Merina Tablet (Finasteride)

Adult dose

The usual dosage for finasteride is 1 mg orally once daily, with or without food. There is no evidence that increasing the dose enhances efficacy. Generally, treatment effects can be observed after taking it for more than 3 months, and it is recommended to continue taking it to maintain treatment effects. Treatment duration and efficacy should be continuously evaluated. If treatment is discontinued, the effects will fade within 12 months.

This medication should not be administered to children or women. In particular, pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should avoid even touching broken pieces of this medication, as it can be absorbed through the skin and pose a risk to a male fetus. Depressive symptoms or mood changes may occur during the course of using this medication, so if any psychiatric symptoms develop, consult a doctor immediately. This medication should not be used in pregnant women or women who may become pregnant, and in patients with hypersensitivity to this medication or any of its components. Additionally, patients who are taking any other 5α-reductase inhibitors or have certain genetic problems such as lactose intolerance should not use this drug. Patients with liver dysfunction should use this medication with special caution. Sexual dysfunction-related side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders may occur with this medication, and in some cases, discontinuation of treatment may be necessary due to these symptoms. However, in most cases, symptoms will recover after stopping the treatment. Various adverse reactions including breast tenderness or enlargement, rash, muscle pain, and depression have been reported with long-term use; thus, any abnormal symptoms should be reported to medical personnel. If there are changes in the breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge during treatment with this medication, inform a doctor immediately, and note that a decrease in ejaculation volume may occur, but this does not significantly affect normal sexual function. Concerning the risk of prostate cancer, some studies have reported that there may be an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer during treatment with this medication; therefore, it is important to undergo regular examinations according to the doctor's instructions. No clinically significant interactions with other medications have been reported for this drug, but it is advisable to inform medical personnel of any other medications being taken. This drug is not administered to pregnant women or nursing mothers, and safety and efficacy have not been established for pediatric patients. No dose adjustment is needed for elderly patients, but since efficacy has not been sufficiently proven, caution is advised. During blood tests while on this medication, levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may decrease, so this should be considered when interpreting test results. There is no specific antidote for overdose; however, even at high doses in clinical trials, serious adverse reactions are rarely reported. This medication should be stored out of the reach of children, and transferring it to another container is not advisable, as it can compromise the quality.

Serious side effects

Hives, angioedema (including swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face), rash, depression, suicidal thoughts

Mild side effects

• Decreased libido
• erectile dysfunction
• ejaculation disorders
• decreased semen volume
• muscle pain
• myasthenia
• anxiety
• dizziness
• headache
• palpitations

This medication should be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent exposure to air and moisture. Additionally, to maintain its effectiveness, it is best to keep it in a cool place between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

Biconvex, octagonal, brownish-yellow film-coated tablets

Package unit

30 tablets (10 tablets/PTP x 3)