Finasteride

Brand Name: Propecia Proscar

Prescription: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Finasteride is prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients with BPH have a larger-than-normal prostate gland which hinders the flow of urine. It is only prescribed once your doctor has ruled out prostate cancer as the symptoms are similar. Finasteride lowers a hormone which shrinks the prostate gland over time and relieves symptoms of frequent or difficult urination improving urine flow.

Finasteride may also be used in lower doses to stimulate hair growth in balding men. When prescribed to reverse male-pattern baldness finasteride prevents the inactivity of hair follicles.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to finasteride. Women or children should not take finasteride. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • prostate cancer
  • problems with the liver

Also tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery.

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • inability to have or maintain an erection
  • decreased interest in sex
  • reduced volume of ejaculate (amount of semen)

In some cases these side effects may disappear while you continue to take finasteride. Side effects are more likely with higher doses. If symptoms persist they usually resolve after the medication is discontinued. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Other less common and potentially serious side effects include:

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

  • rash
  • swelling and tenderness of the breasts
  • swelling of the lips
  • wheezing

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

No prescription drug interaction of clinical importance has been identified. However always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug or affect the medical condition you are treating.

Other information

Finasteride has very few side effects and does not usually interact with other drugs. Your doctor will want to review your response to this drug periodically to check its effect.

This drug passes into semen and can harm a male fetus. As such it is important to wear a condom if your partner is of childbearing age.

This drug can be absorbed through the skin and can harm a male fetus. Women of childbearing age should avoid touching the broken or crushed tablets even in small quantities.

For BPH: This medicine does not cure BPH but it does help to reduce the size of the prostate. You must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect.

For hair growth: You may have to take this medicine for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride is stopped.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: No known problems.

Pregnant women: Not prescribed. Women who are pregnant should avoid touching crushed or broken tablets as finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and can harm a male fetus.

Women who are nursing: Not prescribed.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Alcohol: If you drink always drink in moderation.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug. Stopping treatment could cause symptoms to come back.

If you miss a 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 conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor.