FINASTERIDE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (fin-AS-ter-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Proscar
GENERIC NAME(S): finasteride
Uses
USES: Finasteride is used to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult men. It may be used alone or taken in combination with other medications to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery. Finasteride may improve symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as decreased urge to urinate, better urine flow with less straining, less of a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied, and decreased nighttime urination. This medication works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate. Finasteride is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. Women and children should not use this medication.
How to use FINASTERIDE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. If the tablet is crushed or broken, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or by a woman who may become pregnant (see also Precautions section). Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take 6-12 months to notice a benefit. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Precautions
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Overdose
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Faq for FINASTERIDE - ORAL
Finasteride is an oral medication that is commonly used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement and hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to decrease the size of the prostate and promote hair growth.
Some common side effects of finasteride include decreased sexual desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and decreased semen volume. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Although rare, finasteride may have serious side effects such as allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue), breast lumps, nipple discharge, and depression. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
No, finasteride is not recommended for use in women, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The medication may cause harm to the fetus, so women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
In the case of BPH, it may take up to 6 months to notice significant improvements in urinary symptoms. For male pattern hair loss, it may take at least 3 months to see visible regrowth.
If you experience side effects while taking finasteride, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. They can guide you on whether to continue or stop the medication based on your specific situation.
While finasteride is not approved as a treatment for preventing prostate cancer, it has been found to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in some studies. However, the decision to use finasteride for this purpose should be made after discussing the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
Before taking any additional medications, including over-the-counter drugs or herbal supplements, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about your use of finasteride. Certain medications may interact with finasteride, potentially affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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