This article describes possible interactions with finasteride oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
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Other drugs and finasteride
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any other drugs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with drugs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Before taking finasteride oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions. If you’re concerned about possible interactions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Questions about finasteride and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about finasteride and possible interactions.
What drugs should not be taken with finasteride?
Currently, there aren’t any known drugs that should not be taken with finasteride. This is based on studies of the drug and reports since it was approved for use.
That said, your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your health and treatment needs. Just because a medication doesn’t interact with finasteride doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe for you to take it. But currently, finasteride isn’t known to have drug interactions, including any major or severe interactions.
Is there an interaction between finasteride and NSAIDs? Can I take finasteride with ibuprofen?
No, there aren’t known interactions between finasteride and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are used to relieve fever, pain, and inflammation. Although NSAIDs aren’t known to interact with finasteride, NSAIDs do interact with many other medications. NSAIDs also interact with some health conditions and other factors. For this reason, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an NSAID with finasteride oral tablet. They can advise on whether it’s safe to do so.
Other interactions and finasteride
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether finasteride oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with finasteride.
Finasteride and supplements
Before taking finasteride oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Finasteride interactions with herbs
Finasteride oral tablet may interact with saw palmetto. This herb is often used for lowering symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is also prescribed for this use.
Finasteride and saw palmetto work in a similar way. It’s not known whether this combination is safe to use. Taking finasteride and saw palmetto may raise the risk of side effects from either drug, as they work in a similar manner.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking saw palmetto and finasteride oral tablet together.
Finasteride interactions with vitamins
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins while taking finasteride oral tablet.
Finasteride and food
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking finasteride oral tablet. They can update you on developments related to finasteride food interactions.
Finasteride and vaccines
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking finasteride oral tablet.
Finasteride and lab tests
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any medical lab tests performed while taking finasteride oral tablet.
Finasteride and cannabis or CBD
Finasteride oral tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis or using any CBD products while taking finasteride oral tablet.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Alcohol and finasteride
Finasteride oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
However, your doctor may suggest limiting alcohol consumption if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (Finasteride is prescribed to treat BPH symptoms.) Alcohol can worsen symptoms of BPH. Alcohol may also worsen erectile dysfunction (ED), a possible side effect of finasteride.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking finasteride oral tablet. While finasteride interactions with alcohol aren’t known to exist at this time, your doctor can provide info on whether it’s safe for you to consume alcohol during finasteride treatment.
Health factors and finasteride
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with finasteride oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether finasteride is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with finasteride oral tablet:
When to avoid finasteride
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with finasteride oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe finasteride in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for finasteride oral tablet:
- Pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, taking finasteride oral tablet may cause congenital anomalies (previously referred to as birth defects).
- Past allergic reaction to finasteride. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to finasteride oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking finasteride, tell your doctor if either of these factors relate to you. They can recommend whether you should take finasteride.
Preventing finasteride interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with finasteride oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking finasteride oral tablet.
Taking finasteride exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about finasteride and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Should I let you know if I make lifestyle changes, such as changes to my diet or exercise routine?
- Should I tell you if I start taking another medication or supplement during my finasteride treatment?
- If I take finasteride and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
