Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Finasteride (Meliapharm)
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
FINASTERIDE IS FOR USE BY MEN ONLY
What the medication is used for:
FINASTERIDE is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. FINASTERIDE may also be used to reduce the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine and the need for surgery.
FINASTERIDE is not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
What it does:
FINASTERIDE lowers levels of a key hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of prostate growth. Lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland in most men. This can lead to gradual improvement in urine flow and symptoms over the next several months. FINASTERIDE will help reduce the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine (acute urinary retention) and the need for surgery.
When it should not be used:
Do not take FINASTERIDE if you think you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Women and children should not take FINASTERIDE. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use FINASTERIDE (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy).
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Finasteride
What the non-medicinal ingredients are:
Docusate Sodium, FD& C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Hypromellose, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose; Pregelatinised Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Iron Oxide.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Tablets (film-coated): 5 mg.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Pregnancy: Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use FINASTERIDE. They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets of FINASTERIDE. If the active ingredient in FINASTERIDE is absorbed after oral use or through the skin by a woman who is pregnant with a male baby, it may cause the male baby to be born with abnormalities of the sex organs. FINASTERIDE tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in FINASTERIDE, a physician should be consulted.
You must see your physician regularly while taking FINASTERIDE. Follow your physician's advice about when to have these checkups.
About Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Your physician may have done a blood test called PSA for the screening of prostate cancer. FINASTERIDE can alter PSA values. You should tell your physician that you are taking FINASTERIDE. For more information, talk to your physician.
FINASTERIDE may increase the chance of a more serious form of prostate cancer.
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Tell your physician or pharmacist about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription and non-prescription medicines, and herbal supplements.
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
Take FINASTERIDE as your physician has prescribed.
Usual dose:
5 mg tablet once daily by mouth with or without food.
Missed dose:
If you miss a dose, do not take an extra one. Just take the next tablet as usual.
Overdose:
In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Center immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Like any medicine, FINASTERIDE may cause side effects. Side effects due to FINASTERIDE may include:
- impotence (an inability to have an erection)
- less desire to have sex
- problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
FINASTERIDE Product Monograph Page 28 of 28
In addition, some men may have breast swelling and/or tenderness.
Some men have also reported the following:
allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives and swelling
of the lips and face
- testicular pain
an inability to have an erection that continued after
stopping the medication
male infertility and/or poor quality of semen.
Improvement in the quality of semen has been reported after stopping the medication.
- Depression
decrease in sex drive that continued after stopping the
medication
In rare cases, male breast cancer has been reported.
You should promptly report to your physician any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge.
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM | ||||
| Symptom / effect | Talk with your doctor or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and seek immediate emergency medical attention | ||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
Allergic reactions including rash, hives, and swelling of the lips and face | ✓ | |||
This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking FINASTERIDE, contact your physician or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from light to prevent discoloration.
KEEP FINASTERIDE AND ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS
You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:
$ Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect $ Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345
$ Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:
- Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or
Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program Health Canada
Postal Locator 0701E
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0K9
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.
NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals, can be obtained by contacting the sponsor MeliaPharm Inc. at 1-888-550-6060.
MeliaPharm Inc.
Montreal Quebec
H4P 2T4