Finasteride Tablets

Description

Brand name: Propecia (1 mg), Proscar (5 mg)
Generic name: Finasteride Tablets (1 mg and 5 mg)

What is Finasteride and what is it used for?

Finasteride is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The 1 mg tablets (Propecia) are primarily used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in men by preventing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth. The 5 mg tablets (Proscar) are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition of an enlarged prostate, which can help improve symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently.

How to take Finasteride Tablets:

Finasteride tablets are taken orally, usually once daily, with or without food.
The dosage depends on the condition being treated: 1 mg is typically prescribed for hair loss, while 5 mg is prescribed for BPH.
Take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your body.
Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
It may take several months to notice improvement in symptoms. Do not stop taking Finasteride without consulting your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects of Finasteride:

Finasteride may cause some side effects, including:

Decreased libido (sex drive)
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased ejaculate volume
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Rash
Dizziness
Weakness
If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Rare but serious side effects include breast lumps, nipple discharge, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

Precautions and warnings for Finasteride:

Before taking Finasteride, inform your doctor if you have any liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary issues, or a history of medication allergies. Finasteride can interact with certain medications, so inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Finasteride is intended for use by men only. It should not be used by women, especially during pregnancy, as it can cause birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets, as Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride also should not be used by children.

Finasteride may cause changes in blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which may affect prostate cancer screenings. Inform your doctor that you are taking Finasteride before any PSA tests.

Finasteride is a prescription medication and should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for safe and effective use.