can affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which may complicate the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.
Allergic Reactions:
- Known Allergies: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to finasteride or any of its components should avoid the medication.
Individuals with Severe Renal Impairment:
- Kidney Issues: Although not as commonly a concern as liver issues, severe renal impairment may require caution when using finasteride.
Those with Significant Mental Health Conditions:
- Mood Disorders: Finasteride has been associated with mood changes and depression in some users. Those with pre-existing significant mental health conditions may need to discuss potential risks with their healthcare provider.
Which area of the scalp can i see improvement?
Long term treatment of oral finasteride for hair loss has been shown to decrease the likelihood of further hair loss in men. The drug is more effective at the vertex region compared to the frontal scalp.
What about dutasteride for hair loss?
Dutasteride, in particular, is noteworthy as it is approximately 3 times more potent against type II 5 alpha-reductase enzyme and 100 times more potent against the type 1 enzyme. It is often used for patients who have not experienced satisfactory results with finasteride. The adverse effect profile of dutasteride is similar to that of finasteride. The use of oral dutasteride is off-label for androgenetic alopecia in Singapore.
Finasteride Price Singapore
TREATMENT | PRICE |
|---|---|
Finasteride (Generic) | from $64.9 |
Finasteride (Prop*cia) | from $100 |
Dutasteride | from $135 |
Topical 5% Minoxidil | from $60 |
Topical 5% Minoxidil / 0.01% Tretinoin | from $96 |
Topical Finasteride/ 5% Minoxidil | from $96 |
Frequently Asked Questions On Oral Finasteride
Oral finasteride 1mg is a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor and works by reducing the amount of active androgen, dihydrotestesterone (DHT) in men. More than 90% of men on this oral medication will experience a slowing of hair loss, and up to 60% may experience hair regrowth. These results are sustained over 5 years in one study, and is generally well tolerated. Hair regrowth with treatment is more prominent over the midscalp and vertex areas
Oral finasteride is contraindicated in women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children. Studies have shown that it causes male foetal genital abnormalities during pregnancy.
- About 2-4% of patients may experience a loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculatory volume. However, there are studies to suggest that the rates of sexual dysfunction reduces over time whilst on treatment.
- Gynaecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
- Orthostatic hypotension. The sensation of feeling giddy when you stand up due to low blood pressure. The risk is increased when you are on blood pressure medicines such as alpha-blockers.
- Possibly slight increased risk of anxiety, depression and suicide ideation.
- Uncommonly, some patients may experience dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath and a skin rash.
- Post-finasteride syndrome is a constellation of side effects that persists after discontinuation of therapy. This is controversial and is currently being studied.
It is recommended that oral finasteride be continued indefinitely in order to salvage the hair preserved by the initial treatment. There are cases of rapid hair loss upon stopping oral finasteride therapy, and all gains made will be lost within 12 months.
A systematic review and meta-analysis in 2020 suggest an improvement in hair density and global photographic evaluation scores of combined topical minoxidil and oral finasteride compared to monotherapy. In addition, side effects of combination treatment did not differ much from that of standalone treatment.
Generally, there is very little data to support that low dose oral finasteride causes infertility. Studies have shown that even in cases of infertility, it is reversible upon stopping treatment.
No, blood donation is no allowed and is contraindicated for those while on treatment and 6 months after your last dose of oral finasteride treatment.
A 4-week course of treatment is $64.9 before GST.
Topical Minoxidil has an interesting story. It was discovered by accident, as doctors were using the oral form to treat high blood pressure and noticed the incidental side effect of increased hair growth. While it is unknown how minoxidil actually works, it should be used for at least 6 months for maximum efficiency. It is common for hair to shed for the first 2-6 weeks when starting treatment, but treatment should be continued as it will slow progression of the hair loss and partially restore hair in some cases over time. Minoxidil treatment can be used for male and female pattern hair loss.
finasteride for hair loss
Finasteride is a potent and effective option for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, particularly in men. While its use in women is limited and requires cautious consideration, it remains a valuable tool in the therapeutic arsenal against hair loss. Continuous monitoring and patient education are key to maximizing benefits and minimizing risks associated with finasteride therapy.
Schedule a consultation for oral finasteride hair loss treatment in singapore
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a key role in androgenetic alopecia. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to slow hair loss and, in many cases, stimulates new hair growth. To receive the best male or female hair loss treatment results, Dr.Ng offers a personalised treatment plan that is unique to your condition. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
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References:
- Sato A, Takeda A. Evaluation of efficacy and safety of finasteride 1 mg in 3177 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia. The Journal of dermatology. 2012 Jan;39(1):27-32.
- Nestor MS, Ablon G, Gade A, Han H, Fischer DL. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2021 Dec;20(12):3759-81.
- Chen L, Zhang J, Wang L, Wang H, Chen B. The efficacy and safety of finasteride combined with topical minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2020 Jun;44:962-70.
ABOUT DR MOSES NG
MBBS (London) with distinction
Dip Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) with distinction
Member of American Acne & Rosacea Society
Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery
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Dr. Moses Ng is a distinguished professional in the field of aesthetic medicine, renowned for his expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures. With over 15 years of experience, extensive training and a keen eye for detail, Dr. Ng specializes in a wide range of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, and acne scar management.
Dr. Moses Ng’s commitment to excellence and patient-centric approach have earned him a reputation as a trusted clinician in aesthetic medicine. His continuous pursuit of the latest advancements in the field ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care and the most effective treatments available.