Dosage
For an enlarged prostate the usual dose of finasteride is 5mg, taken once a day.
For hair loss, the usual dose is 1mg, taken once a day.
How to take it
You can take finasteride with or without food.
It does not matter what time of day you take it, just make sure it's around the same time each day.
Swallow your finasteride tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not break or crush them.
How long to take it for
You'll usually take finasteride for a long time. You may need to take it for several months or years.
Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking it, your enlarged prostate symptoms or hair loss will usually come back.
If you forget to take it
If you miss a dose and it's less than 6 hours since you were due to take it, take your finasteride as soon as you remember.
If it's more than 6 hours since your dose was due, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Finasteride is generally very safe. Taking too much is unlikely to harm you.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of finasteride and feel unwell
Go to 111 online or call 111
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the finasteride packet, or the leaflet inside it, and any remaining medicine with you.