What Finasteride is and what it is used for

Finasteride 5mg belongs to the group of medicines, called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They act by reducing the size of the prostate gland in men.

Finasteride is used in the treatment and control of benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). It causes regression of the enlarged prostate, improves urinary flow and symptoms caused by BPH, and reduces the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery.

Before you take Finasteride(Proscar)

Do not take Finasteride

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to finasteride or any of the other ingredients of Finasteride.
• if you are a woman (because this medicine is for men)
• if you are a child.

Taking other medicines

Finasteride does not usually affect other medicines

Always tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Taking Finasteride with food and drink

Proscar Online can be taken with or without food.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Finasteride should not be taken by women.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed Finasteride tablets. If finasteride is absorbed through the skin or taken by mouth by a woman pregnant with a male foetus, the child may be born with malformed genital organs. The tablets are film-coated, which prevents contact with finasteride provided the tablets are not broken or crushed.

When the patient's sexual partner is or may become pregnant, the patient should either avoid exposure of his partner to semen (e.g. by use of a condom) or discontinue treatment with Finasteride.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine

How to take Finasteride

Always take Finasteride exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Adults:

The usual dose is one Finasteride 5 mg tablet daily (equivalent to 5 mg finasteride).

The film-coated tablets can either be taken on an empty stomach or with a meal. The film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be divided or crushed.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Finasteride can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The following side effects may happen with this medicine:

Common (occur in more than 1 in 100 patients):

• You may be unable to have an erection (impotence)
• You may have less desire to have sex
• You may have problems with ejaculation, for example a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. This decrease in the amount of semen does not appear to affect normal sexual function.

How to store Finasteride

Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not use Finasteride after the expiry date, which is stated on the blister and carton after 'EXP' The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.