Propecia (Finasteride)
Generic name: Finasteride
Brand names: Propecia, Proscar
Other names: Proscar, Prosteride,
Fincar, Finpecia,
Finax, Finast, Finara, Finalo, Gefina, Finasterid IVAX and
many other names.
Finasteride acts by the enzyme that converts testosterone
to dihydrotestosterone. It is used as a treatment in benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and in prostate
cancer in higher doses. It is also indicated for use in
combination with doxazosin therapy to reduce the risk for
symptomatic progression of BPH. Additionally, it is registered
in many countries for male-pattern baldness.
1. Why is this medication
prescribed?
2. How does Propecia (Finasteride)
work?
3. How should this medicine
be used?
4. When should I start Propecia?
5. Dosage
6. What special precautions
should I follow?
7. Drug Interactions
8. What should I do if I
forget a dose?
9. In case of emergency/overdose
10. Side effects
11. How much does Propecia
(Finasteride) cost?
1. Why is this medication prescribed?
Propecia (Finasteride) is available by prescription
only. A dosage of 5mg
per day, as is commonly prescribed for BPH, though much higher
than the 1mg generally
prescribed for hair loss. Finasteride is used alone or in
combination with other medications to treat benign prostatic
hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate gland). Finasteride
improves symptoms of BPH such as frequent and difficult urination
and may reduce the chance of acute urinary retention (suddenly
being unable to pass urine). It also may decrease the chance
of needing prostate surgery.
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2. How does Propecia (Finasteride)
work?
Propecia is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase
inhibitors. Propecia Finasteride
works by blocking the body's production of a male hormone
that causes the prostate to enlarge. Propecia works on a key
cause of hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of
DHT.
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3. How should this medicine be used?
Finasteride comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually
taken once a day with or without food. Take finasteride at
around the same time every day. Take finasteride exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take it even if
you feel well. Do not stop taking it without talking to your
doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the Finasteride
manufacturer's information for the patient. 
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4. When should I start Propecia?
Five years of clinical data with Propecia show the sooner,
the better.
If you have male pattern hair loss, the sooner you get started
on Propecia (Finasteride
1mg), the more hair you may have later. In fact, in the
longest reported controlled study of male pattern hair loss
ever conducted, men who were started on a placebo (sugar pill)
and then placed on Propecia 1 year later never caught up to
the men who were on Propecia for the full 5 years. If you
stop taking it, you will likely lose the hair you have gained
within 12 months of stopping treatment.
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5. Dosing
Finasteride is metabolized mainly by the liver, and caution
should be used in patients with liver dysfunction. Available
dosages are Finasteride
1mg and Finasteride
5mg. See also: Propecia
dosage.
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6. What special precautions should
I follow?
Before taking Finasteride,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
finasteride or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blockage
of urine flow or liver disease.
- you should know that finasteride is only for use in men.
If taken by pregnant women, finasteride can cause abnormalities
in the male fetus. Women who are or may be pregnant should
not touch broken or crushed finasteride tablets.
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7. Drug interactions
Drug interactions are generally not a problem.
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8. What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
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9. Finasteride overdosage
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local
emergency services!
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10. Side Effects
Side effects are rare but can include impotence and decreased
sex drive. Click here for more info about Finasteride
side effects.
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11. How much does Propecia (Finasteride)
cost?
Because prices vary among pharmacies, including those on the
Internet, we encourage you to see the list of prices we have
collected from all respectable online
pharmacies:
The prices listed there are the lowest prices available online.
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