The following information is a summary about
Propecia. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Chemical Name: FINASTERIDE (fi-NAS-teer-ide)
USES
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Propecia.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking and of any other
medical conditions, allergies, or pregnancy. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR WOMEN. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
WHAT SHOULD MY HEALTH
CARE PROFESSIONAL KNOW BEFORE I TAKE PROPECIA?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
if you are female (finasteride is not for use in women) kidney
disease or infection liver disease prostate cancer an unusual or
allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or
preservatives
HOW TO TAKE THIS
MEDICATION
Follow the directions for using Propecia provided by your doctor.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may
have about this medicine. Propecia may be taken on an empty stomach
or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and
86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container,
away from moisture. If you miss a dose of this medicine 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 TWO DOSES AT ONCE.
WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If you do not
remember until the next day, take only that day's dose. Do not take
double or extra doses.
WHAT INTERACTIONS CAN
OCCUR WITH PROPECIA?
- some blood pressure medications
- male hormones (example: testosterone)
- saw palmetto
- soy isoflavones supplements
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other
medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines.
Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a
frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or
if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine
works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or
starting any of your medicines.
SIDE EFFECTS
A side effect that may occur while taking this medicine is a
change in sexual function. If it continues or is bothersome, check
with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity:
skin rash or swelling of lips. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
It may take several months for Propecia to work. Do not stop
taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.
Discontinuing use will result in a return within 12 months to the
same amount of baldness as when you started. Keep all doctor and
laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. Before
you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Any women
who is pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle
crushed or broken tablets of Propecia. If this should occur,
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IF YOU TAKE TOO MUCH
If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Do not share Propecia with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use it for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE OUT
OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. If using Propecia for an extended period
of time obtain refills before your supply runs out.
For more information on Propecia, you can visit
www.propecia.com
