Finasteride
Also known as: Proscar, Propecia
> **CRITICAL WARNING FOR PREGNANT WOMEN**: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must **NOT** handle crushed or broken tablets. The active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin and cause severe birth defects in male fetuses. * **Patience is Key**: Therapy might be prolonged (several weeks to months) before noticeable efficacy can be determined. Regular dosing compliance is mandatory for success. * **Lifelong Commitment**: Once the drug is stopped, the prostate will typically start growing again. Long-term therapy is usually required unless the dog is neutered. * **Breeding**: This medication is often chosen because it generally preserves fertility and breeding ability in stud dogs, though minor decreases in ejaculate volume may occur.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive treatment of adrenal disease
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Decreased libido
- Decreased ejaculate volume
- Impotence (rare/mild)
- Secreted into semen
- Causes fetal anomalies (teratogenic)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to finasteride
- Sexually developing animals
- Females (especially pregnant females)
- Sexually-developing dogs
- Breeding dogs (due to secretion in semen and teratogenic potential)
- > **WARNING**: Finasteride is highly teratogenic. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant must exercise extreme caution. * **Hepatic Impairment**: Use with caution in patients with significant hepatic impairment as metabolism of the drug may be reduced. * **Patient Selection**: Finasteride should be used in adult males only; do not use in sexually developing animals. * **Females**: Not indicated for use in females. FDA Category X for use during pregnancy in humans (demonstrates fetal abnormalities).
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs: May precipitate or aggravate urinary retention thereby negating the effects of the drug when used for BPH
Frequently asked questions
What is Finasteride used for in pets?
> **CRITICAL WARNING FOR PREGNANT WOMEN**: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must **NOT** handle crushed or broken tablets. The active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin and cause severe birth defects in male fetuses. * **Patience is Key**: Therapy might be prolonged (several weeks to months) before noticeable efficacy can be determined. Regular dosing compliance is mandatory for success. * **Lifelong Commitment**: Once the drug is stopped, the prostate will typically start growing again. Long-term therapy is usually required unless the dog is neutered. * **Breeding**: This medication is often chosen because it generally preserves fertility and breeding ability in stud dogs, though minor decreases in ejaculate volume may occur.
Is Finasteride safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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