Is Propecia effective for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)?

Is Propecia effective for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)?

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)

As men age, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate gland, becomes more prevalent. Uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as a bladder blockage, might be brought on by an enlarged prostate gland. It may also result in issues with the kidneys, urinary system, or bladder.

The urine stream may be weak or intermittent with this disorder. It occasionally causes infections, stones in the bladder, and reduced kidney function.

Prostate gland enlargement can cause a variety of symptoms, all of which tend to get progressively worse with time. Common BPH warning signs and symptoms include:

  • Urge to urinate frequently or immediately
  • increased frequency of nighttime urination (nocturia)
  • difficulty beginning to urinate
  • weak urine flow, intermittent pee flow, or dribbling after urinating
  • bladder not emptying entirely

Finasteride(Generic Propecia)

Finasteride is a medical drug available under the generic name Propecia which belongs to a class of medication called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This medicine is used alone or as a combination with other medical agents to treat enlarged prostate in men by shrinking them. It is also used to treat hair loss or pattern baldness in men. 

Acute urine retention is less likely to occur when finasteride is used to treat BPH symptoms including frequent and challenging urination (sudden inability to urinate). Additionally, it might lessen the necessity of prostate surgery.

By preventing the body from producing a male hormone that causes the prostate to grow, finasteride treats BPH.

How to use Propecia?

  • Finasteride can be taken either with or without food. The only requirement is that you take it at roughly the same time every day, regardless of the time of day.
  • Take your finasteride tablets with a glass of water, whole. Avoid crushing or breaking them. The typical dosage for an enlarged prostate is 5 mg once daily.
  • Finasteride is often taken for a long period of time. It might be necessary for you to take it for a long time. Take your finasteride as soon as you remember if it has been fewer than six hours since your scheduled dose.
  • Skip the missed dose and take the next one at the regular time if it has been more than 6 hours since your dose was scheduled to be taken. To make up for a missed dose, do not take a second dose.
  • Set an alarm to remind you if you frequently forget to take your medication. Asking your pharmacist for suggestions on alternative strategies to help you remember to take your medication is another option.

Precaution before using propecia

Several things must be discussed before medicating with propecia such as:

  • If you have an allergy to finasteride, any other medications, or any of the substances in finasteride tablets, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. For a list of the ingredients, consult the patient information or speak with your pharmacist.
  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
  • Inform your physician if you currently have liver illness or have ever had prostate cancer.
  • You should be aware that finasteride is solely prescribed for male use. Don’t let women, especially those who are or might be pregnant, handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. The foetus could be harmed by touching cracked or crushed finasteride tablets. A woman who is pregnant or who might become pregnant should notify her doctor and wash the area where she came into contact with the broken or crushed finasteride tablets with detergent and water right away.
  • You should be aware that finasteride may reduce male fertility; this medication may also cause lower libido, ejaculatory issues, and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection both during therapy and after it is stopped. You should discuss the dangers of taking finasteride with your doctor.

Side effects of Propecia

Propecia is associated with several side effects such as:

Inform the doctor if these conditions persist or get worse.

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

  • breast alterations include enlargement, lumps, discomfort, or nipple discharge
  • rash/sitching/shives
  • breathing or swallowing 
  • difficulties and facial and lip edoema

Finasteride use may raise your risk of getting breast cancer or high-grade prostate cancer, which spreads and progresses more quickly than other types of prostate cancer. You should discuss the dangers of taking finasteride with your doctor.

Other negative effects of finasteride are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing urinary issues. It’s crucial to detect or rule out any underlying causes, even if you don’t find urine symptoms to be troublesome. Urinary tract blockage could occur if urinary issues are left untreated. Seek emergency medical help if you are unable to urinate at all.

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