Treatment FAQ

how is finasteride used in the treatment of incontinence

by Ayla Nicolas Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are also used to treat overflow incontinence secondary to BPH. Their mechanism of action is through inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, resulting in reduced androgenic prostate stimulation and leading to reduced gland size and improved urine outflow.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) work by inhibiting the production of the male hormone DHT, which is thought to be responsible for prostate enlargement. These 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may help to relieve voiding problems by shrinking an enlarged prostate.

Full Answer

Does finasteride cause urinary incontinence?

Summary: Urinary incontinence is found among people who take Finasteride, especially for people who are male, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 1 - 6 months. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Finasteride and have Urinary incontinence. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 31,509 people who have side effects ...

What is finasteride used to treat?

Summary: Incontinence is found among people who take Finasteride, especially for people who are male, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 10+ years. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Finasteride and have Incontinence. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 31,509 people who have side effects when taking Finasteride from the FDA, and is …

How much does finasteride reduce prostate volume?

Among men with symptoms of urinary obstruction and prostatic enlargement, treatment with finasteride for four years reduces symptoms and prostate volume, increases the urinary flow rate, and reduces the risk of surgery and acute urinary retention.

How do you take finasteride tablets?

Jun 19, 2007 · The alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are also used to treat overflow incontinence secondary to BPH. Their mechanism of action is through inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, resulting in reduced androgenic prostate stimulation and leading to reduced gland size and improved urine outflow.

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Does finasteride help with incontinence?

The alpha-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride are also used to treat overflow incontinence secondary to BPH.Jun 19, 2007

How does finasteride work for urinary retention?

Finasteride, a selective inhibitor of 5α-reductase, decreases the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, improves urinary symptoms, and reduces the volume of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and enlarged prostate glands.Feb 26, 1998

Does finasteride help with urine flow?

Finasteride may improve symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as decreased urge to urinate, better urine flow with less straining, less of a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied, and decreased nighttime urination.

What is the most effective treatment for incontinence?

Anticholinergics. These medications can calm an overactive bladder and may be helpful for urge incontinence. Examples include oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), tolterodine (Detrol), darifenacin (Enablex), fesoterodine (Toviaz), solifenacin (Vesicare) and trospium chloride. Mirabegron (Myrbetriq).Dec 17, 2021

Which is better Flomax or finasteride?

Flomax (tamsulosin) Improves prostate symptoms and lowers your urge to urinate. Proscar (finasteride) reduces prostate size and relieves symptoms of enlarged prostate, but can cause a loss of sexual desire or arousal when you first start taking this medication. Makes it easier to urinate.

Is finasteride hard on the kidneys?

Recently, it has been shown that finasteride may cause renal damage, inducing apoptosis and tubular changes10.

What is finasteride used to treat?

Finasteride is used to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. BPH is caused by an enlarged prostate.Feb 1, 2022

How does finasteride work for BPH?

Finasteride, a five-alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI), blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, reduces prostate size, and is commonly used to treat symptoms associated with BPH.Oct 6, 2010

Who should not take finasteride?

3. Who can and cannot use finasteride. Finasteride can be taken by men aged 18 years or over. It's generally not recommended for women or children.

What is the new drug for incontinence?

Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)

Mirabegron is a medication approved to treat certain types of urinary incontinence. It relaxes the bladder muscle and can increase the amount of urine your bladder can hold.

What is the first-line of treatment for urinary incontinence?

Pelvic floor muscle exercises are considered first-line treatment for stress incontinence. Noninvasive electrical and magnetic stimulation devices are also available. Alternatives for treating stress incontinence include vaginal inserts, such as pessaries, and urethral plugs.May 1, 2013

Does oxybutynin help with incontinence?

Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as incontinence (loss of bladder control) or a frequent need to urinate. Oxybutynin belongs to the group of medicines called antispasmodics. It helps decrease muscle spasms of the bladder and the frequent urge to urinate caused by these spasms.

What is finasteride used for?

Finasteride 1mg tablets (brand name Propecia) are used for the treatment of male pattern baldness - also called androgenetic alopecia.

How does finasteride work?

Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme called Type II 5α-reductase which is responsible for converting the hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DH T). This results in increased levels of testosterone and decreased levels of dihydrotestosterone.

Does finasteride cause sexual dysfunction?

Sexual dysfunction (including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders) has occasionally been reported in men taking finasteride. Side effects are generally uncommon and do not result in drug discontinuation.

Does finasteride cause breast cancer?

Breast cancer has been reported in men receiving finasteride in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance but it is not known if there is an association with finasteride use because some men receiving placebo tablets in clinical trials also developed breast cancer.

Can finasteride be used for hair loss?

Finasteride tablets should not be used in women with hair loss. No improvement in hair count, or patient or investigator assessment was noted in 137 postmenopausal women with androgenetic alopecia treated with finasteride tablets for 12 months. Finasteride should also not be given to children.

Does finasteride help with BPH?

Finasteride 5mg is effective at treating the symptoms and delaying the progression of BPH. Finasteride 1mg temporarily reverses hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Sexual dysfunction has been reported in less than 10% of men who take finasteride.

How long does finasteride affect DHT?

A single oral dose of finasteride produces a rapid decrease in serum DHT concentrations, with the maximum effect observed within 8 hours. DHT suppression is maintained for at least 24 hours with continued treatment.

Does finasteride cause prostate growth?

Finasteride tablets USP lowers levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a cause of prostate growth. Lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland in most men. This can lead to gradual improvement in urine flow and symptoms over the next several months.

Does finasteride affect the enzyme system?

No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Finasteride does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system. Compounds that have been tested in man have included antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin and no clinically meaningful interactions were found.

Is finasteride contraindicated for pregnancy?

Finasteride tablets USP are contraindicated in the following:#N#• Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication.#N#• Pregnancy. Finasteride use is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant. Because of the ability of Type II 5α-reductase inhibitors to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Finasteride may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male fetus of a pregnant woman who receives Finasteride. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if pregnancy occurs while taking this drug, the pregnant woman should be apprised of the potential hazard to the male fetus. [See also Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Use in Specific Populations (8.1), How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16) and Patient Counseling Information (17.2) .] In female rats, low doses of Finasteride administered during pregnancy have produced abnormalities of the external genitalia in male offspring.

How long does it take for finasteride to lower PSA?

In clinical studies, Finasteride tablets USP reduced serum PSA concentration by approximately 50% within six months of treatment. This decrease is predictable over the entire range of PSA values in patients with symptomatic BPH, although it may vary in individuals.#N#For interpretation of serial PSAs in men taking Finasteride tablets USP, a new PSA baseline should be established at least six months after starting treatment and PSA monitored periodically thereafter. Any confirmed increase from the lowest PSA value while on Finasteride tablets USP may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if PSA levels are still within the normal range for men not taking a 5α-reductase inhibitor. Non-compliance with Finasteride tablets USP therapy may also affect PSA test results. To interpret an isolated PSA value in patients treated with Finasteride tablets USP for six months or more, PSA values should be doubled for comparison with normal ranges in untreated men. These adjustments preserve the utility of PSA to detect prostate cancer in men treated with Finasteride tablets USP.#N#Finasteride tablets USP may also cause decreases in serum PSA in the presence of prostate cancer.#N#The ratio of free to total PSA (percent free PSA) remains constant even under the influence of Finasteride tablets USP. If clinicians elect to use percent free PSA as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer in men undergoing Finasteride therapy, no adjustment to its value appears necessary.

What hormone is responsible for the development of the prostate gland?

The development and enlargement of the prostate gland is dependent on the potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Type II 5α-reductase metabolizes testosterone to DHT in the prostate gland, liver and skin. DHT induces androgenic effects by binding to androgen receptors in the cell nuclei of these organs.

How long is the MTOPS trial?

The Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) Trial was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, 4- to 6-year study (average 5 years) in 3047 men with symptomatic BPH, who were randomized to receive Finasteride tablets USP, 5 mg/day (n=768), doxazosin 4 or 8 mg/day (n=756), the combination of Finasteride tablets USP, 5 mg/day and doxazosin 4 or 8 mg/day (n=786), or placebo (n=737). All participants underwent weekly titration of doxazosin (or its placebo) from 1 to 2 to 4 to 8 mg/day. Only those who tolerated the 4 or 8 mg dose level were kept on doxazosin (or its placebo) in the study. The participant’s final tolerated dose (either 4 mg or 8 mg) was administered beginning at end-Week 4. The final doxazosin dose was administered once per day, at bedtime.#N#The mean patient age at randomization was 62.6 years (±7.3 years). Patients were Caucasian (82%), African American (9%), Hispanic (7%), Asian (1%) or Native American (<1%). The mean duration of BPH symptoms was 4.7 years (±4.6 years). Patients had moderate to severe BPH symptoms at baseline with a mean AUA symptom score of approximately 17 out of 35 points. Mean maximum urinary flow rate was 10.5 mL/sec (±2.6 mL/sec). The mean prostate volume as measured by transrectal ultrasound was 36.3 mL (±20.1 mL). Prostate volume was ≤20 mL in 16% of patients, ≥50 mL in 18% of patients and between 21 and 49 mL in 66% of patients.#N#The primary endpoint was a composite measure of the first occurrence of any of the following five outcomes: a ≥4 point confirmed increase from baseline in symptom score, BPH-related renal insufficiency (creatinine rise), recurrent urinary tract infections or urosepsis, or incontinence. Compared to placebo, treatment with Finasteride tablets USP, doxazosin, or combination therapy resulted in a reduction in the risk of experiencing one of these five outcome events by 34% (p=0.002), 39% (p<0.001), and 67% (p<0.001), respectively. Combination therapy resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of the primary endpoint compared to treatment with Finasteride tablets USP alone (49%; p≤0.001) or doxazosin alone (46%; p≤0.001). (See Table 6.)#N#Table 6: Count and Percent Incidence of Primary Outcome Events by Treatment Group in MTOPS

What causes urinary incontinence?

The causes of urinary incontinence are numerous and may involve age-related changes in the bladder and urethra, including declines in outlet resistance in females and prostate enlargement in males.

What happens when the bladder fills?

When the bladder reaches a certain volume (200-400 mL), signals move from the spinal cord to brain centers, resulting in the sensation of urge.

What is UI in a syringe?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is best defined as a variety of abnormalities of the urinary tract that result in the inability to experience normal micturition, leading to involuntary loss of bladder control.

What is finasteride used for?

Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, meaning it prevents the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. It can be prescribed as tablets or as topical finasteride. Prostate growth and size is largely dependent on DHT levels.

Does finasteride shrink prostate?

Finasteride acts as an inhibitor of type 2 5α-reductase enzyme. Finasteride does shrink the prostate and therefore appears to have some benefit. Further studies have indicated that it can also lower prostate-specific antigen PSA in some men. The benefits are most visible for men with prostates larger than 40 g.

What are the side effects of flomax?

As well as causing alterations in the brain, Flomax can have many other adverse effects. These side effects include: 1 erectile dysfunction/ sexual dysfunction 2 loss of libido, penile shrinkage 3 insomnia 4 muscle atrophy 5 depression 6 lack of mental concentration

Does finasteride cause hair loss?

The study is still under active research, but it suggests that finasteride ( Proscar) – a popular drug for treating prostate symptoms and male pattern hair loss – causes alterations in the section of the brain responsible for processing long-term memory and emotional responses.

Does Propecia reduce DHT?

Studies have revealed that Finasteride Propecia reduces intraprostatic DHT levels by 91.4%. Despite the concerns about this substantial reduction, advocates and Merck have argued Finasteride (Propecia) does not reduce DHT level so much as to castrate you chemically.

Does flomax cause erectile dysfunction?

As well as causing alterations in the brain, Flomax can have many other adverse effects. These side effects include: erectile dysfunction/ sexual dysfunction. loss of libido, penile shrinkage. insomnia. muscle atrophy. depression. lack of mental concentration.

What is post finasteride syndrome?

A 2014 meta-study coined the phrase “ Post Finasteride Syndrome, ”and noted that “Many clinicians are unaware of the scope of the persistent physical and psychological adverse effects of finasteride. Symptoms range from minor to severe.”

Can you prescribe medication for incontinence?

Your physician may prescribe medication to treat your incontinence issues as a first form of treatment. These specifically designed drugs may be used alone or in combination with behavioral and exercise treatments. Below are some common medications created to help with a specific type of incontinence.

Why does my urine leak?

Urinary Tract Infection. Sudden onset of urine leakage can be caused by bacteria or urinary tract infections. Antibiotics can be prescribed by your doctor to cure infections that cause leakage. Talk with your doctor about what, if any, medication may be right for your specific condition.

What to do if you have fecal incontinence?

If constipation or hemorrhoids are causing your fecal incontinence, your doctor may recommend eating more fiber and drinking more liquids. Talk with your doctor or a dietitian about how much fiber and liquids are right for you.

How does biofeedback therapy help?

Biofeedback therapy uses devices to help you learn how to do exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This therapy can also help you learn how to. sense when stool is filling your rectum if you have passive incontinence. control strong sensations of urgency if you have urge incontinence.

How to stop diarrhea from eating?

using fecal deodorants—over-the-counter pills that reduce the smell of stool and gas. taking over-the-counter medicines to help prevent diarr hea before eating in restaurants or at social gatherings.

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How It Works

Upsides

  1. Finasteride 5mg tablets (brand name Proscar) are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride reduces lower urinary tract symptoms such as daytime...
  2. Finasteride 1mg tablets (brand name Propecia) are used for the treatment of male pattern baldness - also called androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is indicated for hair loss in MEN only.
  1. Finasteride 5mg tablets (brand name Proscar) are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride reduces lower urinary tract symptoms such as daytime...
  2. Finasteride 1mg tablets (brand name Propecia) are used for the treatment of male pattern baldness - also called androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is indicated for hair loss in MEN only.
  3. Significant increases in hair count at both 6 and 12 months have been reported in men treated with finasteride 1mg tablets (an average increase of 107 hairs when compared to placebo [a pretend pill...
  4. Finasteride does not affect body levels of cortisol, thyroid hormones, cholesterol, or bone mineral density.

Downsides

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Sexual dysfunction (including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders) has occasionally been reported in men taking finasteride. Side effects are generally uncommon and do not result in drug discont…
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Bottom Line

  • Finasteride 5mg is effective at treating the symptoms and delaying the progression of BPH. Finasteride 1mg temporarily reverses hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Sexual dysfunction has been reported in less than 10% of men who take finasteride.
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Tips

  1. Finasteride may be administered with or without meals. The usual dose is one tablet daily.
  2. Daily use of finasteride 1mg for at least three months may be required before a benefit is seen with regards to regrowth of hair.
  3. Finasteride tablets must be taken daily to maintain hair regrowth. Most men experience the biggest hair regrowth in the first two years of taking finasteride. Withdrawal of treatment lead…
  1. Finasteride may be administered with or without meals. The usual dose is one tablet daily.
  2. Daily use of finasteride 1mg for at least three months may be required before a benefit is seen with regards to regrowth of hair.
  3. Finasteride tablets must be taken daily to maintain hair regrowth. Most men experience the biggest hair regrowth in the first two years of taking finasteride. Withdrawal of treatment leads to a rev...
  4. Men should report any changes in their breast tissue such as lumps, pain, tenderness, enlargement, or nipple discharge.

Response and Effectiveness

  1. A single oral dose of finasteride produces a rapid decrease in serum DHT concentrations, with the maximum effect observed within 8 hours. DHT suppression is maintained for at least 24 hours with co...
  2. The daily dosing of finasteride 5mg tablets for up to 4 years reduced serum DHT concentrations by approximately 70%. Circulating levels of testosterone increased by approxi…
  1. A single oral dose of finasteride produces a rapid decrease in serum DHT concentrations, with the maximum effect observed within 8 hours. DHT suppression is maintained for at least 24 hours with co...
  2. The daily dosing of finasteride 5mg tablets for up to 4 years reduced serum DHT concentrations by approximately 70%. Circulating levels of testosterone increased by approximately 10 to 20% but rema...
  3. Effects on hair regrowth may take up to three months to be seen. Effects do not persist once finasteride has been discontinued.

Interactions

  • Medicines that interact with finasteride may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with finasteride. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions sh…
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Further Information

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use finasteride only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 17, 2021. Medical Disclaimer
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Indications & Usage

  • Monotherapy
    Finasteride tablets USP, are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: -Improve symptoms -Reduce the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy.
  • Combination with Alpha-Blocker
    Finasteride tablets USP administered in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin is indicated to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression of BPH (a confirmed ≥4 point increase in American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score).
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Dosage Forms & Strengths

  • Finasteride tablets USP, 5 mg are blue color, round film coated tablets, debossed with ‘H’ on one side ‘37’ on other side.
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Contraindications

  • Finasteride tablets USP are contraindicated in the following: • Hypersensitivity to any component of this medication. • Pregnancy. Finasteride use is contraindicated in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant. Because of the ability of Type II 5α-reductase inhibitors to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Finasteride may cause abnormaliti…
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Warnings and Precautions

  • Effects on Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and the Use of PSA in Prostate Cancer Detection
    In clinical studies, Finasteride tablets USP reduced serum PSA concentration by approximately 50% within six months of treatment. This decrease is predictable over the entire range of PSA values in patients with symptomatic BPH, although it may vary in individuals. For interpretation o…
  • Increased Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer
    Men aged 55 and over with a normal digital rectal examination and PSA ≤3.0 ng/mL at baseline taking Finasteride 5 mg/day in the 7-year Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) had an increased risk of Gleason score 8 to 10 prostate cancer (Finasteride 1.8% vs placebo 1.1%). [Se…
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Adverse Reactions

  • Clinical Trials Experience
    Finasteride tablets USP are generally well tolerated; adverse reactions usually have been mild and transient. 4-Year Placebo-Controlled Study (A Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study) In a long-term efficacy and safety study, 1524 patients treated with Finasteride tablets USP and 1516 patients t…
  • Postmarketing Experience
    The following additional adverse effects have been reported in post-marketing experience with Finasteride tablets USP. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal …
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Drug Interactions

  • Cytochrome P450-Linked Drug Metabolizing Enzyme System
    No drug interactions of clinical importance have been identified. Finasteride does not appear to affect the cytochrome P450-linked drug metabolizing enzyme system. Compounds that have been tested in man have included antipyrine, digoxin, propranolol, theophylline, and warfarin and no cli…
  • Other Concomitant Therapy
    Although specific interaction studies were not performed, Finasteride tablets USP was concomitantly used in clinical studies with acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, α-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, analgesics, anti-convulsants, beta-adrenergic bl…
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Use in Specific Populations

  • Pregnancy
    Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category X. [See Contraindications (4).] Finasteride tablets USP are contraindicated for use in women who are or may become pregnant. Finasteride tablets USP is a Type II 5α-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestost…
  • Nursing Mothers
    Finasteride tablets USP is not indicated for use in women. It is not known whether Finasteride is excreted in human milk.
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Overdosage

  • Patients have received single doses of Finasteride tablets USP up to 400 mg and multiple doses of Finasteride tablets USP up to 80 mg/day for three months without adverse effects. Until further experience is obtained, no specific treatment for an overdose with Finasteride tablets USP can be recommended. Significant lethality was observed in male and female mice at single oral doses …
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Finasteride Description

  • Finasteride USP, a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5α-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride is 4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide, N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-oxo-,(5α,17β)-. The empirical formula of Finasteride is C23H36N2O2and its mol…
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Finasteride - Clinical Pharmacology

  • Mechanism of Action
    The development and enlargement of the prostate gland is dependent on the potent androgen, 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Type II 5α-reductase metabolizes testosterone to DHT in the prostate gland, liver and skin. DHT induces androgenic effects by binding to androgen receptors in the ce…
  • Pharmacodynamics
    In man, a single 5-mg oral dose of Finasteride tablets USP produces a rapid reduction in serum DHT concentration, with the maximum effect observed 8 hours after the first dose. The suppression of DHT is maintained throughout the 24-hour dosing interval and with continued tre…
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