What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescriptions drug comes in the form of an oral tablet. The tablet is available in the brand name drug called Proscar and Propecia. The medication prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the body. It’s involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Finasteride Uses
Finasteride is used to shrink the enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult males. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery
The medication helps in improving the symptoms of BPH and provides benefits such as reduced urge to urinate, improved flow of urine with less strain, less feeling that the bladder is not completely empty, and decreased night-time urination. Finasteride medication works by reducing the amount of natural body hormone which can cause the growth of the prostate.
Finasteride Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Finasteride are:
- Trouble getting erection
- Ejaculation disorderEjaculation disorder
- Increase in breast size
- Tenderness
- Skin rash
Some of the serious side effects of Finasteride are:
- Swelling of the lips
- Depression
- Lumps or pain in the breasts
- If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Finasteride if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
- A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Finasteride side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Finasteride talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients that cause allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using the Finasteride talk to your doctor if you are having any medical history:
- Liver disease
- Prostate cancer
- Infections
- Urinary problems
How to take Finasteride?
- Finasteride is usually available in the form of tablets. Take finasteride around the same time every day. Take finasteride just as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take more of it than prescribed by your doctor.
- If you are taking finasteride to treat BPH, you should know that finasteride may control your condition, but it will not cure it. It may take at least 6 months to improve your symptoms. Continue to take finasteride even if you feel good.
- If you are taking finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss, it may take at least 3 months before you see any improvement, as hair loss and growth occur slowly over time. However, you should expect to see improvement in the first 12 months of your treatment. If you have been taking finasteride for 12 months and have not seen any improvement, further treatment may not help.
Forms and Strengths
Dosage for male pattern hair loss
Generic: Finasteride
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 1 mg
Brand: Propecia
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 1 mg
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Typical dosage: 1 mg per day.
Dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Generic: Finasteride
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 5 mg
Brand: Proscar
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 5 mg
Adult dosage (ages 18 years and older)
Typical dosage: 5 mg per day.
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Finasteride won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Finasteride tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergy Warnings
- Trouble in breathing
- Swelling of throat and tongue
- Hives
Warnings for some serious health conditions
For people with Liver Disease
This drug is being processed in your liver. If you have liver disease, your body may be able to process this medicine more slowly. This could lead to the build-up of this drug in your body, which could increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor may reduce your dose of finasteride.
For people with prostate cancer
Finasteride may increase the chance of a fast-growing or irregular form of prostate cancer. If you have or have had prostate cancer, this drug may make you worse.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Finasteride consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get any side effects after taking Finasteride rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Finasteride.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil
Finasteride |
Minoxidil |
|---|---|
| Finasteride is a prescriptions drug comes in the form of an oral tablet. The tablet is available in the brand name drug called Proscar and Propecia. The medication prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in the body. | Minoxidil is a class of drugs known as vasodilators. How minoxidil causes hair growth is not known. |
| Finasteride is used to shrink the enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult males. It may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery. | The medication is used for stimulating hair growth and slow baldness. It is most effective for people under 40 years of age who have recently lost their hair. |
Some of the common side effects of Finasteride are:
|
Most of the common side effects of Minoxidil are:
|
