Biotin+finasteride
About
Biotin+finasteride belongs to a class of medications called dermatological used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Alopecia is the thinning or loss of hair on the scalp or any part of the body. Androgenetic alopecia is the permanent hair loss from the scalp that causes baldness.
Biotin+finasteride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Biotin (a form of vitamin B) and Finasteride (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor). Biotin is a vitamin that stimulates the production of keratin (a natural protein) in hair that increases hair growth. Finasteride works by blocking the action of a 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the body that converts testosterone (male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone which causes hair loss. Thereby, it reduces dihydrotestosterone levels and slows down hair loss.
Take Biotin+finasteride as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Biotin+finasteride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience diarrhea, stomach upset, low sexual desire, impotence (erectile dysfunction), abnormal ejaculation, or trouble having an orgasm. Most of these side effects of Biotin+finasteride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Biotin+finasteride or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Biotin+finasteride is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking Biotin+finasteride as it is not for use in women. If you are planning to father a child, inform your doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride as it may affect the sexual activity or male fertility. Avoid alcohol consumption with Biotin+finasteride as it may decrease the absorption of Biotin+finasteride.
Uses of Biotin+finasteride
Medicinal Benefits
Biotin+finasteride is a combination of two drugs, namely: Biotin and Finasteride used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Biotin is a vitamin that stimulates the production of keratin (a natural protein) in hair that increases hair growth. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks the action of a 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the body that converts testosterone (male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone which causes hair loss. Thereby, it reduces dihydrotestosterone levels and slows down hair loss. Together, Biotin+finasteride stimulates hair growth and slows down the process of balding.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Biotin+finasteride
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach upset
- Low sexual desire
- Impotence (erectile dysfunction)
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Trouble having an orgasm
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Biotin+finasteride or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Biotin+finasteride is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking Biotin+finasteride as it is not for use in women. If you are planning to father a child, inform your doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride as it may affect the sexual activity or male fertility. If you have had stomach surgery or have prostate cancer, urination problems, stricture (abnormal narrowing due to scarring) of the urethra, bladder muscle disorder, kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride. Avoid alcohol consumption with Biotin+finasteride as it may decrease the absorption of Biotin+finasteride. If you experience any changes in mood or feel depressed, stop taking Biotin+finasteride and consult a doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Biotin+finasteride may interact with anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid consumption of alcohol with Biotin+finasteride as it may decrease the absorption of Biotin+finasteride.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have had stomach surgery or have prostate cancer, urination problems, stricture (abnormal narrowing due to scarring) of the urethra, bladder muscle disorder, kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Biotin+finasteride as it may decrease the absorption of Biotin+finasteride. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Biotin+finasteride.
Pregnancy
unsafeBiotin+finasteride is not recommended for pregnant women as it may harm the foetus, especially it may affect the development of the male baby’s sex organs. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBiotin+finasteride is contraindicated in women. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedBiotin+finasteride usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Biotin+finasteride with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Biotin+finasteride with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeBiotin+finasteride is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Get your regular medical examinations done to keep a check on your hormonal profile (androgen) and nutritional deficiencies that cause hair fall.
- It is advised to timely monitor your hormonal and vitamin D profiles, which can affect your hair loss.
- Avoid overusing styling tools like blow dryers, curling rods and chemical dying, which can cause loss of natural hair oils and cause hair fall.
- Regular oiling helps in the blood circulation of the scalp and nourishes the roots.
- Wash your hair twice a week with a good shampoo and conditioner to reduce hair fall.
- Practice yoga and meditation to control your stress.
Special Advise
- Biotin+finasteride is contraindicated in women and also children below 18 years of age.
- If you are about to have any blood tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Biotin+finasteride as it may affect test results of certain tests such as blood test to detect changes in prostate or development of prostate cancer.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Androgenetic alopecia: It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs on the top and front of the head. On the other hand, in female pattern baldness, thinning occurs on the top and crown of the head. Male pattern baldness is usually genetic in nature or associated with androgens (male sex hormones).
FAQs
Biotin+finasteride contains Biotin and Finasteride used to treat male pattern baldness. Biotin is a vitamin that stimulates the production of keratin (a natural protein) in hair that increases hair growth. Finasteride blocks the action of a 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the body that converts testosterone (male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone that causes hair loss. Thereby, it reduces dihydrotestosterone levels and slows down hair loss. Together, Biotin+finasteride stimulates hair growth and slows down the process of balding.
Biotin+finasteride contains Finasteride that may be found in the semen of men taking Biotin+finasteride. If your partner is pregnant, it is recommended to use a condom as finasteride may harm the foetus.
You are not recommended to take Biotin+finasteride with phenobarbital at the same time as it may affect the absorption of Biotin+finasteride. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, take Biotin+finasteride 2 to 3 hours after taking phenobarbital. However, please consult a doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride with other medicines.
Biotin+finasteride may affect male fertility or sexual activity. Therefore, if you are planning to father a child, it is advised to inform your doctor before taking Biotin+finasteride.
Biotin+finasteride contains Finasteride that is contraindicated in women. Therefore, Biotin+finasteride is not recommended to treat female pattern baldness. However, please consult a doctor so that appropriate medicines may be prescribed.
Biotin+finasteride is not recommended for patients with prostate cancer as it may worsen the condition. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have prostate cancer before taking Biotin+finasteride.
