Finara 5mg Tablet 10'S
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Introduction About FINARA
FINARA contains Finasteride which belongs to a group of medicines called type II 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors. It is used to manage signs and symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH; also known as enlarged prostate) is a non-cancerous growth of prostate gland, which is predominantly caused due to excessive production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Symptoms of BPH includes urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine, urinary incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), frequent urination at night, sexual dysfunction or painful ejaculation.
Finasteride reduces the size of an enlarged prostate. It works by blocking the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body that causes prostate enlargement in men. As a result, it helps in the shrinkage of an enlarged prostate and reduces the unpleasant symptoms associated with it. During management with FINARA, your doctor would closely monitor your urinary tract as a precaution.
Before taking FINARA inform your doctor if you have any liver problems. It is not suitable for use in women and in children aged below 18 years. Pregnant women should not come in contact with FINARA as it may harm the growing baby. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable contraceptive method (such as condom) to avoid seminal exposure from men taking FINARA. FINARA is generally well tolerated. However, it may cause mild sexual side effects like decrease in libido or problems in erection or semen release. These side effects are usually temporary and gets reversed once the therapy is discontinued. However, contact your doctor if they trouble you.
Uses Of FINARA
- It is used to manage signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
How FINARA Works
FINARA helps in shrinkage of an enlarged prostate, where finasteride works by blocking the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone in the body that causes prostate enlargement. As a result, it reduces the size of prostate, manages further growth, and improves urine flow.
How to use FINARA
Take FINARA as advised by your doctor. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. FINARA can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking FINARA without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects Of FINARA
Common
- problems in erection (impotence)
- decrease in sex drive
- problems with ejaculation
Uncommon
- rash
- breast swelling or tenderness
Stop using FINARA and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of severe allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, swelling of your lips, face, tongue and throat which may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
- feeling depressed with suicidal thoughts
- signs of breast cancer (such as breast enlargement with pain, presence of lumps in the breast, or discharge from nipple)
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
ContraindicatedFINARA is not intended for use in women. Women who are pregnant or think that they may be pregnant should not come into contact with this medicine, as it may affect the growing fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable contraceptive method (such as condom) to avoid seminal exposure from men taking FINARA.
Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedFINARA is not intended for use in women, and therefore it should not be used in breastfeeding women.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionFINARA does not affect your ability to drive or handle any heavy tools or machinery.
Liver
Use with CautionFINARA should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take FINARA if you are allergic to Finasteride.
Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedFINARA is not recommended for children and adolescents (below 18 years) due to lack of safety data. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionFINARA should be used with caution in elderly patients. Consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Others
FINARA is not recommended for use if you:
- are a woman
Before taking FINARA, inform your doctor if you:
- are going to have a blood test for screening of prostate cancer called PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
- have urinary retention (inability to pass urine completely) or low urine output
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking FINARA, inform your doctor all medicines that you are taking including prescription and non-prescription medicines.
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more FINARA, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Finasteride |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitors |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) |
| Dosage Forms | : | Gel, Tablet |
More Information
- Keep FINARA out of reach of children
- Store at room temperature
FAQs About FINARA
Q: Can FINARA shrink an enlarged prostate?
A: Yes. FINARA can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate in men. It works by blocking the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body that causes prostate enlargement. However, consult your doctor before taking, because your doctor will decide the suitable dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your health condition.
Q: Can FINARA make you pass urine freely?
A: Yes. FINARA decreases the size of an enlarged prostate and reduces symptoms associated with BPH such as difficulty in passing urine, urinary incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), frequent urination at night, sexual dysfunction or painful ejaculation.
Q: Can FINARA cause depression?
A: FINARA is generally well tolerated. However, it may rarely make you feel depressed. If you feel depressed along with thoughts of harming or killing yourself (suicide), consult your doctor immediately.
Q: Will taking FINARA affects my sexual life?
A: FINARA is generally well tolerated. However, it may affect fertility and cause mild sexual side effects like decrease in libido or problems in erection or semen release. These side effects are usually temporary and gets reversed once the therapy is discontinued. However, contact your doctor if they trouble you.
Q: Can patients take FINARA and plan to become a father simultaneously?
A: Studies have shown that finasteride can pass through semen and can cause severe fetal abnormalities to the growing baby. Therefore, men taking FINARA are generally not advised to father or plan to father a child. If you wish to become father, consult your doctor for an alternative therapy.
Q: What precautions need to be followed while taking FINARA?
A: It is important to take FINARA as directed by your physician. Take it regularly at the same time each day to achieve maximum results. Inform your doctor about all your pre-existing disease conditions such as liver diseases or other urinary tract problems. Do not stop taking FINARA without consulting your doctor as it may make your symptoms reappear.
Q: Will taking a higher dose of FINARA improve my condition?
A: No. Do not consume a higher dose of FINARA without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will analyze your medical condition and would prescribe a dose that suits your requirements. Taking a dose higher dose than what prescribed to you may lead to unwanted side effects.
Q: How long will it take for FINARA to control the symptoms of BPH?
A: FINARA may improve your condition within a short period. However, it may take up to 6 months to notice the maximum benefits of FINARA. Therefore, continue to take the medicine as advised by your physician even if you feel better in between the therapy.
Q: Are the side effects of FINARA permanent?
A: No. The side effects like decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems caused by FINARA are only temporary and usually reversible within 5 days of stopping the management. Contact your doctor if the symptom bothers you.
Q: Can FINARA be taken by patients below 18 years?
A: No. FINARA is generally not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). However, consult your doctor for advice before taking.
Q: Can I stop taking FINARA by my own?
A: No. Do not stop taking FINARA on your own without consulting your doctor. It should be taken regularly on the same time each day as advised by your physician. Even if your symptoms get better, you must not stop taking FINARA without consulting your doctor, as it may make your symptoms to reappear.
Q: What can be done if I forgot to take a dose?
A: If you missed to take FINARA at the usual time, take it immediately as soon as you remember until it’s time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose of FINARA to compensate the missed dose.
Q: Can I use FINARA without consulting doctor?
A: No. FINARA should be used only after consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Q: Can FINARA be used in women?
A: No. FINARA is not suitable for use in women. It is only intended for use in men.
Q: Can FINARA cause breast enlargement in men?
A: Yes. Rarely FINARA can cause breast enlargement in men. Patients are advised to consult their doctor if it happens. In you experience any breast swelling, tenderness, or pain, with skin dimpling or discharge from nipple, consult your doctor immediately.
References
1. K.D. Tripathi. Androgens and Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 302-303.
2. Peter J. Snyder. Androgens. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 1205.
3. Jayne E Edwards and R Andrew Moore. Finasteride in the treatment of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review of randomised trials. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. December 2002. [Accessed 4th May 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC140032/#:~:text=and%20previous%20interventions.-,Results,flow%20rate%2C%20and%20prostate%20volume
4. Milpharm Limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2020] [Accessed on 3rd May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.547.pdf
5. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) [Revised in August 2018] [Accessed on 3rd May 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3493.pdf
6. Accord Healthcare Limited. Health Products Regulatory Authority. [Revised in May 2018] [Accessed on 3rd May 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2206288.PPA1562_185_001.8d792087-5a2f-4f98-b888-9a3fdb2ae157.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.180511.pdf
7. Merck Sharp & Dohme BV. Health Products Regulatory Authority. [Revised in February 2018] [Accessed on 3rd May 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2202844.PPA1562_072_001.8db2c2da-2f46-4574-8760-f52d169edf3b.000001Proscar%20PIL.180312.pdf
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