Finasteride

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

• Standard dose: 5 mg once daily
• Taken long term, with symptom improvement expected in 3–6 months

For male pattern hair loss:

• Standard dose: 1 mg once daily
• Usually taken for at least 3–6 months before results are noticeable
• Treatment must be continued to maintain benefits — stopping reverses effects over 6–12 months

Instructions:

• Take at the same time each day, with or without food
• Swallow whole with water — do not crush or chew
• Keep out of reach of women and children (see precautions)

• Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken tablets — risk of harm to male foetuses
• Use caution in men with:
• Liver impairment (reduced clearance)
• History of depression (rare reports of mood effects)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels may be artificially lowered by finasteride, which can affect prostate cancer screening. Let your doctor know you are taking finasteride before any PSA test.

Yes, finasteride is generally safe and well tolerated when used appropriately.

• Licensed for use in adult men only
• Not suitable for use in women or children
• Long-term safety is established for both BPH and male pattern baldness

Most side effects are mild and uncommon. These may include:

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation disorders (e.g. reduced volume)

Uncommon/Rare:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement (report if noticed)
• Testicular pain
• Mood changes including depression or anxiety
• Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. rash, swelling of lips/face)

Side effects may persist after stopping treatment in rare cases. Always report persistent or distressing effects to a healthcare professional.