Finasteride
Drug name: Finasteride
Other names used:
- Finalo®
- Finara®
- Finast®
- Finasterid IVAX®
- Finax®
- Fincar®
- Finpecia®
- Gefina®
- Propecia®
- Proscar®
- Prosteride®
Active Ingredients:
Finasteride
Therapeutic actions: Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.
Indications: For the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: Improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, reduce the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostat. Finasteride is also used to reduce hair loss due to male pattern baldness.
Contraindications and cautions: Before taking finasteride,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to finasteride or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blockage of urine flow or liver disease.
- you should know that finasteride is only for use in men. If taken by pregnant women, finasteride can cause abnormalities in the male fetus. Women who are or may be pregnant should not touch broken or crushed finasteride tablets.
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with finasteride unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Fenasterid should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Stop taking finasteride and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Finasteride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
- decreased libido (interest in sex)
- decreased volume of ejaculate (amount of semen)
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- changes in the breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
There are no known interactions between finasteride and other medications.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
