FINASTERIDE
Brand Names | Category | Description | Before Using This Medicine | Proper Use of This Medicine | Precautions While Using This Medicine | Side Effects of This Medicine
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.
Propecia
Proscar
In Canada
Proscar
Category
Benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent; hair growth stimulant, alopecia androgenetica (systemic)
Description Note:
Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
Finasteride (fin-AS-tur-ide) belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), finasteride may decrease the severity of symptoms.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of finasteride on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.
Finasteride also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of finasteride, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride treatment is stopped.
Finasteride is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Oral
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For finasteride, the following should be considered:
Allergies Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy Women who are or may become pregnant should not take finasteride or should not be exposed to crushed finasteride tablets, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.
Older adults This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine. Proper Use
Finasteride tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets.
For patients taking this medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.
Remember that this medicine does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
This medicine helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.
For individuals taking this medicine for hair growth :
본 게시물의 내용은 이용자의 개인적인 경험 및 공개된 일반 정보를 바탕으로 작성된 것으로, 특정 의약품의 광고, 홍보 또는 사용을 권유하기 위한 목적이 아닙니다.
전문의약품의 사용 여부 및 치료에 관한 사항은 반드시 의료 전문가와 상담하시기 바랍니다.
댓글