Propecia (Proscar)

finasteride

Propecia (Proscar) is used for treating certain types of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men.

What is Propecia (Proscar)?

Propecia (Proscar) contains active ingredient finasteride and is a steroid reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This may block certain types of hair loss in men.

Before taking Propecia (Proscar)

Some medical conditions may interact with Propecia. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a narrowing or blockage in the urinary tract, prostate cancer, or trouble urinating
• if you have a history of abnormal liver function tests or liver problems

How should I take Propecia (Proscar)?

Use Propecia as directed by your doctor.

• Take Propecia by mouth with or without food.
• Continue to take Propecia even if you notice improvement of your symptoms. Do not miss any doses.
• Taking Propecia at the same time each day will help your remember to take it.
• If you miss a dose of Propecia, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Propecia (Proscar) side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with Propecia. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast enlargement, lumps, pain, or tenderness; nipple discharge; testicular pain.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Precautions

• You may need to take Propecia for up to 3 months before you notice any improvement. Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• If your symptoms do not improve within 12 months, check with your doctor. You may need to discuss other treatment options.
• Infrequently, Propecia may cause decreased sexual desire or ability. These effects usually decrease in men who continue to take Propecia. If they continue or become bothersome, check with your doctor.
• Propecia may increase the risk of certain birth defects, including abnormal formation of genitalia in male fetuses. Propecia is coated to prevent contact with finasteride while handling undamaged tablets. The coating is not effective if the tablets are damaged, broken, or crushed. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid contact with damaged, broken, or crushed tablets. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once.
• Propecia may interfere with certain lab tests, including prostate-specific antigen tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Propecia .
• Propecia should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Propecia is not approved for use in women.

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Propecia. However, no specific interactions with Propecia are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Propecia may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Do NOT take Propecia if you are allergic to any ingredient in Propecia.

If overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Propecia (Proscar). If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.