Knowledge Content
From a drug perspective, Finasteride was initially approved for two indications: the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, trade name Proscar) and the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA, trade name Propecia). The so-called "discontinuation" primarily applies to the BPH treatment market. With the increasing prevalence of safer alpha-blockers (such as tamsulosin) and combination therapy, Finasteride's market share in the first-line BPH treatment market has declined from 35% in 2010 to 12% in 2023, due to its long-term use (effectiveness lasting 6-12 months) and potential sexual side effects (incidence of approximately 3%-5%). Some pharmaceutical companies have voluntarily discontinued their BPH-specific formulations due to declining profits, but this does not necessarily mean the drug itself has been banned.https://www.fiercerawsource.com/steroid-finished/steroid-finished-tablets/stromusc-pills-5mg-finasteride-100-tablets.html
In the hair loss treatment market, Finasteride remains a first-line drug: due to the lack of equally effective oral alternatives and the long-term proven safety of its low-dose (1mg/day), it continues to be supplied in most countries worldwide. Furthermore, rumors of a "discontinuation" have been confused with drug recalls in certain regions-for example, a manufacturer's temporary recall in 2021 due to excessive impurities in a production batch, not due to a safety flaw in the drug itself.
In essence, Finasteride's "delisting" is a normal phenomenon of "indication optimization" in the drug life cycle, rather than a complete elimination caused by drug safety issues. Its core therapeutic value continues to be reflected in the field of hair loss.
