Fincar 5 mg

For men with BPH, continued treatment with Fincar 5 mg can:

• Make it easier to start passing urine

• Improve a weak urine stream

• Reduce BPH-related urinary symptoms over time

• Lower the risk of acute urinary retention

• Lower the risk of surgery related to an enlarged prostate

Some men notice improvement earlier, but it can take around six months to judge the full effect on urinary symptoms. The prescriber will review whether treatment is providing enough benefit.

The body uses an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase to turn testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a role in prostate growth. Finasteride blocks this enzyme, lowering DHT levels.

With continued treatment, the prostate can become smaller and put less pressure on the urinary passage. This is a slow change, which is why Fincar does not provide immediate relief after the first tablet. 

For an enlarged prostate, the usual dose is one Fincar 5 mg tablet once daily. Swallow it whole with water, with or without food, at about the same time each day. It can take up to six months to assess the full benefit. If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next tablet at the usual time; do not double up.

Hair loss dosing is different. For male pattern hair loss, the usual finasteride dose is 1 mg daily. For female pattern hair loss, there is no standard approved finasteride dose; dermatologists sometimes prescribe it off-label, including at 2.5 mg or 5 mg daily, after assessing whether it is suitable. Fincar 5 mg should not be started for hair loss without a specialist’s prescription. Finasteride must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and anyone who could become pregnant needs specific pregnancy-prevention advice before a specialist considers treatment.

Common side effects - Some men experience reduced interest in sex, difficulty getting or keeping an erection, or changes in ejaculation, including a smaller amount of semen. Tell your healthcare professional if these effects are troubling. Sexual side effects have also been reported to continue after stopping treatment in some men, although the role of finasteride in those reports is uncertain. 

Serious side effects - Seek medical help for swelling of the face or lips, hives, or difficulty breathing. Report a breast lump, breast pain or nipple discharge promptly. Depressed mood and suicidal thoughts have also been reported with finasteride tablets, including the 5 mg strength. If these occur, seek medical advice immediately. 

Fincar 5 mg should not be used by:

• People allergic to finasteride or another tablet ingredient

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant

• Children

• People seeking a hair loss dose without a prescription for this strength

People with liver disease should tell their prescriber before starting Fincar. Anyone who is pregnant or could become pregnant should also avoid handling broken or crushed tablets because contact with finasteride may harm a developing male baby. 

No clinically important medicine interactions have been identified for finasteride 5 mg in prescribing information. Still, tell your prescriber about all medicines and supplements you take, especially:

• Other products containing finasteride

• Dutasteride

• St John’s wort

• Other medicines for urinary symptoms

Medicines such as doxazosin can be prescribed alongside finasteride for BPH; their appearance on this list does not mean the combination must be avoided. Your prescriber should coordinate the treatment. Also tell any clinician ordering a PSA blood test that you take Fincar: finasteride lowers PSA levels and changes how the result should be interpreted.

• Store Fincar at room temperature, following the temperature printed on the supplied pack.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging, away from heat, moisture and direct light.

• Keep the medicine out of reach of children.

• Do not use tablets after their expiry date.

• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of tablets you no longer need.