What are finasteride tablets?

FINASTERIDE (Propecia®, Proscar®) can reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a milky fluid for sperm. Over the age of 50 most men develop an enlarged prostate. As the prostate gets bigger it can restrict the flow of urine. Finasteride can help to reduce symptoms caused by BPH such as a weak or interrupted urine flow; a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty; a need to pass urine more often, especially at night; an urgent feeling that you must pass urine right away; a delay or hesitation when you start to urinate. Finasteride is also used for the treatment of certain types of male hair loss. Finasteride is not for use in women. Generic finasteride tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• if you are female (finasteride is not for use in women)
• kidney disease or infection
• liver disease
• prostate cancer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I take this medicine?

Take finasteride tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If you do not remember until the next day, take only that day’s dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with finasteride?

• some blood pressure medications
• male hormones (example: testosterone)
• saw palmetto
• soy isoflavones supplements

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking finasteride?

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement or tenderness
• skin rash
• sexual difficulties (less sexual desire or ability to get an erection)
• small amount of semen released during sex

What should I watch for while taking finasteride?

Do not donate blood until at least 6 months after your final dose of finasteride. This will prevent giving finasteride to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion.

Contact your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms. You may need to take finasteride for 6 to 12 months to get the best results.

Women who are pregnant or may get pregnant must not handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets; the active ingredient could harm the unborn baby. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with broken or crushed finasteride tablets she should check with her prescriber or health care professional. Exposure to whole tablets is not expected to cause harm as long as they are not swallowed.

Finasteride can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking finasteride.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.