Finasteride
Pronounced
"fin-AST-er-ide"
Uses
Finasteride is used to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult men. It may be used alone or taken in combination with other medications to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery.
Finasteride may improve symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as decreased urge to urinate, better urine flow with less straining, less of a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied, and decreased nighttime urination. This medication works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate.
Finasteride is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Women and children should not use this medication.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets. It may cause abnormal sex organ development in an unborn male infant.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take 6 to 12 months to notice a benefit.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
Store & manage your medication list
Medication pricing updates
Import medication from your pharmacy
Pill & refill reminders
Medication journal & mood log