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Finasteride [For B.P.H.]: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor approved for men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with an enlarged prostate.

Forms:Tablet

About Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

Indications of Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor approved for men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) associated with an enlarged prostate. Established, FDA-approved uses include:

  • Treatment of symptomatic BPH - to improve urinary symptoms (weak stream, frequency, urgency, incomplete emptying) associated with prostate enlargement.
  • Reduction of the risk of acute urinary retention in men with symptomatic BPH.
  • Reduction of the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy.

Guideline-supported combination use: Finasteride [For B.P.H.] may be used together with an alpha-blocker (e.g., doxazosin) in men with larger prostates, as combination therapy has been shown to reduce the long-term risk of BPH clinical progression compared with either agent alone.

Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is not indicated and should not be used for the prevention of prostate cancer, or for use in women or children.

Dosage & Administration of Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

The recommended dose of Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is 5 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food.

Indication/PopulationRecommended Dose
Symptomatic BPH (monotherapy)5 mg once daily, long-term
Combination with an alpha-blocker (e.g., doxazosin) for reducing BPH progression risk5 mg once daily together with the alpha-blocker, per physician guidance
Hepatic impairmentUse with caution; no formal dose adjustment established due to limited data
Renal impairmentNo dosage adjustment required
ElderlyNo dosage adjustment required based on age alone
Women and childrenNot indicated - see Contraindications

Treatment response should be reassessed after 6-12 months of continuous use. Finasteride [For B.P.H.] should be taken consistently at the same time each day and continued only as directed by a physician, since symptom relief may reverse if it is stopped.

Side Effects of Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

The most commonly reported side effects of Finasteride [For B.P.H.] relate to sexual function and occur in a small percentage of patients:

  • Decreased libido (reduced sex drive)
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Ejaculation disorders, including decreased volume of ejaculate

These sexual side effects usually resolve with continued use or after stopping treatment, although persistence after discontinuation has been reported in some patients (see Precautions and Warnings).

Other reported side effects include:

  • Breast tenderness and/or enlargement (gynecomastia)
  • Skin rash or hypersensitivity reactions
  • Depression and mood changes
  • Testicular pain (uncommon)
  • Decreased semen quality (reported in some men)

Tell your physician if any side effect is severe, persistent, or bothersome.

Contraindications of Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

  • Known hypersensitivity to Finasteride [For B.P.H.] or any component of the formulation.
  • Use in women, particularly women who are or may become pregnant - Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is not indicated for women, and pregnancy exposure can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus.
  • Use in children - safety and efficacy have not been established.

Frequently Asked Questions about Finasteride [For B.P.H.]

What is Finasteride [For B.P.H.] used for?

Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate, to improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for BPH-related surgery.

How long does it take for Finasteride [For B.P.H.] to work?

Improvement in symptoms is usually noticeable after 3 to 6 months of continuous use, while the full benefit in reducing urinary retention and surgery risk may take 6 to 12 months or longer. Finasteride [For B.P.H.] must be taken regularly as directed to see results.

Can women or children take Finasteride [For B.P.H.]?

No. Finasteride [For B.P.H.] is contraindicated in women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, because it can cause abnormal genital development in a male fetus, and it is also contraindicated in children as safety and efficacy have not been established.

Does Finasteride [For B.P.H.] affect PSA test results?

Yes. Finasteride [For B.P.H.] lowers serum PSA levels by about half after 6-12 months of use, even without prostate cancer. Tell your physician you are taking this medicine so PSA results can be interpreted correctly, and continue routine prostate cancer screening as advised.

What are the main side effects of Finasteride [For B.P.H.]?

The most common side effects involve sexual function, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. Breast tenderness/enlargement, rash, and mood changes such as depression have also been reported. In some patients, sexual side effects may persist after stopping the medicine.

Can my pregnant partner be exposed to Finasteride [For B.P.H.]?

Finasteride has been detected in semen. Men taking Finasteride [For B.P.H.] should use a condom during sexual activity with a partner who is or may become pregnant, and pregnant women should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets, due to the risk of harm to a male fetus.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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