Prosfin

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Used for treatment and control of BPH (regression of prostate, improved urinary flow, improved symptoms).
• Male Pattern Baldness: Used for treatment of hair loss in men.

Finasteride, a competitive inhibitor of the 5α reductase enzyme which is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is selective for 5α reductase type 2 enzyme and has no affinity for androgen receptors. The development of the prostate gland and subsequent BPH is dependent upon conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) within the prostate.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• BPH: 5 mg once daily for at least 6 months.
• Male Pattern Baldness: 1 mg once daily for at least 3 months.

Hepatic impairment: Caution in liver dysfunction; monitor.

Common Side Effects (1% in BPH):

• Impotence (3.7%)
• Decreased libido (3.3%)
• Decreased volume of ejaculate (2.8%)

Use in Pregnancy: Highly unsafe; animal and human studies have shown significant harmful effects; pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets.

Precautions:

• Finasteride does not usually affect your ability to drive.
• Beneficial response may not be immediate; monitor patients with large residual urine volume and/or severely diminished urinary flow.
• Digital rectal examination and other evaluations for prostate cancer should be performed before and periodically during BPH treatment.
• Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets (risk to male fetus from absorption).
• If you discontinue the medicine, you may lose the hair you grew while on it.

Overdose: Limited information on overdose; symptomatic treatment.

Storage: Store below 30 degree C in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.