WHAT IS Propecia/Finasteride?

• Finasteride/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.
• Finasteride/Propecia is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Finasteride/Propecia is also used to reduce hair loss due to male pattern baldness.
• Finasteride/Propecia may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVERDOSE?

• Symptoms of a finasteride/Propecia overdose are not known.
• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

WHAT SHOULD I DISCUSS WITH MY DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING Propecia/Finasteride?

• Finasteride/Propecia is not indicated for use by women. Do not take or handle this medication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant during treatment. Finasteride/Propecia is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride/Propecia tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride/Propecia is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take finasteride/Propecia , or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.
• Finasteride/Propecia is intended for use by men only.
• It is not known whether finasteride/Propecia passes into breast milk. Finasteride/Propecia is not intended for use by women. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE TAKING Propecia/Finasteride?

• There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activities during treatment with finasteride/Propecia unless your doctor directs otherwise.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Propecia/Finasteride?

• Stop taking finasteride/Propecia and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
• Other, less serious side effects have been reported but usually resolve with continued treatment. Continue to take finasteride/Propecia and notify your doctor if you experience
  • breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • decreased libido (sex drive);
  • decreased volume of ejaculate;
  • impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose unless otherwise directed.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE Propecia/Finasteride?

• Finasteride/Propecia can be taken with or without food.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Your doctor may perform blood tests or other forms of monitoring during treatment with finasteride/Propecia . One of the tests that may be performed is called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This test is used to help detect prostate cancer. Finasteride/Propecia will reduce the amount of PSA measured in the blood. Your doctor is aware of this effect and can still use PSA to help detect prostate cancer.
• It is important to take finasteride/Propecia regularly to get the most benefit.
• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Take finasteride/Propecia exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

WHAT DRUG(S) MAY INTERACT WITH Propecia/Finasteride?

• soy isoflavones supplements
• saw palmetto
• some blood pressure medications
• male hormones (example: testosterone)

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.