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Printable Version Finasteride Tablets (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Active Ingredients: Finasteride (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Other Names: Proscar Tablets
Drug Class: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Finasteride Tablets (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Finasteride Tablets (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)? (Back to top)
FINASTERIDE is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. This is a condition that causes you to have an enlarged prostate. This medicine helps to control your symptoms, decrease urinary retention, and reduces your risk of needing surgery. When used in combination with certain other medicines, this drug can slow down the progression of your disease. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

  • male hormones like testosterone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • any signs of an allergic reaction like rash, itching, hives or swelling of the lips or face
  • changes in breast like lumps, pain or fluids leaking from the nipple
  • pain in the testicles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • sexual difficulties like decreased sexual desire or ability to get an erection
  • small amount of semen released during sex

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine. This will prevent giving this medicine to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion. Ask your doctor or health care professional when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medicine.

Contact your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better. You may need to take this medicine 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 tablets she should check with her doctor or health care professional. Exposure to whole tablets is not expected to cause harm as long as they are not swallowed.

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


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:June 27, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Finasteride Tablets (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Finasteride Tablets (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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