Drug interactions
DHEA herbal + Finasteride
Severity: Minor
DHEA herbal and Finasteride: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
DHEA is an androgen precursor that can be converted to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which may work against the 5-alpha-reductase inhibition of finasteride. Any effect on finasteride levels through CYP3A4 is not well established.
What this interaction means in plain words
DHEA herbal and Finasteride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not firmly established; the supplement is an androgen precursor and may oppose finasteride pharmacodynamically.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary DHEA supplementation in men treated with finasteride, and review therapeutic response if used.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Finasteride
- Finasteride + Levoketoconazole Moderate
- Finasteride + Nefazodone Moderate
- Finasteride + Rifampin Moderate
- Finasteride + St john's wort Moderate
- Amobarbital + Finasteride Minor
- Aprepitant + Finasteride Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take DHEA herbal with Finasteride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. DHEA herbal and Finasteride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. DHEA is an androgen precursor that can be converted to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, which may work against the 5-alpha-reductase inhibition of finasteride. Any effect on finasteride levels through CYP3A4 is not well established.
How serious is the interaction between DHEA herbal and Finasteride?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unnecessary DHEA supplementation in men treated with finasteride, and review therapeutic response if used.
What other medicines interact with Finasteride?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Finasteride with, for example, Levoketoconazole, Nefazodone, Rifampin. The full list is on the Finasteride page.
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