Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the
body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with
an enlarged prostate.
Finasteride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking finasteride?
Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your doctor if
you have:
liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;
prostate cancer;
a bladder muscle disorder;
stricture of your urethra; or
if you are unable to urinate.
Finasteride should
never
be taken by a woman
or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be
permitted to handle finasteride tablets.
Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects
if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
Finasteride tablets should not be
handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or
crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.
How should I take finasteride?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Finasteride can be taken with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for
prostate cancer. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It is important to use finasteride regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription
refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep
the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of finasteride?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about finasteride?
Your pharmacist has information about finasteride written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of finasteride?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or
other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.
Less serious side effects may include:
feeling like you might pass out;
swelling in your hands or feet;
pain in the testicles;
impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an
orgasm;
abnormal ejaculation;
swelling or tenderness in your breasts;
dizziness, weakness;
headache;
runny nose; or
skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about finasteride?
Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart).
Finasteride should
never
be taken by a woman or a child.
Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to
handle finasteride tablets.
Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects
if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
Finasteride tablets should not be
handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or
crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.
Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or
other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.
What should I avoid while taking finasteride?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity
while you are using finasteride.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up
slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect finasteride?
There may be other drugs that can interact with finasteride. Tell your doctor about all
your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and
drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of finasteride?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009