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Finasteride blocks the body from turning testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can make the prostate gland grow and can also slow hair growth, so lowering it helps the prostate shrink and reduces hair loss.

It is used in men to:

• ease symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostate enlargement), such as trouble starting to pee, needing to pee often or urgently, or not emptying the bladder fully
• treat male pattern baldness (a lower-strength tablet)

It is generally not recommended for women or children.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at around the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not break or crush it.
• Be patient: for an enlarged prostate it can take up to 6 months to work fully, and for hair loss around 3 to 6 months.
• If you miss a dose, take it if you remember within about 6 hours; otherwise skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop without speaking to your doctor, as symptoms or hair loss usually return.

Common side effects include:

• less interest in sex
• difficulty getting an erection
• problems with ejaculation, such as less semen than usual

These often settle, but in some men they can continue even after stopping. Speak to your doctor if they bother you.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• lumps, pain or swelling in the chest/breast area, or discharge from the nipples
• low mood or depression (if you take it for hair loss, stop taking it and speak to a doctor)
• thoughts of harming yourself
• swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to finasteride or any other medicine
• have ever had depression or thoughts of harming yourself
• have severe bladder problems
• have liver problems
• take St John's wort, which may make finasteride work less well

Finasteride can lower PSA blood test results (a test used to check for prostate cancer). Tell your doctor you take it before any PSA test.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Mood: rarely, finasteride may affect mood. Let family or friends know you take it so they can help spot any changes.

Pregnancy: finasteride is not for women. Only tiny amounts reach semen and the risk to a pregnant partner is thought to be very low; the manufacturer still advises using a condom. Speak to your doctor if you have questions.

Fertility: some men have had lower sperm quality, which usually returns to normal after stopping.

Alcohol and driving: you can drink alcohol, and it is not expected to affect driving.