About Fincar 5 Tablet
Fincar 5 Tablet contains Finasteride 5 mg. This medicine is used in men to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). It gradually shrinks the prostate, which can ease urinary symptoms and lower the chance of needing surgery. It takes several months to show its full effect. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets.
Uses of Fincar 5 Tablet
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in men
Benefits
In enlarged prostate
It slowly shrinks the prostate, which can improve urine flow and reduce the need to pass urine often or urgently. It can also lower the risk of being unable to pass urine and of needing prostate surgery.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Reduced sex drive
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Less semen on ejaculation
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
Get medical help if you notice
- Breast lumps, pain or nipple discharge — see your doctor
- Low mood, depression or thoughts of self-harm — stop and contact your doctor straight away
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day. Swallow the tablet whole with water; it can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or break it.
How it works
It blocks an enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that turns testosterone into a stronger hormone called DHT. Lower DHT causes the prostate to shrink over time.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction is known.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It is not for use by women. Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle broken or crushed tablets, as it can harm a male baby.
Breastfeeding Unsafe
It is not for use by women.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving.
Kidney Safe
No dose change is usually needed in kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease; tell your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- It may take 6 months or more to feel the full benefit.
- Tell your doctor you take it before a PSA blood test, as it lowers PSA levels.
- Report any change in mood straight away.
- Keep tablets whole and away from women who could be pregnant.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- 4-azasteroid
- Therapeutic class
- Urology
- Action class
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| PSA blood test | Finasteride lowers PSA levels, which affects how the result is read |
| Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin | Often used together for prostate enlargement; take only as your doctor advises |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Finasteride 5 mg prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: finasteride). Pharmacist review pending.