Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) Practice Exam

In terms of risk, which group of individuals should avoid exposure to finasteride spills?

1. Children

2. Individuals with heart disease

3. Pregnant women

4. Allergy sufferers

The correct answer is: Pregnant women

Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Exposure to finasteride, particularly through spilled medication, poses significant risks for certain individuals, especially pregnant women. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to finasteride spills because the drug can cause developmental abnormalities in a male fetus, such as genital deformities and other issues. Even minute amounts of the drug that might be absorbed through the skin can be harmful, so precautions must be taken to prevent contact. For this reason, this group is particularly vulnerable and should refrain from any potential exposure to finasteride. While children might be affected by finasteride, the critical concern arises from its teratogenic effects on the male fetus during pregnancy. Individuals with heart disease and those with allergies are not at heightened risk of adverse effects specifically from exposure to finasteride. In contexts like this, the focus on the potential for causing harm to developing fetuses underscores the importance of avoiding exposure for pregnant women.