Which drug should not be handled by women of childbearing age?

• A. Methotrexate
• B. Fluoxetine
• C. Finasteride
• D. Sulfasalazine

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that some medicines are highly dangerous if a fetus is exposed to them, so handling restrictions exist for women who could become pregnant. Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is essential for male fetal genital development. If a pregnant woman handles the drug, especially if a tablet is crushed or broken, the active substance can be absorbed through the skin and potentially cause birth defects in a male fetus. Because of this fetal risk, women of childbearing potential should not handle finasteride, and if exposure occurs, steps should be taken to wash the skin and seek guidance. While other drugs on the list also have teratogenic risks if used during pregnancy, finasteride is the one specifically cautioned against for handling by women who could become pregnant due to the direct fetal harm risk.