Important information about Propecia

Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called
Proscar. Propecia should never be taken by a woman or a child.
Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children
should not be permitted to handle Propecia tablets. Although Propecia
is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a
woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Propecia tablets should not be
handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Propecia
tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient
during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or
crushed. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this
medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and
water right away. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast
lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be
signs of male breast cancer.

Before taking Propecia

Before taking Propecia, tell your
doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or
to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your
doctor if you have:

• liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;
• prostate cancer;
• a bladder muscle disorder;
• stricture of your urethra; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

Propecia should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride
can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be
permitted to handle Propecia tablets. Although Propecia is not for use
by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed
to it during pregnancy. Propecia tablets should not be handled by a
woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. Propecia tablets are
coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during
normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a
broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I take Propecia?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not
take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Propecia can be taken with or without food.

It is important to use Propecia regularly to get the most benefit.
You may need to take Propecia daily for three months or more before you
see a benefit. Propecia can only work over the long term if you
continue taking it. If the drug has not worked for you in twelve
months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit. If you stop
taking Propecia, you will likely lose the hair you have gained within
12 months of stopping treatment. You should discuss this with your
doctor. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture,
heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the
missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of
this medicine. An overdose of Propecia is not expected to produce
life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Propecia?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Propecia.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you
may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Propecia side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you notice any
breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These
may be signs of male breast cancer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• pain in the testicles;
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;
• abnormal ejaculation;
• swelling or tenderness in your breasts;
• dizziness, weakness;
• headache;
• runny nose; or
• skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Propecia?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Propecia. Tell your
doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Propecia.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
  children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
  medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided
  by Cerner Multum, Inc. (’Multum’) is accurate, up-to-date, and
  complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information
  contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been
  compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
  United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside
  of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated
  otherwise. Multum’s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose
  patients or recommend therapy. Multum’s drug information is an
  informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
  practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers
  viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the
  expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.
  The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way
  should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is
  safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not
  assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered
  with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained
  herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
  precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or
  adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking,
  check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.