Finasteride (for benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Common side effects include:

• ​Unable to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse
• Decreased libido (sex drive); less desire to have sex
• Difficulty with ejaculation

These side effects may disappear after a while if you continue to take the medication. If not, they usually go away after stopping the medication. Discuss with your doctor if you are unsure or these side effects become bothersome to you.

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Changes in your breast tissue such as lumps, pain, enlargement or nipple discharge.
• Pain in your testicle.

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

• ​Use a condom during sexual intercourse as your semen could contain the medication. If your partner is or may be pregnant, you must avoid exposing her to your semen as it may affect the normal development of the baby’s sex organs.
• Avoid donating blood during treatment or for 1 month after you stopped the treatment as there may be a risk that your blood may be given to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have heart or liver problem
• You are taking this medication as it may affect prostate specific antigen (PSA), a lab test to monitor the effectiveness or the medication as well as the condition

​​Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.