Panaska Tablet (Finasteride)

Adult dose

As finasteride, 5 mg is administered orally once daily regardless of meals. Treatment should continue for at least 6 months, even if symptoms improve while taking the medication.

This medication should not be used in children or women. In particular, women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should avoid handling broken pieces of this medication. While the drug is coated and normally does not come into contact with the active ingredient unless damaged, it may pose risks if broken or crushed. During the course of taking this medication, symptoms of depression or mood changes may occur. If these symptoms arise, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Additionally, individuals with known allergies to this medication or its components should not take it. Patients with liver dysfunction should use this medication cautiously. Generally, this drug has a low incidence of side effects and good tolerability, but sexual dysfunction-related adverse reactions may occur. Reports of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and reduced semen volume have been noted. There have been reports linking long-term use to male breast cancer; however, the direct correlation with this medication has not yet been clearly established. This drug may increase the risk of certain high-grade types of prostate cancer, so it is crucial to carefully monitor prostate health before and during treatment. This medication tends to have minimal interactions with other drugs, and no special dose adjustments are necessary. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this drug, particularly women who are pregnant should refrain from use due to the risks of genital abnormalities in male fetuses. The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established, thus it is not recommended for use in this population. Elderly patients can use this medication without specific dose adjustments, but it is advised to consult a physician before use. This medication may impact prostate cancer diagnosis; hence caution is needed when interpreting results from prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Moreover, the volume of semen may decrease during treatment, but this does not significantly impact normal sexual function. There is no specific treatment for overdose, and it should be kept out of reach of children. It is advisable to avoid transferring the medication to other containers.

Serious side effects

Hives, angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face)

Mild side effects

Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, reduced semen volume, ejaculation disorders, gynecomastia, breast tenderness, rash, muscle pain, myasthenia, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, testicular pain, hematuria, male infertility, dizziness, headache, indigestion, constipation, gastrointestinal disturbances (heartburn), dryness of mouth, itching, hypersensitivity reactions, tingling in both hands, fatigue, liver function abnormalities, otitis media

This medication should be stored at room temperature between 1°C and 30°C. It is important to keep it in a light-proof, tightly closed container, avoiding direct sunlight.

Appearance

Blue round film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets (10 tablets/PTPX3)