Introduction

Finasteride (fin-AS-ter-ide)

Treats an enlarged prostate in men and causes hair growth in male pattern baldness.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

Proscar, Propecia

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to finasteride. Women and children should not use this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• For hair loss, you may need to take this medicine for 3 months or longer before you see an effect.
• For an enlarged prostate, you may need to take this medicine for up to 6 months to see the full effect.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling or touching this medicine. This medicine can get into the body through the skin and may harm an unborn male baby. If any of this medicine gets on the skin of a woman, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or severe problems urinating.
• This medicine will not cure an enlarged prostate problem or male pattern baldness. Once you stop using this medicine, the prostate will begin to grow again within a few months and any new hair will be lost within 12 months.
• This medicine may cause a decrease in the amount of semen you ejaculate during sex. This will not affect your sperm count or your ability to have children.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Breast swelling, pain, or tenderness.
• Pain in the testicles.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Decrease in the amount of semen.
• Loss of interest in sex or the ability to have sex (impotence).
• Skin rash.
• Trouble having or keeping an erection.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088