PROPECIA




BRAND NAMES
FINASTERIDE- Propecia, Proscar DUTASTERIDE- Avodart, Duagen, Neulasta


BASIC PROPECIA INFO
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes, for some
Drug class: Dihydrotestosterone inhibitor


MEDICAL USES
Treats noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH). Theoretically, may prevent the development of prostate cancer. Studies are ongoing.

- Treatment of male pattern hair loss in men.


MEDICAL DOSAGE & PROPECIA USAGE
How to take PROPECIA:

- Tablet or capsule: Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble Propecia tablet and take with liquid or food.


When to take PROPECIA:

- Once a day or as directed, with or without meals.


If you forget a PROPECIA dose:

- Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).


What PROPECIA does:

- Inhibits the enzyme needed for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is required for the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy.


Time lapse before PROPECIA works:

- May require up to 6 months for full therapeutic effect for BPH.

- For treatment of hair loss, may not see any benefit for 3 months or more.


Don't take with:

- Any other medicine or dietary supplement with-out consulting your doctor or pharmacist, especially nonprescription decongestants.


PROPECIA OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS: Effects unknown.
PROPECIA SIDE EFFECTS

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common Propecia Side Effects:

None expected.

Infrequent Propecia Side Effects:

Decreased volume of ejaculation, back or stomach pain, headache.

Rare Propecia Side Effects:

Impotence, decreased libido, breast enlarge-ment and tenderness.  Allergic reaction (skin rash, swelling of lips).
PRECAUTIONS

Don't take PROPECIA if:

- You are allergic to dutasteride or finasteride.

- You are a female, are pregnant, or a child.


Before you start Propecia, consult your doctor if:

- You have not had a blood test to check for prostate cancer.

- Your sexual partner is pregnant or may become pregnant.

- You have a liver disorder.

- You have reduced urinary flow.

- You have large residual urinary volume.


Over age 60:

- No special problems expected.


Pregnancy:

- Not recommended for women.

- Pregnant women should not handle the crushed tablets.

- Ask your doctor if you should avoid exposure to mate's semen if he takes finasteride.


Breast-feeding:

- Propecia is not recommended for women.


Infants & children:

- Propecia is not recommended.


Prolonged Propecia Use:

- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check the effectiveness of Propecia treatment.


Skin & sunlight:

- No special problems expected.


Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

- No special problems expected.


Discontinuing Propecia:

- Don't discontinue without medical advice.


Others:

- Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

- May affect results of some medical tests (especially prostate specific antigen [PSA] which is a test for prostate cancer).

- For those who respond well, the drug must be continued indefinitely.





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