Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Van-Finasteride
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
VAN-FINASTERIDE TABLETS USP IS FOR USE BY MEN ONLY.
What the medication is used for:
VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP may also be used to reduce the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine and the need for surgery.
VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP is not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
What it does:
VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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. VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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 VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP if you think you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Women and children should not take Finasteride Tablets USP. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Pregnancy).
What the medicinal ingredient is:
finasteride
What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:
microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, coloring agents (FD&C blue 2 aluminum lake, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow), pregelatinized starch, lauroyl macrogoglycerides, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate and sodium starch glycolate.
What dosage forms it comes in:
Each film coated tablet contains 5 mg of finasteride.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Pregnancy: Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Finasteride Tablets USP. They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets of Finasteride Tablets USP. If the active ingredient in VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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.
VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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 VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP, a physician should be consulted.
You must see your physician regularly while taking Finasteride Tablets USP. 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. VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP can alter PSA values. You should tell your physician that you are taking VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP. For more information, talk to your physician.
VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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 VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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 Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
| IMPORTANT:PLEASE READ |
VAN- Finasteride Tablets USP Page 27 of 27
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Like any medicine, VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP may cause side effects. Side effects due to VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP 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.
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 | ||||
| Symptoms / Effects | Talk with your physician or pharmacist | Stop taking drug and seek immediate emergency medical attention | ||
| Only if severe | In all cases | |||
| Rare | 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 VAN-Finasteride Tablets USP, contact your physician or pharmacist.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature (15°C-30°C) and protect from light.
KEEP VAN-FINASTERIDE TABLETS USP AND ALL MEDICINES OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
MORE INFORMATION
This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting:
Manufacturer and Distributor:
Vanc Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Building 152, 11782 River Road Richmond, BC V6X 1Z7
www.vancpharm.com
Help line: 1-877-929-0699
Email: safety@vancpharm.com
Last revised: October 10, 2014
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:
Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffectTM 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. |