U.S. Brand Names

Propecia®; Proscar®

Canadian Brand Names

Propecia®; Proscar®

Mexican Brand Names

Propeshia; Proscar

Pharmacologic Category

5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child.

• If you have an allergy to finasteride or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to improve hair growth in male pattern baldness. It may take 3 months to see the full effect.

• This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It may take several months to see the full effect.

How does it work?

• Finasteride decreases prostate growth by lowering testosterone levels.

• It increases hair regrowth and slows hair loss.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine at a similar time of day.

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 1 month after stopping.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Pregnant females should not handle crushed or broken tablets.

• If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy during treatment. Use birth control that you can trust.

• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• If taking for an enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (to check prostate gland) and blood work (PSA test). Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 12:37:10.0

Modified: 2008-02-11 13:20:29.0

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