Finasteride is a drug to treat benign prostate enlargement ( benign prostate hyperplasia / BPH). This drug can also be used to treat male pattern baldness caused by excess androgen hormones ( androgenetic alopecia ).
Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone. This hormone is one of the causes of prostate gland enlargement and hair loss in men.
By inhibiting the production of the hormone dihydrosterone, finasteride can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate gland so that people with BPH can urinate more easily. While in baldness, finasteride can increase hair growth on the part of the head that has experienced baldness.
Finasteride trademarks: Alopros, Finasteride, Finpro, Prostacom, Reprosid, Reprostom
What is Finasteride
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | 5 -alpha-reductase inhibitors |
| Benefit | Relieves complaints due to benign prostate enlargement ( BPH ) and overcomes baldness due to androgenetic alopecia |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Finasteride for pregnant and lactating women* |
*Finasteride is not intended for women.
Category X: Studies in animals and humans have demonstrated a fetal abnormality or risk to the fetus. Medicines in this category should not be used by women who are pregnant or have the possibility of becoming pregnant. It is not known whether finasteride is absorbed into breast milk or not. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Finasteride
Finasteride should not be used carelessly. Before using finasteride, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use finasteride if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, prostate cancer , liver disease, or urinary tract infections or disorders, including urethral strictures .
- Do not give finasteride to children or women. Finasteride is only used by adult males.
- Avoid having unprotected sex with a partner who is taking finasteride if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Avoid touching finely divided or powdered finasteride if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as this medication can be absorbed through the skin.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain drugs, supplements or herbal products, to avoid interactions between drugs.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking finasteride if you plan to have your PSA tested, which is specific antigen for the prostate gland.
- Take control according to the schedule given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with finastride.
- Immediately go to the doctor if you have a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or an overdose, after taking finasteride.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Finasteride
Finasteride is given by a doctor according to the patient's condition. Here are the common doses for using finasteride based on their purpose:
-
Purpose: Treating benign prostatic enlargement (BPH)
Adult: 5 mg, once daily, for at least 6 months. Treatment can be combined with doxazosin. -
Purpose: Treating androgen-induced baldness in men
Adults: 1 mg, once daily, for at least 3 months.
How to Take Finasteride Correctly
Be sure to read the instructions on the drug packaging and always follow your doctor 's advice before taking finasteride. Do not add or reduce the dose prescribed by the doctor.
Ingest finasteride with the help of a glass of water after or before meals. For optimal results, take finasteride at the same time every day.
If you forget to take this drug, consume it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Do regular checks with your doctor while taking this drug to find out the effectiveness of the treatment. You will also be asked to routinely check PSA levels , which are specific antigens for the prostate gland.
Do not stop using finasteride without consulting your doctor first. The efficacy of this drug may only be felt after 6-12 months of use. Consult your doctor if you don't feel any improvement or you experience worsening of symptoms.
Store finasteride in a dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the drug out of reach of children.
Finasteride Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur if finasteride is used simultaneously with other drugs, including:
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of finasteride when used with nevirapine , carbamazepine, or rifampicin
- Increased risk of developing finasteride side effects when used with clarithromycin , erythromycin, isoniazid , itraconazole, or ketoconazole
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of finasteride when used with herbal products containing John's Wort
Finasteride Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may appear after consuming finasteride are:
- Decreased libido
- Orgasm difficulty
- Erectile dysfunction ( impotence )
- Ejaculation disorders
- Swollen or painful breasts when touched
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or are getting annoying. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- There is blood in the semen
- Pain in the testicles
- Depression
Immediately see a doctor if you experience symptoms of male breast cancer , including pain or a lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple, or other unusual changes in the breast.