RiteMED Finasteride Special Precautions

Finasteride should be used with caution in men with hepatic impairment. When used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, finasteride should be used with caution in men at risk of obstructive uropathy. Patients should be evaluated for prostatic carcinoma before and during therapy. Use of finasteride decreases concentrations of serum markers of prostate cancer such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) by up to 50% even when cancer is present, and reference values should be adjusted accordingly; the ratio of free to total PSA (percent free PSA) remains constant. Studies in animals suggest finasteride could produce feminisation (hypospadias) of a male fetus if used in pregnant women; therefore its use is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. In addition, it is recommended that women in this category should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Finasteride has been detected in semen, therefore use of a condom is recommended if the patient's sexual partner is, or may become, pregnant.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: None known.