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Finasteride - Learn about Finasteride Side Effects and Precautions

Finasteride Information

The pharmacology action of Finasteride is that it inhibits conversion of testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen.

Finasteride is used in following treatment:
Propecia:  Treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men only.
Proscar:  Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with enlarged prostate; in combination with doxazosin to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression of BPH

Interaction and Contraindication of Finasteride

Interaction of Finasteride - Drugs that may potentiate the release of neutrophils, such as lithium, should be used with caution. Use with caution in conjunction with other drugs known to lower the platelet count.

Contraindication of Finasteride - Use during pregnancy; use in women or children.

Side Effects of Finasteride

Here are the list of some common side effects of Finasteride :

• Decreased libido (2%). Proscar   : Decreased libido (10%); dizziness (7%); headache, somnolence (2%).
• Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders (1%); breast tenderness/enlargement in men (postmarketing). Proscar   : Impotence (19%); abnormal ejaculation (7%); decreased volume of ejaculate (4%); abnormal sexual function (3%); breast enlargement in men (2%).
• Pruritus, urticaria, swelling of lips and face, testicular pain (postmarketing).
• Peripheral edema (1%).

Precaution and Warning while taking Finasteride

The precaution and warnings of Finasteride drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to take prescribed dose once daily without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Caution patient that women of childbearing potential should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
• Advise patient being treated for BPH that finasteride may be used by itself or in combination with doxazosin.
• Advise patient being treated for BPH that although symptoms may improve early in treatment, it may take 6 to 12 mo for full benefit to be noted.
• Advise patient being treated for male pattern baldness that it may take 3 mo or more of daily therapy before improvement is noted and that continued use is required to maintain benefit. Advise patient that stopping therapy will result in reversal of effect within 12 mo.
• Advise patient being treated for BPH to notify health care provider if urinary symptoms do not improve or worsen while taking this medication.
• Advise patient that volume of ejaculate may be decreased but that this does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function in most patients. Advise patient to notify health care provider if sexual dysfunction (eg, decreased libido, impotence) develops while taking finasteride.

How to store Finasteride

• Administer prescribed dose daily without regard to meals. Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Do not allow women who are pregnant or may be pregnant to handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Intact coating on tablet will prevent contact with finasteride during normal handling.
• Store tablets at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Protect from light.