* Generic Name: finasteride
* Brand Name: Propecia
* What is finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
* What are the possible side effects of finasteride (Propecia,
Proscar)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
* How should I take finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Propecia, Proscar)?
* What happens if I overdose (Propecia, Proscar)?
* What should I avoid while taking finasteride (Propecia,
Proscar)?
* What other drugs will affect finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
* Where can I get more information (Propecia, Proscar)?
What is finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to
dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the
development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. It is also
used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in
men with an enlarged prostate.
This medicine is for use in men only.
Finasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
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 lumps;
* breast pain or tenderness;
* nipple discharge; or
* any other breast changes.
Common side effects may include:
* loss of interest in sex;
* impotence;
* trouble having an orgasm; or
* abnormal ejaculation.
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.
What is the most important information I should know about finasteride
(Propecia, Proscar)?
Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Finasteride can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it
during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman
who is pregnant or may become pregnant.
Propecia Patient Information including How Should I Take
Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments and Solutions for Men & Women
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Hair and Scalp:What They Say About Your Health
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Take the Hair Loss Quiz!
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking finasteride
(Propecia, Proscar)?
You should not use finasteride if you are allergic to it.
This medicine should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride
can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be
permitted to handle finasteride tablets.
Using finasteride may increase your risk of developing prostate
cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
To make sure finasteride is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
* liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;
* prostate cancer;
* a bladder muscle disorder;
* stricture of your urethra;
* if you are unable to urinate; or
* if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a similar medicine
called dutasteride (Avodart).
Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medicine can cause
birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride
tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may
become pregnant.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with a broken or crushed
tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.
How should I take finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have
conditions that would prevent you from safely using finasteride.
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Finasteride can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the
same time each day.
Use finasteride regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
It may take up to 3 months or longer before your symptoms improve. Keep
using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms
do not improve.
While using finasteride, you may need frequent blood tests. Your doctor
will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check
for prostate cancer.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the
bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Propecia Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Hair Loss: Causes, Treatments and Solutions for Men & Women
Hair Loss Slideshow Pictures
Hair and Scalp:What They Say About Your Health
What Your Scalp and Hair Say About Your Health
RxList
Take the Hair Loss Quiz!
What happens if I miss a dose (Propecia, Proscar)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Propecia, Proscar)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?
Other drugs may interact with finasteride, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information (Propecia, Proscar)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about finasteride.
__________________________________________________________________
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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