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:
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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:
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Once a day or as directed, with or without meals.
If you forget a PROPECIA dose:
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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:
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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:
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Any other medicine or dietary supplement with-out consulting your doctor or pharmacist, especially nonprescription decongestants.
 PROPECIA OVERDOSE |
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 SYMPTOMS:
Effects unknown.
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 PROPECIA SIDE EFFECTS
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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).
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 | PRECAUTIONS
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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:
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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:
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Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check the effectiveness of Propecia treatment.
Skin & sunlight:
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No special problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
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No special problems expected.
Discontinuing Propecia:
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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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