Drug Name

Propecia (Finasteride)

Drug Uses

This medication is used to treat male pattern hair loss.

How Taken

Take one tablet daily or as directed by your doctor. This drug may be taken with or without meals. This drug usually must be taken regularly for 3 months for the benefits to be noticeable. Once treatment is stopped, any gain in hair quantity will be lost.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Propecia prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Warnings/Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease, drug allergies. 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 plans to become pregnant. Any contact with finasteride by a developing male fetus could result in abnormalities of the external sex organs. Propecia should not be used in women or children. Propecia must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if finasteride is excreted into breast milk. However, this drug is not indicated for use in women.

Possible Side Effects

Unlikely to occur but the possible side effects include impotence, decreased sex drive or decrease in amount of ejaculate. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this drug with others.