Finasteride Tablets 5 mg (Finasteride)

Adult dose

Take 5 mg orally once a day without regard to meals as finasteride. Even if symptoms improve while taking it, a minimum of 6 months of treatment is necessary.

This medication should not be used by children or women. Particularly, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle broken pieces of this medication, as it is coated in an intact state to avoid contact with the active ingredient. While taking this medication, depression or mood changes may occur; therefore, if any change in mood is felt, it is necessary to consult a healthcare professional. Patients with hypersensitivity to this medication or specific genetic metabolic issues (e.g., galactose intolerance) should not take it, and patients with liver dysfunction should use it cautiously. Generally, this medication is well tolerated; however, sexual function-related side effects (erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, etc.) may occur, and gynecomastia or breast tenderness has been reported in some patients. Prolonged use has been associated with a potential risk of male breast cancer, although a direct relationship with this medication is not clear. Additionally, the risk of certain high-grade forms of prostate cancer may increase, necessitating regular check-ups. This medication has minimal drug interactions and does not affect the CYP-450 enzyme system, thus co-administering with multiple medications poses no significant issues. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should not use this medication, especially during pregnancy, as there is a risk of genital abnormalities in male fetuses. The safety and efficacy in children have not been established, so it should not be used in this population. Elderly patients can use this medication similarly to adults, and dosage adjustment is not necessary. This medication may lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can affect the interpretation of test results, so this should be considered during PSA testing. There is no specific antidote for overdose, but reported adverse reactions are rare. When storing, keep it out of the reach of children and do not transfer to another container.

Serious side effects

Hives, angioedema (including swelling of lips, tongue, throat, and face), hypersensitivity reactions.

Mild side effects

Feeling depressed, mood changes including depression and suicidal thoughts, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, gynecomastia, breast tenderness, rash, muscle pain, weakness, anxiety, testicular pain, blood clots, male infertility, heartburn, dizziness, headache, numbness in both hands, lethargy, otitis media, abnormal liver function.

This medication should be stored in a sealed container to block light and prevent air ingress. It is important to maintain a storage temperature between 1°C and 30°C.

Appearance

Blue apple-shaped film-coated tablet

Package unit

30 tablets (10 tablets/PTP x 3)