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| Pronunciation |
|
 (fi
NAS teer
ide) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Propecia®;
Proscar® |
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|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antiandrogen |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to finasteride or any other part of the
medicine.
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
- Do not give to children.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic
hypertrophy including frequent urination, starting and stopping the stream, and
getting up at night. It may take several months to see all the benefits.
- It can also be used to improve hair growth in male pattern baldness.
You may need to take it for at least 3 months to see the full
effects.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Finasteride decreases the active form of testosterone and its effect
on the prostate gland or on hair
growth.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- Take at a similar time
everyday.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Do not take a double dose or extra
doses.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Not for use by women who are or may become pregnant.
- Pregnant women or women who may be pregnant but do not know they are
should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- If you are sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy. Use
birth control that you can trust while taking this
medicine.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- May change sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after
medicine stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without
this side effect.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- If taking for prostate problems, get an annual prostate check-up and
blood test for the prostate.
- Tell healthcare provider that you are on this medicine.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Any rash.
- No improvement in condition or feeling
worse.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- Store in a tight container at room temperature. Protect from
moisture.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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