Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
Uses
Propecia is an androgen hormone inhibitor most commonly used to treat male
pattern hair loss IN MEN ONLY.
How to Use
Take Propecia exactly as directly by your doctor. Ask your doctor, nurse, or
pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This
medicine may be taken with a full glass of water once daily on an empty
stomach.
Side Effects
Possible side effects that may occur while taking Propecia are decreased
libido, impotence, breast tenderness or enlargement. If you experience any
of these, notify your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: difficulty
breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
It may take several months for this medication to work. Check with your
doctor before you stop taking this medicine. Stopping this medicine
prematurely could result in a return within 12 months to the same amount of
baldness as when you started. Women who are or who may become pregnant must
not take Propecia and must not handle crushed Propecia tablets. The
medication could be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in a
male fetus.
Drug Interactions
Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist especially if you are
taking any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate),
nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine,
erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole),
mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.
Notes
Do not share Propecia with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they
may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug. Do not use
this medicine for other health conditions.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine and you remember the same day, take it
as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and
30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
