How does it work?

Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines known as the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by preventing the action of a chemical called 5-alpha reductase. In the body, the hormone testosterone is converted to a more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), by 5-alpha reductase. Finasteride blocks the action of 5-alpha reductase, and therefore prevents the activation of testosterone. The enlargement of the prostate gland, which often occurs in men with advancing age (benign prostatic hyperplasia), is dependant upon testosterone being converted to DHT within the prostate gland. In the absence of DHT the prostate shrinks. Therefore, by decreasing the amount of DHT, finasteride helps shrink the prostate. The prostate gland is found only in men and lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside (urethra). Enlargement of the prostate causes it to press on the urethra and bladder and can cause urinary symptoms such as poor flow of urine. By shrinking the prostate, finasteride relieves the pressure on the bladder and urethra. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.

What is it used for?

Enlarged prostate gland

Warning!

Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age should not handle broken or crushed tablets of this medicine, as the medicine may be absorbed through the skin and be harmful to an unborn child.

While you are taking this medicine you should use a condom during sex if your sexual partner is pregnant or could become pregnant. This is because the active ingredient of this medicine passes into semen, and could harm the development of an unborn child.

This medicine does not cause prostate cancer, but prostate cancer can be another cause of an enlarged prostate gland. For this reason, tests for prostate cancer should be carried out before you start treatment with this medicine, and at regular intervals thereafter.

Use with caution in

Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)

Not to be used in

Children

Women

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is for use by men only, therefore information about its use by pregnant or breastfeeding women is not applicable. However, this medicine may pass into semen, and for this reason men whose partner is or may be pregnant should use a barrier form of contraception such as a condom during sex, to avoid any possible risks to a developing foetus.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Inability of a man to have an erection (impotence)

Allergy to active ingredients (hypersensitivity)

Rash (allergic reaction)

Breast tenderness/swelling

Ejaculation disorders

Decreased sex drive

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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