Don't Take This With That: All About Finasteride Interactions

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on March 28, 2022

Studies have found more than 200 prescription drugs that interact with one another. Now, while we're not trying to scare you, it's important to be aware that drugs can and do interact with one another. 

One drug that many people order in Canada is Finasteride. It's essential to be aware of any potential Finasteride interactions so that you can stay safe and take advantage of the benefits of this drug. 

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So, are you ready to learn about Finasteride drug interactions and precautions? Let's take a look at them in this helpful guide. 

Before you jump into reading this article, be sure to look at the table of contents. That way, you can skip to whichever part makes sense for you.

Table of contents:

What Is Finasteride?

Before we talk about Finasteride 5mg or 1 mg drug interactions, let's talk about what the drug actually is.

This drug is mostly associated with helping men with a specific sexual problem: enlarged prostates, as well as male hair loss. 

As you might imagine, this drug is not for women. It's also not for children. Anyone who is considering taking it should consult with a doctor or medical professional first. 

Finasteride for BPH

Finasteride can help with BPH, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, and reduce the symptoms of this disease. Men dealing with this issue usually take a 5 mg dose of Finasteride.

A few of the benefits men experience while taking this drug include:

1. Decreased urge to urinate
2. Better urine flow
3. Less straining on the bathroom
4. Feeling that the bladder is completely emptied
5. Decreased need to urinate at night

The reason that this medication works so well is that it decreases the amount of DHT hormones in the body. Those hormones cause the growth of the prostate, and by reducing them, men can alleviate enlarged prostate issues. 

Finasteride for Male Hair Loss

Finasteride, also known under its brand name Propecia, can also help put a stop to hair loss in men. The reason for this, again, has to do with the DHT hormone.

Men who have an excess of DHT hormone may find that their hair becomes thin and brittle, often falling out. When men lower their DHT levels, they can often control their hair loss better. 

Men using Finasteride for hair loss typically take a 1 mg dose. This lower dose is more appropriate for men who aren't dealing with serious prostate issues. The price of finasteride may differ by dosage.

Read more: Finasteride Results

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What Drugs May Interact With Finasteride?

Next, let's talk about how to take Finasteride and other drugs. After all, if you're planning to use Finasteride, you need to know what you can and cannot take with it. 

Some known drug interactions of Propecia include St. John's Wort, carbamazepine, and rifampin. These substances increase the breakdown of Propecia in the liver, leading to reduced levels of the substance in the blood and reduced effectiveness. 

On the other hand, erythromycin and Itraconazole have the opposite effect. When you mix Finasteride with these drugs, you can end up increasing the total amount of the drug in your system. 

Other drugs that might interact with Finasteride include: 

1. Abametapir topical
2. Avacopan
3. Diltiazem
4. Duvelisib
5. Fluconazole
6. Fluvoxamine
7. Fostamatinib
8. Larotrectinib
9. Lonapegsomatropin
10. Nefazodone
11. Nelfinavir
12. Saquinavir
13. Selpercatinib
14. Sirolimus
15. Somapacitan-beco
16. Somatrem
17. Somatropin
18. Tacrolimus
19. Temsirolimus
20. Terazosin
21. Voriconazole

If you are taking any of these drugs and considering using Finasteride, you may need to find a different supplement. Speak with your doctor to see whether or not it's a good choice for you. 

In addition, you should know that there are a few Finasteride food interactions. The main food to avoid if you're taking Finasteride is ginseng. 

Read more: Finasteride vs Dutasteride

Is There an Interaction Between Finasteride and Alcohol?

It's also important to talk about any potential Finasteride interaction with alcohol. That's because many people enjoy having a couple of drinks a week and don't even think about how that will mix with their supplements or prescriptions!

The reality is, if you're taking certain supplements and medications, they often mix with alcohol. We're not talking about it in a good way, either. 

Finasteride does interact with alcohol, although in a relatively harmless way. Studies have shown that men who take Finasteride may be prone to drinking less alcohol throughout the week.  

This is because the drug produces neurosteroids, which the brain also produces when you consume alcohol. Since men taking Finasteride have an increase in these neurosteroids, they're less likely to turn to alcohol for them.

What Signs of Warning Should You Be Aware Of?

There are a few warning signs of having a drug interaction or negative reaction to taking Finasteride. These include: 

1. Itchy, red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin
2. Wheezing and tightness in the chest
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Difficulty talking
5. Swelling in the tongue, throat, face, lips, or mouth
6. Depression
7. Lumps and swelling in the chest

Remember, while these may be warning signs of drug interaction, they can also simply be side effects of taking the medication. Either way, if you experience these symptoms while taking Finasteride, it's best to visit a healthcare professional. 

Read more: Finasteride Before And After

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Final Words

Finasteride interactions, although rare, can cause serious harm. Make sure that you carefully consult a doctor and consider your lifestyle before choosing to take drugs like finasteride or minoxidil.