Finasteride



Propecia®; Proscar®







Finasteride

(fi NAS teer ide)

U.S. Brand Names
Propecia®; Proscar®
Canadian Brand Names
Propecia®; Proscar®
Mexican Brand Names
Propeshia®; Proscar®
Pharmacologic Category
5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child.
  • If you have an allergy to finasteride or any other part of 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to improve hair growth in male pattern baldness. It may take 3 months to see the full effect.
  • This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It may take several months to see the full effect.
How does it work?
  • Finasteride decreases prostate growth by lowering testosterone levels.
  • It increases hair regrowth and slows hair loss.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 1 month after stopping.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Pregnant females should not handle crushed or broken tablets.
  • If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from pregnancy during treatment. Use birth control that you can trust.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If taking for an enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (to check prostate gland) and blood work (PSA test). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • A lump in the breast or breast tenderness.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: