The Web Health

Finasteride

Generic name: Finasteride [ fin-AS-ter-ide ]
The brand names are: Propecia, Proscar
Dosage format: Oral tablet (1 mg 5 mg)
Class of drug: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is prescribed as a single medication or in combination with other medications to treat the symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia ( BPH) in males with an overly large prostate. Finasteride can also be used in the treatment of the loss of male hair pattern for men. Finasteride is intended for use by males only. Finasteride is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline for medication.

Side effects of Finasteride

Contact a medical professional immediately in the event that you exhibit symptoms warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as asthma; hives or swelling of your lips, face and throat.

Contact your physician immediately when you spot any symptoms of breast cancer For example:

  • Lumps or discomfort in the breasts;
  • Nipple discharge; or
  • Any other breast modifications.

Contact your doctor right away If you suffer from:

  • Blood in your semen
  • Discomfort in your testicles

It could be more difficult for you to become pregnant if you're using finasteride.

Common negative side effects of finasteride can be:

  • Lower interest in sex
  • Difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an issue
  • Difficulty in having orgasms;
  • Abnormal ejaculation
  • Breast swelling or tenderness.

These sexual effects associated with finasteride could persist even when you stop taking the medication. Consult your physician should you have any concerns about these effects. This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Finasteride is not to not be used by a woman or child.

Prior to use this drug

It is best not to take finasteride when you are allergic to it. Finasteride can increase the chance of you developing a more serious type or type of prostate cancer. Consult your physician about this possibility.

Speak to your doctor if were ever diagnosed with:

  • Prostate cancer
  • The liver condition or abnormal tests for liver function.

Finasteride should not be used by a woman or child. Finasteride could cause birth defects when a woman is subjected to the drug during her pregnancy. A damaged tablet of finasteride is not recommended for pregnant women or who is likely to be pregnant. The medicine from the tablet that has been broken can be absorbed into the skin. If a woman happens to come in contact with a broken or broken tablet, clean the area with soap and water straight away.

How to take Finasteride?

Your doctor will run tests to ensure that finasteride is a suitable treatment for your needs. Follow the directions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions. Follow the medication precisely as directed. Take a glass of water at the same time every day, either with or without food. It is possible that you will not benefit from this drug for three months or more. Make sure to take finasteride on a regular basis for greatest outcomes. Your physician will monitor your health regularly. You'll require frequent tests for prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests to test whether you have prostate cancer. Inform your doctor when you discontinue taking finasteride on a regular basis, as this may alter your PSA tests. Keep this medicine in a cool, dry temperature, out of heat, moisture and light. Store the tablets in the original container and tightly seal them when not in use.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:

5 mg orally taken once per day

Comments:
Dosing is the same in single therapy and in combination therapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Androgenetic Alopecia:

1 mg orally, once a day

To treat men's pattern hair loss ( androgenetic alopecia) for males only. (Safety and effectiveness have been proven in men between the ages of 18 and 41 of age who have moderate to light hair loss in the vertex as well as the anterior mid the scalp):

Comments:
Daily use for three months or more is required before benefits can be seen. It is recommended to continue using the product for long-term benefit.
The withdrawal of treatment can result in an end of the effect in 12 months.

Use: To treat for male-specific hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in males only. (Safety and effectiveness have been established in males aged between 18 and 41 years old with moderate to light loss of hair of the vertex and mid-scalp area).

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

Don't miss the dose you missed and take your next dose at the normal time. Don't take two doses at once.

What Happens If I Overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Do not share finasteride with anyone else even if they suffer from similar symptoms to yours.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Other medications can affect finasteride, such as prescription and over-the counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about any other medications you are taking.XS