Propecia

€0.56

Propecia

Finasteride is meant to prevent the conversion of male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss. Finasteride is effective for prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) treatment. Besides, this compound is used to reduce hair loss and to prevent baldness in men. Finasteride may also be applied to problems other than listed in this guide.

What is finasteride?

• Finasteride is meant to prevent the conversion of male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that contributes to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.
• Finasteride is effective for prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) treatment. Besides, this compound is used to reduce hair loss and to prevent baldness in men.
• Finasteride may also be applied to problems other than listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking finasteride?

• In case you have liver disease you should inform your doctor before starting treatment: either you aren't recommended to take finasteride at all or you need to adjust the dose and to have medical monitoring during treatment.
• Finasteride is indicated for men only.
• Finasteride wasn't developed for use in women. You shouldn't use this drug if you are pregnant or planning to become one. The medication is in the FDA pregnancy category X, which means that finasteride is likely to cause birth defects in a fetus. Women who are or may become pregnant had better avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride pills, because this drug may be absorbed through the skin. The whole pill isn't harmful, unless it is swallowed.
• No clinical studies regarding the influence of finasteride on breast milk were conducted, as the drug is meant for use in men only. That is why women shouldn't take finasteride if they are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I take finasteride?

• Finasteride should be taken according to the instructions. Consult with the medical guide if something is still unclear.
• Use the medication with a glass of water.
• Propecia can be taken either with or without food.
• Take finasteride on a regular basis to improve its effect.
• Be ready to have blood tests during treatment. One of them is called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and serves to detect prostate cancer. As finasteride reduces the amount of PSA in blood, this effect can be used to detect cancer.
• Finasteride must be stored at room temperature. Keep it away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• In case you missed a dose of finasteride, you should take it as soon as you remember, but if it is almost time to take the next one, skip it and return to your standard schedule. Never use a double dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

• If you suspect overdosage, seek immediate medical help.
• It is still unknown what symptoms overdosage has.

What should I avoid while taking finasteride?

• Basically finasteride implies no limitation on meals, beverages or activities.

What are the possible side effects of finasteride?

• Give up taking the drug and seek immediate medical assistance if you noticed an allergic reaction, like closing of the throat; difficulty breathing; hives; or swelling of the face, tongue or lips.
• Taking finasteride may also cause other side effects, but in most cases they disappear with continued treatment. So, if you experience one of the following side effects, you should keep using the drug and inform your doctor:
• decreased volume of ejaculate;
• enlargement of breasts or breast tenderness;
• impotence (inability to achieve and to maintain an erection);
• decreased sex drive.
• Like any medication, finasteride may provoke other side effects than those listed above. If you experience some unusual side effect and especially if it has developed to certain intensity, you should consult with your doctor right away.

What drug(s) may interact with finasteride?

• male hormones (e.g. testosterone)
• saw palmetto
• some blood pressure drugs
• soy isoflavones supplements

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The date of expiry can be found on every blister. Usually, the shelf life of Propecia is two years from the date of manufacture and it varies from batch to batch – it depends on when a particular batch was made.