Propecia (Generic Finasteride)

Propecia (Generic Finasteride) (Finasteride)

Propecia

Finasteride tablet

What is it used for?

FINASTERIDE is capable of reducing of the size of the prostate gland for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is an integral part of the male reproductive system, which produces milky sperm fluid. Most men over the age of 50 tend to develop an enlarged prostate. As it gets even bigger, it might also restrict the urine flow. Finasteride can help reduce symptoms caused by BPH, including: weak or interrupted urine flow; a feeling that the bladder has not been completely emptied; a need urinate more often, especially at night; an urgent desire to urinate right away; a delay or hesitation when starting to urinate. Finasteride is also used to treat male hair loss. Finasteride should not be taken by women.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• if you are female (finasteride should not be taken by women)
• kidney disease or infection
• liver disease
• prostate cancer
• an unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally with a glass of water. You can take the medicine with or without food. This medicine should be taken at regular intervals. Please do not take this medicine more often than prescribed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, contact the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. Never share it with the others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you possibly can. If you forgot about it until the next day, take only a single daily dose. Never take excessive doses.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine?

• some blood pressure medications
• male hormones (example: testosterone)
• saw palmetto
• soy isoflavones supplements

Tell your physician about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription ones. Also inform them if you take a lot of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you are using illegal drugs. All these can affect the way this medicine works. Check with your physician prior to giving up on or taking up any of your medicines.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

You shouldn’t donate blood until at least 6 months have passed after your final dose of finasteride. This will ensure that you wouldn’t transmit finasteride to a pregnant female through the blood transfusion.

Contact your physician if there is no visible improvement after the treatment course. You might need to go on taking finasteride for 6 to 12 months in order to achieve the desired results.

Pregnant women (or those planning to get pregnant) should never handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets, for their active ingredient is capable of harming the unborn baby. If any pregnant woman comes into contact with the broken or crushed finasteride tablets, she should inform her physician as soon as possible. Contact with the whole tablets is not expected to cause harm, provided that they are not swallowed.

Finasteride might interfere with PSA laboratory prostate cancer tests. If you are planning to have a lab test for the prostate cancer, inform your physician that you are taking finasteride.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects usually do not require medical attention (report to your physician if they are continuing or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement or tenderness
• skin rash
• sexual difficulties (less sexual desire or any difficulty getting an erection)
• less semen released during sex

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive..

Where should I store it?

Keep it out of children’s reach in a container inaccessible to small children (they shouldn’t be able to open it).

Store it at the room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep it away from direct light beams. Always keep the container closed tightly. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.