Brand Name: Propecia, Proscar (finasteride (fin AS ter ide))

Description

Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed finasteride tablets. Propecia can cause birth defects in male fetuses.

Propecia (fin-AS-tur-ide) belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. Propecia is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), Propecia may decrease the severity of symptoms. Propecia may also reduce the chance that surgery on the prostate will be needed.

Propecia blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of Propecia on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.

Propecia also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of Propecia, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Propecia treatment is stopped.

Before Using Propecia

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Propecia, the following should be considered:

• Allergies
  Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Propecia, with it's key ingredient Finasteride. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
• Pregnancy
  Women who are or may become pregnant should not take Propecia or should not be exposed to broken or crushed Propecia tablets, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.
• Older adults
  Propecia has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
• Other medicines
  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Proper Use of Propecia

Propecia tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed Propecia tablets.

For patients taking Propecia for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

• To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.
• Remember that Propecia does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
• This medicine helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.

• You may have to take this medicine for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Propecia is stopped.

Dosing

The dose of Propecia will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of Propecia, with it's key ingredient Finasteride.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

To store Propecia:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using Propecia

Women who are or who may become pregnant should not handle crushed Propecia tablets. There is a risk that the medicine could get into the pregnant woman's body and cause birth defects in a male fetus.

Side Effects of Propecia

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Less common
  Breast enlargement and tenderness; skin rash; swelling of lips. Breast enlargement and tenderness, skin rash and swelling of lips are more likely to occur with the 5-mg dose.

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911