Harifin-5 Finasteride 5 mg.
Harifin-5 is used to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate. Men with BPH usually have difficulty urinating, a decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, and a need to get up at night to urinate. Harifin-5 will make these symptoms less severe and reduce the chance that prostate surgery will be needed. It may be used alone or in combination with other medicines such as an alpha-blocker (doxazosin, Cardura®) to treat BPH. For men with hair loss, Harifin-5 will increase the number of scalp hairs but will not increase the amount of body hair.
Harifin-5 blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in males. It will increase testosterone levels in the body, which decreases prostate size and increases hair growth on the scalp. The effect of Harifin-5 on the prostate and scalp will only last as long as the medicine is taken. When it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again and the hair will be lost.
Harifin-5 is indicated for the treatment of men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
Harifin-5 is not indicated for use in women or children.
Harifin-5 is not effective in postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia.
HOW SHOULD I USE HARIFIN-5?
Use Harifin-5 as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
An extra patient leaflet is available with Harifin-5. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
Take Harifin-5 by mouth with or without food.
Continue to take Harifin-5 even if you notice improvement of your symptoms. Do not miss any doses.
Taking Harifin-5 at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
If you miss a dose of Harifin-5, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Use: Labeled Indications
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss): Treatment of male pattern hair loss in men.
Limitations of use: Efficacy in bitemporal recession has not been established.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Treatment (monotherapy) of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of need for BPH-related surgery; used in combination with an alpha-blocker (doxazosin) to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression.
Limitations of use: Not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
Off Label Uses
Hirsutism
Data from a systematic review and network meta-analysis of published randomized trials of women with hirsutism (idiopathic, related to polycystic ovary syndrome or nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia) support the use of Harifin-5 for treatment of hirsutism.
HARIFIN-5 DESCRIPTION
Each film-coated tablet of Harifin-5 contains 1 mg of Harifin-5.
Harifin-5 is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a specific inhibitor of Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that metabolizes the androgen testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Harifin-5 is a white, crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 372.55. It is freely soluble in chloroform and in lower alcohol solvents but is practically insoluble in water.
HARIFIN-5 DOSAGE
Generic name: Harifin-5 5mg
Dosage form: tablet, film coated
The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Harifin-5 may be administered with or without meals.
Monotherapy
The recommended dose of Harifin-5 is one tablet (5 mg) taken once a day.
Combination with Alpha-Blocker
The recommended dose of Harifin-5 is one tablet (5 mg) taken once a day in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin.
