Finasteride - a drug that has an effect on male hormones. It is used commonly in the treatment of diseases of the reproductive system in men. In particular, the drug affects the metabolic processes in the prostate. Due to its efficiency in diseases of the prostate, the drug has earned positive feedback from men. In pharmacies you can find various analogues of the drug, and their price is quite accessible.
Finasteride Effects
Finasteride comes in the form of tablets. The standard dosage is 5 mg. The mechanism of action of the drug is due to competitive inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase. Normally, the enzyme promotes the conversion of testosterone into the more active form called "dihydrotestosterone".
Suppressing the activity of dihydrotestosterone, the medication prevents the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia. As a result, it marked reduction in the size of the prostate gland, preventing further tissue growth. Reduction of BPH in men results in restoration of urination, increased urine flow rate as well as to eliminate the symptoms of the disease, as evidenced by one.
Finasteride Indications and Contraindications
Finasteride is recommended for prostate cancer. The drug is effective at the prostate tissue. According to the reviews, if you take Finasteride (Propecia), the results will significantly reduce the clinical manifestations of adenomas in men and prevent the need for surgical treatment of disease.
Do not forget that reviews: the drug has some side effects. Therefore, it can not be taken by everyone. Contraindications include:- hypersensitivity to the main active ingredient;
- obstruction of the urinary tract in men;
- malignant prostate tumor;
- severe hepatic insufficiency.
Finasteride Side Effects
Regarding side effects, the probability of their occurrence depends on severity of dose and individual responsiveness of the male organism. Reviews suggest that the occurrence of side effects of the drug is very rare, although it must be remembered about. In general, if you take medicine strictly according to the recommendations of the attending physician, many sides can be avoided. Thus, are possible:
- Sexual and erectile dysfunction.
This dysfunction includes decreased libido and sexual drive by decreasing the formation of the most active form of the male hormone. Also, there may be a violation of the ejaculation process, reducing the volume of seminal fluid.
- Increase in blood levels of FSH and luteinizing hormone.
Reducing the concentration of certain hormones leads to the predominance of others. As a result, it may begin to develop breast enlargement in men, that the further progression is called "gynecomastia". It is necessary to pay attention to any changes in the glands. Reviews of physicians indicate that they may be packing, pain, discharge from the nipple.
- Manifestations of allergic reactions.
Allergy is a means of varying severity. There may be a moderate itching with urticaria, and more serious conditions by type of angioedema.
Finasteride Dosages
Reviews of physicians and by instruction it is recommended to take the medication - one tablet per day, which corresponds to 5 mg. In most cases it is a long treatment. The duration of treatment for prostate adenoma is determined individually taking into account the activity of the pathological process and the severity of symptoms.