Finasteride
Important Information
Finasteride may cause decreased sexual desire or ability (eg, decrease in sex drive, problems with ejaculation, difficulty in achieving an erection). If this occurs, it may continue after you stop the medicine. If you develop decreased sexual desire or ability that continues or becomes bothersome, check with your doctor. If this effect continues after you stop finasteride, contact your doctor.
Finasteride may increase the risk of certain birth defects, including abnormal formation of genitalia in male fetuses. Finasteride is coated to prevent contact with finasteride while handling undamaged tablets. The coating is not effective if the tablets are damaged, broken, or crushed. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid contact with damaged, broken, or crushed tablets. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once.
Finasteride Uses
Treating urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). It is also used to lower the risk of needing surgery to treat BPH. It may be used with another medicine (doxazosin) to lower the risk of worsening BPH. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Finasteride is a type of steroid reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This makes the prostate gland smaller, which helps to relieve urinary problems.
Finasteride is a type of steroid reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This makes the prostate gland smaller, which helps to relieve urinary problems.
Before Using Finasteride
Some medical conditions may interact with finasteride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have narrowing or a blockage in the urinary tract, prostate cancer, nerve or muscle problems of the bladder, a bladder infection, severe trouble urinating, or if you are unable to urinate
- if you have a history of increased serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, abnormal liver function tests, or liver problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with finasteride. However, no specific interactions with finasteride are known at this time.
How To Use Finasteride
Use finasteride as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- An extra patient leaflet is available with finasteride. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
- Take finasteride by mouth with or without food.
- Continue to take finasteride even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Taking finasteride at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- If you miss a dose of finasteride, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use finasteride.
Possible Side Effects Of Finasteride
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Decreased sexual desire or ability.
Decreased sexual desire or ability.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast enlargement, lumps, pain, or tenderness; depression; nipple discharge; testicular pain.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
