Finasteride: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Finasteride?

What is Finasteride used for?

Finasteride is a drug that is available in tablet form. This drug is included in the 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drug class, which is a drug that works to prevent the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that can convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Finasteride is used to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult men. This medication can be used alone or in combination with other drugs to reduce symptoms of BPH and can also reduce surgery.

Finasteride can relieve the symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as reduced urge to urinate, better urine flow, not feeling that the contents of the bladder are not completely drained, and decreased urination at night.

This drug can also be used to treat bald head problems in the front and middle part of adult men. This drug is classified as a prescription drug, so you can only buy it if accompanied by a prescription from your doctor. Women and children should not use this drug.

How is finasteride used?

There are several things you should know, such as the following:

• Take this medication, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow this medication and drink a glass of water afterward.
• If this tablet is crushed or damaged, do not expose it to a woman who is pregnant or to a woman who may become pregnant (see also Precautions & Warnings section).
• Use this remedy regularly for the best benefits. Remember to use it at the same time every day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
• It may take 6-12 months to feel the benefits of this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or gets worse.
• Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How is finasteride stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze in the freezer.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Finasteride dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of finasteride for adults?

Adult dosage for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• 5 mg orally once a day

Adult dosage for androgenetic alopecia (baldness)

• 1 mg orally once a day

For the treatment of men with hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), safety and effectiveness have been demonstrated in men between 18 and 41 years of age with mild to moderate hair loss from the vertex and mid-anterior scalp region.

What is the dose of finasteride for children?

Finasteride should not be used by children.

In what dosage is Finasteride available?

Tablet, Oral: 1 mg, 5 mg

Finasteride side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to finasteride?

Get immediate medical care if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: nausea, vomiting, sweating, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or feel like you might pass out.

Call your doctor if you notice a breast lump, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. This may be a sign of breast cancer in men.

Less serious side effects may include:

• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or difficulty having an orgasm
• abnormal ejaculation
• swelling in the hands or feet
• swelling or pain in your breast
• dizzy
• feeling like you might pass out
• headache
• nose discharge
• skin rash

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Finasteride Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using finasteride?

Before using finasteride, there are a number of things that you should pay attention to, as follows.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Finasteride, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in Finasteride tablets. Ask a pharmacist or check the ingredient list for drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products that you are using or will be using. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medication or monitor any possible side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or prostate cancer.
• You should know that finasteride is only used in men. Women, especially those who are or may become pregnant should not touch damaged or crushed finasteride tablets. Touching damaged or crushed finasteride tablets can harm the fetus. If a woman who is pregnant or who could become pregnant comes into contact with broken or crushed Finasteride tablets, she should wash the affected area with soap and water immediately and contact a doctor.

Is finasteride safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia.

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

There are not sufficient studies in women to know the risks to babies when using this medicine during breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

Finasteride Drug Interactions

What other medicines may interact with finasteride?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

Although certain drugs should not be used at the same time, in other cases two different drugs can be used together even if interactions are possible. In this case, your doctor may change the dose, or take other precautions that may be needed. When you are using this medication, tell your healthcare professional if you are currently taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions were chosen because they are based on their potential significance and are not necessarily all inclusive.

Using this medication with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both drugs.

• St. John's Wort

Can food or alcohol interact with finasteride?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with finasteride?

The presence of other health problems in your body may affect the use of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially liver disease. The effect can be increased due to the slow elimination of the drug from the body.

Finasteride overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.