Drug name: Finasteride
Other names used:
- Finalo®
- Finara®
- Finast®
- Finasterid IVAX®
- Finax®
- Fincar®
- Finpecia®
- Gefina®
- Propecia®
- Proscar®
- Prosteride®
Active Ingredients:
- Finasteride
Therapeutic effect of Finasteride: Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase which is essential in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride by inhibiting this enzyme reduces the androgenic activity in the scalp, reduces the prostate volume and decreases the risk of prostate cancer.
Indications: Finasteride is used for treating:
- Benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Acute urinary retention
- To reduce the risk of need of surgery in transurethral resection of the prostate
- Male pattern baldness (MPB)
Contraindications and cautions:Prior to using Finasteride talk to a doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Allergies to Finasteride or similar substances
- Urinary obstruction
- Liver disorder
Finasteride should be used only by men. It is strictly off limits for women, especially pregnant women. Finasteride may cause serious damage to the male fetus if the drug is taken by pregnant women. Pregnant women should not touch opened or broken Finasteride tablets.
Women and children should never use Finasteride tablets.
There are no dietary restrictions necessary when using Finasteride tablets unless a doctor prescribes one.
Side effects: Finasteride tablets can cause some adverse effects that are wholly or partly unintended. There are no prior proven records to show that the below mentioned effects will affect every user of this drug.
- Discontinue taking Finasteride at once if you experience allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of lip, tongue or face, throat closing sensation and breathlessness.
If you have any of the below mentioned symptoms then consult a doctor at once:
- Inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse (impotence)
- Decreased sex drive (decreased libido)
- Decreased ejaculation volume
- Conditions like pain or lumps in breasts or nipple discharge are serious side effects and if you experience these conditions then consult a doctor at once.
These are just some of the side effects and this is by no means an exhaustive list of adverse effects that can be caused by taking Finasteride tablets. For more information kindly consult your physician, pharmacist or see the full details presented with Finasteride.
Interactions: Prior to using Finasteride tablets, it is very important to consult a doctor and apprise him of the treatment or medication you are currently taking and also get a prescription from your doctor before starting any new drug to ensure that the combination of the two drugs is safe. But here are no reports to show that Finasteride reacts with any other medicine.
Additional Information: One is advised not to give Finasteride tablets to any person without proper medical prescription. Do not take this medicine in any other type of health related complication. Keep the medicine and syringes away from children to avoid any problems.
