Fistide

Uses
Fistide (Finasteride) is prescribed to men as a baldness treatment or to relieve urinary flow problems occurring as a result of an enlarged prostate in patients affected by BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This drug helps to shrink the prostate, and this is achieved by causing a reduction in the amount of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). As a result of this, BPH patients may experience relief from urination symptoms.

Male pattern hair loss is a progressive condition in which the hair is gradually lost. It is believed that there is a link between the shedding of hair and the hormone DHT. By reducing DHT on the scalp and in the blood, this medicine may cause a reversal of the hair loss process, and may even help new hair to grow.

Dosage and Administration
Fistide (Finasteride) comes in the form of tablets, which are swallowed whole with water. If you are treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and the urination symptoms caused by this condition, your doctor will tell you the correct amount of medicine to take. Generally, doctors prescribe 5mg per day (equal to one of these tablets). After 6 to 12 months of treatment, your doctor may need to evaluate the efficacy of treatment, and if no improvement occurs, you may be told to stop treatment.

Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is not treated with 5mg per day. Your doctor will prescribe a suitable dose for you. Usually adults are told to take 1mg per day. Some patients will notice an improvement in 3 months, however, patients normally need to wait for a period of at least 6 months before it can be determined whether or not it is working. If no improvement occurs after 12 months of treatment, further treatment is unlikely to benefit you.

Side effects
Fistide (Finasteride) may cause:

• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• A reduced amount of semen
• A lower desire for sexual intercourse
• Difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection

You are advised to notify your doctor of any side effects you experience. In some cases, patients may experience sexual side effects which do not go away after treatment stops. There is also a risk of male breast cancer, however, this is considered to be rare. See your doctor immediately if you experience breast pain, lumps occurring on the breasts or a discharge from the breasts.

Precautions
These tablets are only prescribed to adult men, and never to children or women. Pregnant women should never handle the tablets, especially if they have been cut or broke, as there is a risk of the medicine being absorbed into the blood through the skin, which could cause damage to the unborn child.

Stopping treatment with this drug will cause any newly grown hair to be lost and the continuation of the balding process within 12 months.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Fistide (Finasteride) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.