Finast 5 Mg Tablet (30 Tab)

FINAST 5 MG TABLET (30 TAB) by TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

FINAST 5 MG TABLET is a medication primarily used to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

• Name

  • Common Name: Finasteride 5 mg Tablet
  • Brand Name: FINAST, often also referred to by its active ingredient, Finasteride. Other brand names for Finasteride 5mg include Proscar.

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 5 mg of Finasteride.
  • Inactive Ingredients: May include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised starch, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), magnesium stearate, and a film coating system (e.g., Opadry blue).

• Uses FINAST 5 MG TABLET is prescribed for the following medical conditions in men:

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): It is used to treat symptomatic BPH, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This helps to shrink the enlarged prostate, relieving symptoms such as frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, and the feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely. It may also reduce the chance of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery related to BPH.
  • Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia): While the 1 mg dose is more commonly used for hair loss, Finasteride 5 mg has also been shown to be effective, though it's generally not necessary for most men, and may increase the risk of side effects.

• Dosage and Administration

  • The recommended dose is one 5 mg tablet taken orally once a day.
  • It can be taken with or without food.
  • Tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken.
  • It is advised to take the medicine at approximately the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
  • For BPH, it may take at least 3 to 6 months, and sometimes longer, to observe the full beneficial effect, and continued use is often necessary to sustain benefits.
  • If a dose is missed, it should be skipped if it's almost time for the next dose; do not double the dose.

• Side Effects Common side effects may include:

  • Decreased libido (sexual desire)
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • Ejaculation disorders (including decreased volume of ejaculate)
  • Breast enlargement and tenderness (gynecomastia)
  • Rash
  • Dizziness
  • Testicular pain
  • Depression or mood changes

  Serious side effects (rare) that require immediate medical attention:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  • Signs of male breast cancer: breast pain or lumps, nipple discharge, or any other breast changes.

• Precautions

  • Women and Children: FINAST 5 MG TABLET is strictly for use in men and should not be taken by women or children.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken FINAST 5 MG TABLET due to the risk of absorption and potential harm to a male fetus, causing abnormalities of the external genitalia. Men taking finasteride with a pregnant partner should use barrier contraception.
  • Prostate Cancer: Use of finasteride may increase the risk of developing a serious form of prostate cancer, and it can affect PSA blood test results. Your doctor will monitor PSA levels and conduct tests to rule out prostate cancer before and during treatment.
  • Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver problems; liver function may need to be monitored.
  • Mood Changes: Finasteride may cause mood alterations, depression, and, less frequently, suicidal thoughts. Report any such symptoms to your doctor.
  • Interactions: FINAST 5 MG TABLET generally does not affect other medicines, but it's important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

• Storage

  • Store FINAST 5 MG TABLET at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.
  • Keep it out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
  • Do not use expired or damaged medicines.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Finast 5 mg Tablet:

What is Finast 5 mg Tablet used for?

Finast 5 mg Tablet is primarily used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate gland. It helps alleviate associated symptoms such as difficulty in passing urine, urgent need to urinate, and a weak urine stream.

How does Finast 5 mg Tablet work?

Finast 5 mg Tablet contains Finasteride, which is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone responsible for the growth and enlargement of the prostate gland. By reducing DHT levels, Finast 5 mg Tablet helps shrink the prostate and improve urinary flow.

What is the usual dosage of Finast 5 mg Tablet?

The typical dosage for Finast 5 mg Tablet is one 5 mg tablet taken once a day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day for optimal results. It may take 3 to 6 months to observe the full beneficial effects.

What are the possible side effects of Finast 5 mg Tablet?

Common side effects can include decreased sexual desire (libido), inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction/impotence), decreased volume of ejaculate, and breast enlargement or tenderness. Some men may also experience dizziness, testicular pain, or a rash. Less commonly, mood changes, depression, and, rarely, suicidal thoughts have been reported. Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention if symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing occur.

Is Finast 5 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Finast 5 mg Tablet is highly unsafe for use by women, especially during pregnancy or if they may become pregnant. The medication can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia in a male fetus. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Finast 5 mg tablets as the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin. Information regarding its use during breastfeeding is limited, and it is not recommended for breastfeeding women as the drug may pass into breast milk. Men whose partners are pregnant or may become pregnant should use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid potential exposure of the drug via semen.

Can Finast 5 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Finast 5 mg Tablet does not typically affect other medicines and has been used concomitantly with many common medications without significant adverse interactions. It can be used alone or in combination with other medicines, such as alpha-blockers like doxazosin, to treat BPH. However, it is always important to inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using Finast 5 mg Tablet?

Finast 5 mg Tablet is intended for use only in men and should not be used by women or children. Patients with liver disease should use this medicine with caution. It may affect the results of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests, which are used for prostate cancer screening; therefore, inform your doctor that you are taking this medication. Report any breast changes, such as lumps, pain, enlargement, or nipple discharge, to your doctor immediately, as these could be signs of a serious condition like breast cancer. Also, monitor for mood changes and depression. It's also advised not to donate blood for 6 months after taking the last dose.

What happens if a dose of Finast 5 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Finast 5 mg Tablet, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How should Finast 5 mg Tablet be stored?

Finast 5 mg Tablet should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and protect it from light. Ensure it is kept out of the reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.