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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.--
In Canada--
|
Note: |
Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses. |
Finasteride (fin-AS-tur-ide) belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), finasteride may decrease the severity of symptoms.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of finasteride on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.
Finasteride also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of finasteride, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride treatment is stopped.
Finasteride is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For finasteride, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--Women who are or may become pregnant should not take finasteride or should not be exposed to crushed finasteride tablets, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.
Older adults--This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines--Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care
professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription
(over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Finasteride
tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who
are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets. For patients taking this medicine for
benign prostatic
hyperplasia
(BPH): For individuals taking this medicine for
hair growth
: Dosing--The dose of finasteride
will be different for different patients.
Follow your
doctor's orders or the directions on the label
. The following information
includes only the average dose of finasteride.
If your
dose is different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to
do so:
Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage--To store this medicine:
Women
who are or who may become pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets.
There is a risk that the medicine could get into the pregnant woman's body
and cause birth defects in a male fetus. Along with its needed effects,
a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side
effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of
the following side effects occur
: Less common
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Side Effects of This Medicine
|
Note: |
Breast enlargement and tenderness, skin rash and swelling of lips are more likely to occur with the 5-mg dose. |
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common or rare
Abdominal pain; back pain; decreased libido (decreased interest in sex); decreased volume of ejaculate (decreased amount of semen); diarrhea; dizziness; headache; impotence (inability to have or keep an erection)|
Note: |
A decrease in the amount of semen during ejaculation should not affect your sexual performance and is not a sign of any change in fertility. |
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 04/27/98
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