Finasteride: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Finasteride 5 mg is a prescription medicine for an enlarged prostate in men. It lowers a hormone that makes the prostate grow, and it can ease symptoms and lower the chance of urinary blockage over months. It can cause sexual side effects. Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle crushed tablets.
Also known as: Finasteride 5 mg, Finasteride tablet, Proscar, Finast
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DHT, a hormone that makes the prostate grow. With less DHT the prostate can shrink slowly.
How to take Finasteride
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food, and the tablet is swallowed whole and not split, chewed or crushed. It is a long-term medicine.
Side effects of Finasteride
Many men take finasteride without serious problems. Some effects are common, and a few need prompt medical advice.
Uncommon or mild
- Erection problems
- Reduced interest in sex
- Less semen than usual, or none
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Lumps, pain or swelling in the chest area, or discharge from the nipple. Tell your doctor promptly
- Low mood or depression, or thoughts of harming yourself. Get medical help straight away
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat, or trouble breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Tell the doctor about your health problems before taking finasteride, and remind any doctor that you take it before a PSA test.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to finasteride or any ingredient
- Women who are or may be pregnant must not take it or handle crushed or broken tablets
- Women and children in general
- It lowers the PSA blood test by about half within six months, so tell any doctor who checks PSA that you take it
- Sexual problems may continue in some men after stopping
- Past depression or thoughts of self-harm: tell your doctor
- Severe bladder or liver problems: ask your doctor
- It does not prevent prostate cancer and is not approved for that purpose
- A woman who is or may be pregnant should avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets; if contact happens, wash the area with soap and water at once
Medicines and things that interact with Finasteride
No important medicine interactions were found in the label, but tell your doctor about everything you take.
- No clinically important interactions are listed in the US label
- Alpha blockers such as doxazosin or tamsulosin are sometimes prescribed together with finasteride; this should only be done by a doctor
If someone takes too much
Large single amounts have not caused serious problems in reports. If someone takes much more than prescribed, ask a doctor or go to the nearest hospital with the pack.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient finasteride is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination products with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredients on the pack.
Type of medicine
Finasteride belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Finasteride
These medicines sold in India contain Finasteride. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Finast 5 · 5 mg tablet
What is Finasteride used for?
Medicines that contain Finasteride are used for these conditions.
Common questions
How long does finasteride take to work?
It usually takes several months to notice a change, and it is a long-term medicine. Symptoms often return if it is stopped. Talk to your doctor before stopping, especially if side effects worry you.
Can women handle finasteride tablets?
Coated whole tablets are not a concern, but a woman who is or may be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets, because they can affect a male baby's development. If contact happens, wash the area with soap and water straight away.
Does finasteride affect a PSA test?
Yes. It lowers PSA by about half within six months. Tell any doctor who orders the test that you take finasteride, so the result can be read correctly. Do not skip needed tests.
Is the 5 mg tablet used for hair loss?
No. The 5 mg tablet is for an enlarged prostate. Finasteride for male hair loss is a lower-strength product, taken only on a doctor's advice. Do not use one strength in place of the other.
Sources
- Finasteride. NHS (UK)
- Finasteride: side effects. NHS (UK)
- Finasteride: who can and cannot take it. NHS (UK)
- Finasteride: how and when to take it. NHS (UK)
- Proscar (finasteride) 5 mg: label. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine