Prosterid (Propecia)

Pharmaceutical name: Finasteride

Prosterid is a type of steroid reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This makes the prostate gland smaller, which helps to relieve urinary problems.

Therapeutic actions:
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.

What is it used for?:
Treating urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH).
It is also used to lower the risk of needing surgery to treat BPH.

Contraindications and cautions:
Prosterid is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to Finasteride. Finasteride use is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant.

Side effects:
Serious allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer. Less serious side effects: feeling like you might pass out; swelling in your hands or feet; pain in the testicles; impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm; abnormal ejaculation; swelling or tenderness in your breasts; dizziness, weakness; headache; runny nose; or skin rash.

Interactions:
No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified.