|
Proper Use of Propecia
Propecia tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed Propecia tablets.
For men taking Propecia for hair growth :
- You may have to take Propecia for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as Propecia continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Propecia is stopped.
For patients taking Finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.
- Remember that Finasteride does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Finasteride helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.
Propecia Dosing
The dose of Propecia will be different for different patients.
Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of Propecia.
If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- Adults-5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
- For hair growth:
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of Propecia, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage - To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Propecia or Propecia that is no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using Propecia.
Women who are or who may become pregnant should not handle crushed Propecia tablets. There is a risk that the medicine could get into the pregnant woman's body and cause birth defects in a male fetus.
Side Effects of Propecia
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common:
Breast enlargement and tenderness; skin rash; swelling of lips
Breast enlargement and tenderness, skin rash and swelling of lips are more likely to occur with the 5-mg dose.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. The following side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Less common or rare:
Abdominal pain;
back pain;
decreased libido (decreased interest in sex);
decreased volume of ejaculate (decreased amount of semen);
diarrhea; dizziness;
headache;
impotence (inability to have or keep an erection) decrease in the amount of semen during ejaculation should not affect your sexual performance and is not a sign of any change in fertility.
Incidence Unknown
Testicular pain
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
|
