Fincar 5mg (Finasteride)

Description

Fincar 5mg is used to treat male pattern baldness (or alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It belongs to a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It contains the ingredient Finasteride that helps in shrinking the enlarged prostate and reduces hair loss in men.

How Does Fincar 5mg Work?

Fincar 5 mg contains Finasteride 5mg which is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Finasteride blocks the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that changes testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated DHT levels contribute to prostate gland growth and hair loss. Thus, by stopping the production of DHT, it shrinks the prostate and reduces hair loss.

Uses

Male pattern baldness (or alopecia): It is the most common form of hair loss in men that occurs on the scalp. It begins at the temples, front of the scalp and crown of the head.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Also known as prostate enlargement, it is a condition that causes urination difficulty.

Recommended Dose

If you are taking Fincar 5 mg for the treatment male pattern baldness or alopecia, take a tablet once a day around the same time or as prescribed by the doctor.
If you are taking this drug for the treatment of BPH, take a tablet once a day around the same time. It will take a few months for the symptoms to improve. Do not stop the medication without your doctor’s approval.

Missed Dose

In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Unless it is the time for your next dose, then skip it. Do not take it more than once within a 24-hour window.

Overdose

An overdose could lead to serious side effects. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned below, reach out to your doctor immediately.

Side Effects

Fincar 5mg tablets may cause some side effects. Some of them include:

• Decreased sexual appetite
• Inability to achieve an erection
• Depression
• Testicular pain
• Decrease in semen
• Severe dizziness

Some serious or allergic reactions include:

• Change in breast size
• Breast pain
• Nipple discharge
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty in breathing

Call your doctor immediately if you experience unusual side effects while taking this medication.

Safety Advise

Here are some precautions to take while taking Fincar 5mg pills. Keep these in mind to reduce the risks of potential side effects. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before.

• Individuals suffering from liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, or urinary problems should seek medical advice before using this drug.
• Individuals allergic to Finasteride should refrain from using this drug.
• Complete medical history should be discussed with the doctor. If you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medications, herbal teas, vitamins, or supplements let your doctor know about them before taking this drug.
• Do not crush or break the tablet as it can be absorbed into the skin. This can result in congenital abnormalities.
  This drug is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Medical Interactions

Drug interactions can alter the way a drug works or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to understand which medications your drug can interact with to minimize the risks. Talk to your doctor about your medical history. Here’s a list of drugs that can interact with Fincar 5.

• Antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine).
• Medicines for heart disease (amiodarone)
• Drugs used for eye problems (like glaucoma or cataract), liver/kidney disease, hypotension (low blood pressure)

Substitutes

• Minoxidil
• Finast 5 mg
• Finax 1 mg
• Finpecia 1 mg
• Dutasteride 0.5 mg

Storage

• Keep the medication tightly sealed in its container.
• Store it at room temperature and keep it away from direct sunlight.
• Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

FAQ’s

1. What is the difference between Fincar 5 mg and other generic finasteride medications?    

Fincar 5 mg is a generic version of finasteride. The active ingredient is the same, but there may be variations in inactive ingredients. Consult your pharmacist for specific brand differences.

2. How long should I continue taking Fincar 5 mg for treating enlarged prostate symptoms?

The duration of treatment should be determined by your healthcare provider. It is often taken long-term to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

3. Are there any dietary restrictions or interactions I should be aware of while taking Fincar 5 mg?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Fincar 5 mg. However, discuss any potential drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Can Fincar 5 mg be used to treat hair loss in men?

Yes, finasteride (the active ingredient in Fincar) can be used for male pattern baldness. The typical dose for hair loss is 1 mg daily, so consult with your doctor about the appropriate dosage.

5. What are the potential side effects of Fincar 5 mg?

Side effects may include sexual dysfunction, breast tenderness, and mood changes. These side effects are relatively uncommon but should be discussed with your doctor.

References

• Zito PM, Bistas KG, Syed K. Finasteride. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/
• Mysore V, Shashikumar BM. Guidelines on the use of finasteride in androgenetic alopecia. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2016 Mar-Apr;82(2):128-34. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.177432. PMID: 26924401. https://ijdvl.com/guidelines-on-the-use-of-finasteride-in-androgenetic-alopecia/
• Gupta AK, Venkataraman M, Talukder M, Bamimore MA. Finasteride for hair loss: a review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Jun;33(4):1938-1946. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1959506. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34291720. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546634.2021.1959506?journalCode=ijdt20
• Tacklind J, Fink HA, Macdonald R, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Oct 6;2010(10):CD006015. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006015.pub3. PMID: 20927745; PMCID: PMC8908761. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006015.pub3/full
• Etzioni RD, Howlader N, Shaw PA, Ankerst DP, Penson DF, Goodman PJ, Thompson IM. Long-term effects of finasteride on prostate specific antigen levels: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial. J Urol. 2005 Sep;174(3):877-81. doi: 10.1097/01.ju.0000169255.64518.fb. Erratum in: J Urol. 2005 Nov;174(5):2071. PMID: 16093979. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16093979/

Written & Reviewed By

Dr. William Henderson

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