FINCAR

# Finasteride 5 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Finasteride 5 mg is a **5-alpha-reductase inhibitor** primarily used to treat **benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)**, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It works by reducing the conversion of testosterone into **dihydrotestosterone (DHT)**. Lower DHT levels can gradually reduce prostate size, improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for prostate-related surgery. > **Important:** Finasteride 5 mg is the usual strength used for BPH. Finasteride **1 mg** is generally used for male pattern hair loss. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps reduce symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate * Gradually reduces prostate size * Improves urinary flow in men with BPH * May reduce difficulty starting urination * May reduce frequent or urgent urination caused by BPH * Can reduce the risk of acute urinary retention * May reduce the likelihood of requiring prostate surgery * Provides long-term management of prostate enlargement when appropriately prescribed ## USES / INDICATIONS Finasteride 5 mg is primarily used for: * **Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)** * Enlarged prostate associated with urinary symptoms * Improving urinary flow and reducing BPH-related symptoms * Reducing the risk of acute urinary retention * Reducing the need for surgical intervention for BPH in appropriate patients Finasteride 5 mg is **not intended to treat prostate cancer**. ## HOW IT WORKS Finasteride selectively inhibits **type II 5-alpha-reductase**, an enzyme that converts testosterone into **dihydrotestosterone (DHT)**. DHT contributes to prostate growth. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride gradually reduces prostate volume and can improve urinary flow and symptoms associated with BPH. The effect is gradual and may take **several months** to become fully apparent. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * The usual adult dose for BPH is **5 mg once daily**. * Take the tablet at approximately the same time each day. * It can generally be taken **with or without food**. * Swallow the tablet whole with water. * Do not crush or break the tablet unless specifically instructed. * Continue treatment regularly even if symptoms do not improve immediately. * Finasteride may take several months to provide its full therapeutic benefit. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose. ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects include: * Decreased sexual desire * Erectile dysfunction * Reduced amount of semen during ejaculation * Difficulty with ejaculation * Decreased ejaculate volume * Breast tenderness or enlargement * Dizziness in some patients Sexual side effects may improve after stopping treatment, but in some patients they may persist after discontinuation. ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you develop: * Breast lumps * Breast pain or nipple discharge * Severe allergic reaction * Swelling of the face, lips or throat * Skin rash or hives Tell your doctor about persistent or troublesome sexual side effects. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Finasteride is intended primarily for **adult men with BPH** at the 5 mg strength. * It is not indicated for use in women or children. * **Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets**, because finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may cause abnormalities in the development of male genital organs in a male fetus. * Intact tablets are coated to prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling. * Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. * Finasteride can lower **prostate-specific antigen (PSA)** levels. Tell healthcare professionals that you are taking finasteride before having a PSA test. * A decrease in PSA caused by finasteride must be taken into account when evaluating prostate cancer risk. * Finasteride does not prevent prostate cancer and is not a treatment for prostate cancer. * Tell your doctor about any breast changes, including lumps, pain or nipple discharge. * Inform your doctor if you have difficulty urinating or are unable to completely empty your bladder. * Finasteride may affect fertility in some men, although this effect is not common. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Finasteride has relatively few clinically significant drug interactions. However: * Always inform your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. * Finasteride can generally be used with many commonly prescribed medicines, including medicines used to control blood pressure. * If you are taking other medicines for BPH, your doctor should assess whether the combination is appropriate. * Finasteride may be used with an **alpha-blocker** such as tamsulosin in some patients with BPH when prescribed by a doctor. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat and moisture. * Keep away from direct sunlight. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Keep tablets intact and avoid crushing or breaking them. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine.** Finasteride 5 mg should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Prescription requirements may vary according to local regulations. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe and genuine medicine use: * Purchase Finasteride 5 mg only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name and strength. * Verify the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Check the manufacturer's information on the packaging. * Avoid products with damaged, altered or suspicious packaging. * Purchase medicines only from authorized sources. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about product authenticity. ## FAQ ### What is Finasteride 5 mg used for? Finasteride 5 mg is primarily used to treat **benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)**, or an enlarged prostate. It helps reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms. ### Is Finasteride 5 mg used for hair loss? Finasteride can be used for male pattern hair loss, but the commonly prescribed strength for that indication is **1 mg once daily**. Finasteride 5 mg is primarily intended for BPH and should not be used for hair loss unless specifically prescribed. ### How does Finasteride 5 mg work? Finasteride blocks type II 5-alpha-reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone into **dihydrotestosterone (DHT)**. Lower DHT levels gradually reduce prostate enlargement. ### How long does Finasteride 5 mg take to work? Some urinary symptoms may improve earlier, but noticeable improvement can take several months. Maximum benefit may require continued treatment for approximately **6 months or longer**. ### Does Finasteride shrink the prostate? Yes. Finasteride can gradually reduce the size of an enlarged prostate by lowering DHT levels. ### Does Finasteride improve urine flow? Yes. By reducing prostate enlargement, finasteride can improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms such as difficulty starting urination and incomplete bladder emptying. ### Can Finasteride prevent prostate surgery? Long-term treatment can reduce the risk of **acute urinary retention and the need for BPH-related surgery** in appropriate patients. ### Can Finasteride lower PSA levels? Yes. Finasteride generally reduces PSA levels by approximately 50% after sustained treatment. Healthcare professionals must take this effect into account when interpreting PSA test results. ### Does Finasteride cause sexual side effects? It can. Some men experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or changes in ejaculation. Discuss persistent or troublesome symptoms with your doctor. ### Can Finasteride cause erectile dysfunction? Yes. Erectile dysfunction is a recognized possible side effect. In some men, sexual function improves after stopping treatment, while persistent symptoms have also been reported. ### Can Finasteride affect sperm or fertility? Finasteride may affect semen volume and, in some men, fertility-related parameters. These effects are generally reversible after discontinuation, but men concerned about fertility should discuss treatment with their doctor. ### Can women take Finasteride 5 mg? Finasteride 5 mg is generally intended for men with BPH. **Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets** because exposure to finasteride may harm the development of a male fetus. ### Can pregnant women touch Finasteride tablets? Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle **crushed or broken finasteride tablets**. Intact coated tablets can generally be handled normally. ### Can Finasteride be taken with Tamsulosin? Yes. Finasteride and an alpha-blocker such as tamsulosin may be prescribed together for BPH when appropriate. The combination should be used under medical supervision. ### Can I stop Finasteride once my symptoms improve? Finasteride controls prostate enlargement rather than permanently curing it. Stopping treatment may allow DHT levels and prostate enlargement to increase again. Discuss discontinuation with your doctor. ### Can Finasteride cure an enlarged prostate? Finasteride can reduce prostate size and improve symptoms, but it does not permanently cure the underlying tendency toward prostate enlargement. ### Can Finasteride cause breast enlargement? Breast tenderness or enlargement can occur. Report any breast lump, persistent pain or nipple discharge to your doctor promptly. ### Can Finasteride cause prostate cancer? Finasteride does not cause prostate cancer and is not a treatment for prostate cancer. Because it lowers PSA levels, however, PSA results need to be interpreted appropriately while taking finasteride. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two tablets together to compensate for a missed dose. ### Can Finasteride be taken with food? Yes. Finasteride can generally be taken **with or without food**. ### How should Finasteride 5 mg be stored? Store it according to the manufacturer's instructions, protected from excessive heat and moisture and away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of reach of children and keep tablets intact. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Finasteride 5 mg is a prescription medicine primarily used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and should be taken only as directed by a qualified healthcare professional. Finasteride can affect PSA test results and may cause sexual or reproductive side effects. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Do not start, stop or change the dose without consulting your doctor.