Finasteride (Propecia) tablets

February 07, 2018

Finasteride (Propecia) tablets

What is this medicine?

FINASTERIDE (fi NAS teer ide) is used to treat male pattern baldness in men only. This medicine is not for use in women.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • changes in breast like lumps, pain or fluids leaking from the nipple

  • pain in the testicles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • sexual difficulties like decreased sexual desire or ability to get an erection

  • small amount of semen released during sex

What may interact with this medicine?

  • saw palmetto or other dietary supplements

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • liver disease

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

It may take at least three months of daily use of this medicine before you notice an improvement in you hair loss. You must continue to take this medicine to maintain the results. If you stop taking this medicine, the effect will be reversed within 12 months.

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine. This will prevent giving this medicine to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion. Ask your doctor or health care professional when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medicine.

Women who are pregnant or may get pregnant must not handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets. The active ingredient could harm the unborn baby. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with broken or crushed tablets she should check with her doctor or health care professional. Exposure to whole tablets is not expected to cause harm as long as they are not swallowed.

This medicine can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting some cancers, like breast cancer. Talk with your doctor.

Updated:  

February 07, 2018