Finasteride
Also sold as: Proscar, Propecia
Prescription neededBladder, prostate and men's health
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
For an enlarged prostate: 5 mg once a day; it may take 6 months or more to work. For male hair loss a lower dose of 1 mg a day is used.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- lower sex drive
- erection problems
- less semen
- breast tenderness
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- lump or discharge in the breast
- depression or thoughts of self-harm
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Women and children must not take it
- Pregnant women should not handle broken or crushed tablets (can harm a male baby)
- Tell your doctor before a PSA blood test (it lowers PSA)
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.