Finasteride

About Finasteride

Finasteride is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia), a condition common in elderly men. It can also be used to treat baldness in men and excessive hair growth in women.

An enlarged prostate can put pressure on your bladder (which stores your urine) and narrow the urethra (the tube through which urine passes).

This can affect the emptying of your bladder, the frequency of urinating or starting to urinate.

How does Finasteride work?

Your prostate can be enlarged due to the activity of a substance known as DHT.

Finasteride blocks the activity of a protein (Type II 5α-reductase) that helps in the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This reduces the levels of DHT and rate of prostate enlargement.

This protein is also found in some hair cells. Finasteride blocks this protein in hair cells and helps treat baldness in men or excessive hair growth in women.

What are the side-effects I may experience?

You may experience:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Low sex drive in men

• Ejaculation problems

  This side effect is harmless. You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist if this bothers you.

Useful information

You shouldn’t stop taking your medicines. Talk to your pharmacist of doctor if any side-effect becomes unbearable.

Are there any medications and foods I should avoid?

You may eat normally while taking finasteride.

Useful information

• Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, and cola), alcohol, and fizzy drinks can irritate your bladder and worsen your symptoms. It is recommended to reduce consumption of these products.
• Constipation can put pressure on your bladder. You can eat foods rich in fiber (fruits, whole grains, vegetables) to prevent constipation.
• It is advisable not to drink anything two hours before you go to bed. This will reduce sleep disruptions caused by visits to the washroom.

I forgot a dose. What should I do?

If you forget to take your prescription, take it as soon as you remember.

If you miss a dose, don’t take a double dose.

If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and take the next one.

Can I drive or operate machinery?

There are no restrictions on driving or operating machinery when on finasteride.

Should I be bothered about possible addiction or dependence?

Finasteride isn’t addictive.

Will my sexual performance, fertility or contraceptive be impaired?

• Some men can experience erectile dysfunction or a reduced sex drive. Talk to your doctor if you this becomes an unbearable issue.
• Fertility in men may be temporarily affected by finasteride. You should use a condom when on finasteride because it can enter your sperms and is harmful to your unborn baby.
• Finasteride has not been shown to affect contraception, sexual performance or fertility in women.

Can I use this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• You shouldn’t take finasteride if you pregnancy or want to get pregnant.

  You shouldn’t touch crushed or broken tablets because they can be absorbed through your skin and harm your unborn baby.

• Finasteride can affect the sexual development of your baby.

• Don’t take finasteride whiles breastfeeding without a prescription from your doctor. This medicine can be harmful to your baby.