Brand name:
Propecia
Pronounced: pro-PEE-she-ah
Generic name:
Finasteride
Why is Propecia prescribed?
Propecia is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate
hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp
area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows
down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair
on other parts of the body.
You may begin to see improvement as early as 3 months after you
begin taking Propecia, but for many men it takes longer. The
improvement lasts only as long as you take the drug; if you stop,
new hair growth will cease and hair loss will resume.
Propecia is a low-dose form of Proscar, a drug prescribed for
prostate enlargement.
Most important fact about Propecia
Propecia is NOT for use by women. If taken during pregnancy, it
can cause abnormal development of a male baby's genital organs.
How should you take Propecia?
For maximum benefit, take Propecia regularly once a day. It can
be taken with or without food.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a closed container away from
moisture.
Propecia side effects
Propecia's side effects are primarily sexual, and relatively
uncommon--they strike one or two men in a hundred. If any side
effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon
as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue taking Propecia.
- Side effects may include:
Breast tenderness and enlargement,
decreased amount of semen per ejaculation,
decreased sex drive,
impotence,
itching,
rash,
swelling,
testicular pain
Why should Propecia not be prescribed?
Due to the drug's effect on male babies, women should avoid
Propecia if there is any chance that they may be pregnant.
Do not use Propecia if it gives you an allergic reaction, or if
you've ever had an allergic reaction to its chemical twin, Proscar.
Special warnings about Propecia
If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should
avoid handling a crushed or broken Propecia tablet for fear of
absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole
tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating.
Use Propecia with caution if you have liver problems.
Propecia lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate
cancer. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make
sure the doctor knows you're taking Propecia.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Propecia
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Avoid even touching the active ingredient in Propecia if there's
a chance that you're pregnant.
Recommended dosage for Propecia
ADULT MEN
Overdosage
Although no specific information is available on Propecia
overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious
consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.
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