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Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed Finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Finasteride (fin-AS-tur-ide) belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), Finasteride may decrease the severity of symptoms. Finasteride may also reduce the chance that surgery on the prostate will be needed. Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of Finasteride on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again. Finasteride also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of Finasteride, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Finasteride treatment is stopped. Finasteride is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada) Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH commonly occurs in men over 55 years of age and causes the prostate gland to enlarge. Enlarged prostate glands can cause urinary problems such as frequent and difficult urination, especially at night. Finasteride shrinks the prostate and relieves these symptoms. Finasteride is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Finasteride comes as a tablet. Finasteride usually is taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Finasteride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Finasteride even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Finasteride without talking to your doctor. Brand names: - Finasteride - Propecia - Proscar |