Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FINASTERIDE - ORAL (fin-AST-er-ide)
BRAND NAME(S): Proscar
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to shrink the size of the prostate gland in men (for benign prostatic hyperplasia). It reduces urinary blockage and improves urine flow.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. It may be taken without regard to meals. If the tablet is crushed prior to administration, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or by a woman who may become pregnant. Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: The adverse reactions have been mild and temporary. They include impotence, decreased libido or decreased volume of ejaculate, breast enlargement. Decreased volume of ejaculate does not affect sexual function. Finasteride may increase hair growth. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: breast changes (e.g., lumps, pain, nipple discharge). A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing conditions, especially: infections, liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease, any allergies. The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the film coating of the tablet has been broken or the tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Any contact with finasteride by a developing male fetus could result in abnormalities of the external sex organs. Finasteride should not be used in women or children. Finasteride must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if finasteride is excreted into breast milk. However, this drug is not indicated for use in women.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Get the facts on benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and prevention of an enlarged prostate gland. BPH treatment may involve medication or surgery. BPH is not cancer.
- doxazosin mesylate, Cardura - Information about the drug doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), a medication prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH).
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