Finasteride is a medication that treats certain types of hair loss, like alopecia. It works by increasing hair growth on your scalp. The brand name of this medication is Propecia®.
FINASTERIDE (fi NAS teer ide) treats certain types of hair loss. It works by increasing hair growth on the scalp. It belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Propecia
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medication with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
It may take at least three months of daily use of this medication before you notice an improvement in your hair loss. You must continue to take this medication to maintain the results. If you stop taking this medication, the effect will be reversed within 12 months.
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication. This will prevent giving this medication to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion. Ask your care team when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medication.
Women who are pregnant or may get pregnant must not handle broken or crushed finasteride tablets. The active ingredient could harm the unborn baby. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with broken or crushed tablets she should check with her care team. Exposure to whole tablets is not expected to cause harm as long as they are not swallowed.
This medication can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting some cancers, like breast cancer. Talk with your care team.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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