Finasteride (Systemic)
Brand Names : Propecia, Proscar
Category
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent; hair growth stimulant, alopecia
androgenetica (systemic)
Description
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Note:
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Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle
crushed finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male
fetuses.
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Finasteride (fin-AS-tur-ide)
belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to
treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic
hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate
symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at
the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), finasteride may
decrease the severity of symptoms. Finasteride may also reduce the chance
that surgery on the prostate will be needed.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary
to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow.
As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of finasteride
on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped,
the prostate begins to grow again.
Finasteride also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth.
If hair growth is going to occur with the use of finasteride, it usually occurs
after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long
as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year
after finasteride treatment is stopped.
Finasteride is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following
dosage form:
Oral
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Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Brand NamesSome commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.—
In Canada—
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