GERIFLO TAB

GERIFLO is a combination of Finasteride and Tamsulosin which belongs to the group of medicines called 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors and Alpha blockers respectively. It is used to manage the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men.

BPH (also known enlarged prostate) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused due to increased production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in aging men. Symptoms of BPH includes urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine, urinary incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), frequent urination at night, sexual dysfunction or painful ejaculation.

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It reduces the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone that causes abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 blocker. It relaxes the smooth muscles surrounding the bladder and prostate and improves the flow of urine. Collectively, they shrink the size of an enlarged prostate and improve bladder or urinary symptoms in patients with BPH.

Before taking GERIFLO inform your doctor if you any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you are scheduled for any upcoming eye surgery (cataract). During management with GERIFLO, your doctor will regularly monitor your serum PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) to rule out risk of unwanted side effects.

Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not come in contact with GERIFLO as it may cause serious harm to the growing fetus. Men taking GERIFLO should use condom during sexual intercourse to prevent seminal exposure of GERIFLO to their partners.

The most common side effects of taking GERIFLO are feeling dizzy while standing up, decrease in sex drive or ejaculation problems. These side effects are usually temporary and disappears once the therapy is stopped. However, consult your doctor if they trouble you. Also, inform your doctor if you any experience any prolonged, painful erections (priapism) or changes in your breasts (such as breast pain or tenderness, lumps in breast, or nipple discharge) after taking GERIFLO.

USES OF GERIFLO

• Manage signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia

HOW GERIFLO WORKS

GERIFLO contains two medicines such as finasteride and tamsulosin. Finasteride shrinks the size of an enlarged prostate by reducing the production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone in the body that causes abnormal prostate enlargement. Tamsulosin improves urine flow and reduces other urinary symptoms associated with BPH by relaxing the smooth muscles surrounding the bladder and prostate. Collectively, they reduce the signs and symptoms of BPH.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take GERIFLO as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. GERIFLO can be taken with or without meals. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking GERIFLO without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF GERIFLO

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take GERIFLO with, or just after, a meal or snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Feeling dizzy of faint while changing position:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Constipation:

Eat plenty of fibre rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.