What it is
Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat BPH, which is an age-related, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms. The 5?mg strength is specifically approved for BPH (the lower 1?mg strength is used for male pattern hair loss).
How it works
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that makes the prostate grow larger. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride helps shrink the prostate and reduce related urinary problems.
Benefits
Shrinks the prostate by about 20 to 30 percent over six months to a year.
Improves urine flow and reduces symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and weak stream.
Lowers the risk of acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate).
**Typical dose**
* The usual adult dose for BPH is **5 milligrams once daily**.
* It can be taken **with or without food**, at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
**How to take it**
* Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
* If you miss a dose, just take the next scheduled dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed tablet.
**How long to take it**
* Finasteride may take **six months or longer** to reach its full effect on prostate size and urinary symptoms.
* It is meant for **long-term use**, so do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
**Monitoring**
* You will likely need regular check-ups to monitor PSA levels, prostate size, and urinary symptoms.
* If you notice side effects like breast lumps, nipple discharge, severe mood changes, or signs of an allergic reaction, report these immediately.
Here is a detailed list of possible side effects of **finasteride 5 mg** for benign prostatic hyperplasia, written plainly without symbols:
**Sexual side effects**
* Decreased libido. Some men notice a lower sex drive during treatment.
* Erectile dysfunction. Some may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
* Reduced volume of semen during ejaculation. This does not usually affect sexual function otherwise but can be noticeable.
* In rare cases, these sexual side effects may persist even after stopping the medication.
**Breast-related side effects**
* Breast tenderness or pain.
* Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
* Nipple discharge or lumps in the breast. These should be reported to a doctor immediately because male breast cancer, although extremely rare, has been associated with finasteride use in rare cases.
**Reproductive system side effects**
* Testicular pain, although this is uncommon.
**Skin and hypersensitivity reactions**
* Rash, itching, or hives.
* Swelling of the lips or face.
* Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, which are very rare but require urgent medical attention.
**Mental health and mood changes**
* Some patients have reported depression, low mood, or anxiety while taking finasteride.
* Rare reports of suicidal thoughts or behavior have been described, especially in men who experience persistent sexual side effects.
**Prostate cancer considerations**
* Finasteride reduces PSA levels by about fifty percent. This can make prostate cancer harder to detect through PSA tests alone, so doctors usually adjust the PSA result for this effect.
* Some studies have suggested a slightly increased risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, though finasteride also lowers the overall risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.
**Other possible effects**
* Rare cases of male infertility due to changes in semen quality have been described but are uncommon and usually reversible after stopping the drug.
Cautions and Warnings for Finasteride 5 mg (for BPH)
Finasteride lowers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by about half, which can mask signs of prostate cancer. Regular PSA monitoring is needed to help detect cancer early.
There is a small possible increased risk of developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer, though this is still debated.
Some men experience persistent sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume, which may continue after stopping the medication in rare cases.
Finasteride may cause breast tenderness or enlargement. Any breast lumps, nipple discharge, or persistent pain should be reported to a doctor because these can rarely indicate male breast cancer.
Some people may develop allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling of the lips or face, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical help if this occurs.
Rare cases of depression and mood changes have been reported. If you notice significant changes in mood, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, contact a healthcare provider.
Not for use in women or children. Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets, as the medication can be absorbed through the skin and may harm a male fetus.
