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Propecia

  • Generic Name: finasteride
  • Brand Name: Propecia

side effects drug center propecia (finasteride) drug - patient side effects and images

 

PROFESSIONAL

CONSUMER

SIDE EFFECTS

Propecia Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Propecia, Proscar

Generic Name: finasteride

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:

Common side effects may include:

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

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.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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 and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Use finasteride regularly to get the most benefit.

It may take up to 3 months or longer before you receive the full benefit of taking finasteride. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Keep using the medication as directed.

You will need frequent medical 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

What happens if I miss a dose (Propecia, Proscar)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

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.

What other drugs will affect finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?

Other drugs may affect finasteride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines 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.
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