Propecia or finasteride is used to treat male pattern baldness on the top of the head and the middle front area of the scalp. Propecia may not work for hairlines receding at the temples but this drug is not suitable for women and children.
Propecia is available as a tablet that is usually taken once daily and it is not necessary to take food with this tablet. It is very important that this pill be taken as per directions only. Ensure that you stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Take Propecia for as long as you have been asked to by your doctor and do not discontinue the medication even if you are feeling well. Do not discontinue dosage without consulting your doctor.
In case you suffer from liver diseases of any sort, do inform your doctor before taking Propecia. You may be advised not to take Propecia or take a lower dosage with special monitoring during treatment. This is not suitable for women and children and women are particularly advised not to take or even handle this medicine during pregnancy as this is meant to be used exclusively by men. Propecia is extremely dangerous to handle or consume during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus. Propecia has been classified by the FDA as a pregnancy category X drug and it should be kept far away from pregnant and breast feeding women.
In case you miss a dose of Propecia you may take it at a later time the same day. If you remember a missed dose the next day, skip that dose and continue to take your regular doses as per schedule. It is not advisable to take more than a single dose at once.
In case you experience any allergic side effects like difficulty in breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or hives, discontinue taking Propecia and seek medical attention immediately.
In case of other less serious side effects, the side effects have been resolved with continued treatment.
- Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following
- Decreased sex drive
- Decreased volume of ejaculation
- Impotence
- Tendency towards breast enlargement
It is not necessary to discontinue dosage for any of the symptoms above.
Certain other side effects may also occur and a consultation with a medical practitioner will be required.
Propecia should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container, away from moisture.
Although there are no known cases of overdose, it is advisable to visit a medical practitioner if any symptoms are observed which could be due to an overdose.