Generic Propecia
Propecia is an inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. It is an enzyme that converts testosterone to more active dihydrotestosterone. It reduces the content of dihydrotestosterone in the blood and tissue of the prostate gland. It inhibits the stimulating effect of dihydrotestosterone on the development of prostate adenoma.
Finasteride helps to reduce the size of the enlarged gland. It improves urine flow and reduces the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Several months of treatment may be required to reduce the clinical manifestations of the disease.
What is this medicine used for?
Propecia is indicated for use in men of reproductive age who have the following functional disorders:
- prostatic hyperplasia;
- prostate adenoma, i.e. a benign tumor.
Finasteride is used to reduce the size of the inflamed prostate, normalize the processes of urination and eliminate pain. This medication helps to gradually neutralize unwanted symptoms and reduce the likelihood of acute urinary retention.
Thus, the timely use of a hormonal drug ensures the normalization of endocrine glands’ function without the need for catheterization or surgical intervention through transurethral resection of the prostate gland or complete removal of the prostate.
How to take Propecia?
The recommended daily dose of Propecia is 5 mg. A patient suffering from increased hair loss or the growth of a benign tumor in the prostate should not take more than one tablet per day.
Propecia (Finasteride) is prescribed as part of a treatment course. The patient should undergo a 3-month course of drug therapy to manifest a noticeable pharmacological effect. This will normalize the size of the prostate gland. The patient takes the drug for 4 months to increase the maximum urine flow rate.
A therapeutic course lasting 7 months is recommended for individuals if it is necessary to treat urinary obstruction. Patients should remember that unwanted changes in the prostate gland are restored after about 6-8 months from the date of the pharmaceutical substance discontinuation.
Side effects
The use of the drug without control by the attending physician can provoke the following side effects:
- decreased libido, impotence (erectile dysfunction);
- angioedema, skin rash and other allergic reactions;
- breast and prostate cancer.
What should I tell a doctor before taking Propecia?
Propecia is contraindicated in persons suffering from hypersensitivity to any of the drug ingredients, as well as from malignant tumors of the prostate and obstructive uropathy.
Finasteride is not prescribed for the treatment of minor children and women. If a woman uses a drug with increased teratogenic properties during pregnancy, the risk of impaired development of the genital organs in the male fetus increases significantly.