Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)

What is Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia) for?

It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, caused by overproduction of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. It lowers dihydrotestosterone, and thus shrinks the prostate and relieves the symptoms. Therefore, this medication is for use in men only. It may take up to 6 months or more for you to notice an effect. 

As the prostate enlarges, it can lead to urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine and frequent visits to the toilet. It can also cause the flow of urine to be slower and weaker. If left untreated, there is a risk that the urine flow may be completely blocked (acute urinary retention) and this requires immediate medical treatment.

This medication may also be used for other conditions. Check with your healthcare professional
if you are unsure why you are given this medication.

How should I take or use Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• This medication should be swallowed whole.
• This medication should not be touched or handled by pregnant women or women who are of childbearing age as the active ingredient of the medication (Finasteride) can be absorbed through the skin. If contact with the tablet occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water as the medication may negatively affect the development of the fetus.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

• Use a condom during sexual intercourse as your semen could contain the medication. If your partner is or may be pregnant, you must avoid exposing her to your semen as it may affect the normal development of the baby’s sex organs.
• Avoid donating blood during treatment or for 1 month after you stopped the treatment as there may be a risk that your blood may be given to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have heart or liver problem
• You are taking this medication as it may affect prostate specific antigen (PSA), a lab test to monitor the effectiveness or the medication as well as the condition

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

Common side effects include:

• Unable to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse
• Decreased libido (sex drive); less desire to have sex
• Difficulty with ejaculation

These side effects may disappear after a while if you continue to take the medication. If not, they usually go away after stopping the medication. Discuss with your doctor if you are unsure or these side effects become bothersome to you.

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Changes in your breast tissue such as lumps, pain, enlargement or nipple discharge.
• Pain in your testicle.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)?

• Keep away from children
• Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

• Keep this medication away from pregnant women and women who are of childbearing age.

How do I throw away Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia) safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.