Propecia® (Finasteride)
INGREDIENT
Finasteride Tablets, to stop hair loss in men only. For oral use.
NOT for women or children.
COMMON BRAND NAME
Propecia®
USAGE
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
HOW TO USE
SIDE EFFECTS
Decreased sexual ability/desire may occur. In some men, this medication can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless, but has continued in some men even after stopping treatment. Finasteride may also increase hair growth. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: lump in the breast, nipple discharge, breast enlargement/tenderness/pain, pain in the testicles, inability to urinate. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, induding: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS
Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, urinary problems. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the film coating of the tablet has been broken or the tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Exposing a developing male infant to finasteride can result in abnormalities of the genitals. Finasteride should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This medication can affect the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer (prostatic-specific antigen or PSA levels). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
NOTES
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, PSA levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical examination. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining necessary your in some breasts patients and testicles, to assess and whether report any or not lumps a benefit right away. has occurred. Although early improvement is often seen, at least 6 to 12 months of therapy may be necessary in some patients to assess whether or not a benefit has occurred. lt is important to keep regular doctor appointments and get blood tests as scheduled to make sure this medication is working. Many men are born with the condition this drug mimics (prostate glands that are smaller than usual) and lead normal lives with normal sex drives.
MISSED DOSE
STORAGE
If you require additional consultation, a pharmacist can be reached at 1-310-800-2265 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch