• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
• Interactions

What is finasteride?
Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of finasteride?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling like you might pass out;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• pain in the testicles;

• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;

• abnormal ejaculation;

• swelling or tenderness in your breasts;

• dizziness, weakness;

• headache;

• runny nose; or

• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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How should I take finasteride?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Finasteride can be taken with or without food. To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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What is the most important information I should know about finasteride?
Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets. Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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What other drugs will affect finasteride?
There may be other drugs that can interact with finasteride. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Finasteride has been assigned to pregnancy category X by the FDA. While finasteride is not indicated for use in women, it is present in semen and therefore may pose a risk to the fetus. Male patients should be instructed to wear a condom during intercourse with women of childbearing potential. The drug should be discontinued in patients wishing to conceive a child.

There are no data on the excretion of finasteride into human milk. Finasteride is not indicated for use in women.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known or suspected pregnancy. (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and also Pregnancy under Warnings/Precautions.)
• Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of finasteride is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking finasteride?
Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests; prostate cancer; a bladder muscle disorder; stricture of your urethra; or if you are unable to urinate. Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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