Riva-Finasteride (Laboratoire Riva, 1 mg): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

What is RIVA-FINASTERIDE used for?

RIVA-FINASTERIDE is used in adult men for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. This condition is also known as androgenetic alopecia.

How does RIVA-FINASTERIDE work?

RIVA-FINASTERIDE prevents the production of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp. DHT causes a decrease of hair growth and thinning of the hair. This can lead to male pattern hair loss. The lowered level of DHT in the scalp leads to increased hair growth.

What are the ingredients in RIVA-FINASTERIDE?

Medicinal Ingredient: Finasteride

Non-medicinal ingredients: Docusate sodium, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Hypromellose, Iron Oxide Red, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pregelatinized Starch, Sodium Starch Glycolate, Talc, Titanium Dioxide and Yellow Iron Oxide.

RIVA-FINASTERIDE comes in the following dosage forms:

Tablet: 1 mg

Do not use RIVA-FINASTERIDE if:

• you are allergic to finasteride, any ingredient in RIVA-FINASTERIDE or component of its container.

• you are a women or child. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use RIVA-FINASTERIDE.

To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take RIVA-FINASTERIDE. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:

• have liver disease

Other warnings you should know about:

Monitoring and testing

• RIVA-FINASTERIDE may increase your chance of a more serious form of prostate cancer. You may undergo a blood test called Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test. The PSA test is for the screening of prostate cancer. RIVA-FINASTERIDE can alter PSA values. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell the healthcare professional administering the test that you are taking RIVA-FINASTERIDE.
• Your healthcare professional will check your PSA levels during your treatment.
• You should monitor your breasts regularly. Speak to your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any changes. This may include lumps, pain or nipple discharge, breast enlargement, and tenderness.

Pregnancy

• Women who are or may be pregnant must not use RIVA-FINASTERIDE.
• They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets of RIVA-FINASTERIDE. A male baby may be harmed if a pregnant women is exposed to the medicinal ingredient in RIVA-FINASTERIDE. It may cause the male baby to be born with abnormalities of the sex organs. A pregnant woman may be exposed if the tablet is absorbed through the skin. RIVA-FINASTERIDE tablets are coated to prevent contact with the medicinal ingredient during normal handling (i.e., tablets are not broken or crushed).
• Speak to a healthcare professional if a pregnant woman comes into contact with the active ingredient in RIVA-FINASTERIDE.

Behaviour and mood changes

• There have been reports that finasteride tablets may cause changes in mood including extreme sadness (depression), injuries from hurting yourself on purpose (self-harm injury), and thoughts of suicide (suicidal ideation). These mental health problems may continue even after you stop treatment.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you have had these behaviour and mood changes before. They should check your mental health before, during and after your treatment with RIVA-FINASTERIDE.
• If you feel sad, want to hurt yourself, or end your own life or if others around you notice changes in your behaviour, get medical help right away.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

How to take RIVA-FINASTERIDE:

• Take RIVA-FINASTERIDE exactly as your healthcare professional has prescribed.

• Take by mouth with or without food.

Usual dose:

Take one 1 mg tablet once a day.

Overdose:

Missed dose:

If you missed a dose of this medication, you do not need to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What are possible side effects from using RIVA-FINASTERIDE?

These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking RIVA-FINASTERIDE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare professional.

Side effects may include:

• blood in semen;
• breast swelling and/or tenderness;
• difficulty in achieving an erection that continued after stopping the medication;
• difficulty in achieving an erection;
• less desire to have sex;
• male infertility;
• muscle injury, muscle pain, muscle weakness, abnormal test results (CK elevation);
• problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex;
• testicular pain.

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, tell your healthcare professional.

Reporting Side Effects

Storage:

Store between 15°C and 30°C and protect from light. Keep blister in the outer carton until all tablets are used.

keep out of reach and sight of children.

If you want more information about RIVA-FINASTERIDE:

• Talk to your healthcare professional.
• Find the full product monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/drug-products/drug-product-database.html); the manufacturer’s website (www.labriva.com) or by calling 1-800-363-7988.

Laboratoire Riva Inc.

660 Boul. Industriel

Blainville, Quebec

J7C 3V4

www.labriva.com

Last Revised: December 27, 2024