Brand Names: Propecia, Proscar

Generic Name: Finasteride (fih NAH steh ride)

What is Propecia?

Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. Often, this results in a receding hairline and/or balding on the top of the head. Propecia is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children.

Propecia prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.

How Taken

Propecia comes as a tablet. Propecia usually is taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. Take Propecia exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Propecia even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Propecia without talking to your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Propecia, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Propecia is intended for men use only. Propecia is not indicated for women use. Do not take or handle this medication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant during treatment. Propecia is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Propecia is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed. It is not known whether Propecia passes into breast milk. Propecia is not intended for women use. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Propecia and you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking Propecia and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects have been reported but usually resolve with continued treatment. Continue to take Propecia and notify your doctor if you experience:
-decreased libido (sex drive);
-decreased volume of ejaculate;
-impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
-breast tenderness or enlargement.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store Propecia at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from moisture.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Propecia overdose are not known.

More Information

DO NOT share Propecia with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT use Propecia for other health conditions. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If using Propecia for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Important information about Propecia

Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Propecia 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 Propecia tablets. Although Propecia is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Propecia tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.