What is Fincar (Finasteride) used for?

Fincar (Finasteride) contains an active ingredient which is used to treat men for hair loss, and to relieve symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged, resulting in urination problems). When taken to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), this drug helps to increase the regrowth of hair while also slowing down the loss of hair.

It does this by reducing the amount of a hormone in the body called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). In patients affected by an enlarged prostate, decreasing the levels of DHT can also result in a shrinking of the prostate gland, thereby relieving urination problems (such as a poor flow of urine).

How should I use Fincar (Finasteride)?

Fincar (Finasteride) comes as 5mg tablets, which are taken by mouth. However, before treatment can commence, a full medical assessment will be required, so that your physician can prescribe the appropriate dosage for you. In most cases, adult men undergoing treatment for BPH are directed by their physician to take 5mg once per day. Higher doses are not prescribed, as they do not increase the effectiveness of the drug.

When the active ingredient of this drug is used to treat male pattern hair loss, patients are usually told by their physician to take a dosage consisting of 1mg per day. These tablets contain 5mg of the primary ingredient. This is not a suitable dose for hair loss, and patients treating this condition should abide by their physician`s instructions and only take the recommended hair loss dosage (1mg per day).

What are the side effects of Fincar (Finasteride)?

Patients who are taking Fincar (Finasteride) may sometimes experience side effects, and a list of some possible examples is provided here:

• Breast swelling
• Erectile dysfunction
• A lower than normal libido
• Pain affecting the testicles
• A noticeable reduction in the amount of semen released

Consult your physician if any side effects are noticed. Although it is considered to be less common, serious side effects may occur as a result of taking this medicine. You must seek medical attention as soon as possible if this happens.

Please Note

These tablets are only prescribed for use in adult male patients. Women should not take them. Also, if the tablets become crushed or broken, the active ingredient may be absorbed through the skin. Because of this, pregnant women should never handle the tablets.

This medication has been associated with a risk of male breast cancer (however, this is considered to be rare).