Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
BPH is a common problem that affects the quality of life in approximately one third of men older than 50 years. BPH is histologically evident in up to 90% of men by age 85 years. As many as 14 million men in the United States have symptoms of BPH. Worldwide, approximately 30 million men have symptoms related to BPH.
The round, blue pill with the imprint H 37 has been identified as Finasteride 5 mg supplied by Hetero Drugs Limited. Finasteride belongs to a group of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. Finasteride can be used alone or in combination with another medication called doxazosin (an alpha blocker).
These medications may be taken together to reduce the progress of your BPH symptoms. This medication improves the symptoms associated with BPH, such as decreased urine flow, difficulty urinating, getting up to urinate during the night, or hesitation at the start of urination. It may take 6 months or more to see the full effects of finasteride. Finasteride reduces the likelihood of prostate surgery for men with BPH. Finasteride must be taken on a regular basis to be effective. If the medication is stopped, the prostate will start to grow again. Finasteride 5 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
How should I use H 37 Blue Pill?
The recommended adult dose of finasteride is 5 mg once daily, taken with or without food. Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature. Protect it from light and keep it out of the reach of children. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets of this medication.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking H 37 blue pill?
Do not share finasteride with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
What are the side effects of H 37 blue pill?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you notice any signs of male breast cancer, such as:
- breast pain or lumps;
- nipple discharge; or
- any other breast changes.
Tell your doctor right away if you have:
- blood in your semen;
- pain in your testicles; or
- depression.
It may be harder for you to get a woman pregnant while you are using finasteride.
Common side effects may include:
- decreased interest in sex;
- trouble getting or keeping an erection;
- trouble having an orgasm;
- abnormal ejaculation; or
- breast swelling or tenderness.
The sexual side effects of finasteride may continue after you stop taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Important warnings
Pregnancy contact warning: Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant shouldn’t handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Contact with this drug, even through the skin, by these women could lead to defects in developing male fetuses.
Prostate cancer warning: This drug belongs to a class of drugs that could increase your risk of a faster growing or irregular form of prostate cancer. Finasteride can cause a decrease in your prostate specific antigen (PSA) level. An increased level of this antigen has been associated with prostate cancer. If your PSA levels increase while on this medication, it may be a sign of prostate cancer.
