Description

Finasteride is primarily used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only. Finasteride is also used for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: Improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, reduce the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostat.

Manufacturer: Cipla & GenP		Average Delivery Time: 10 Days
Brand Name: Propecia		Exp. Date: Approx. June 2009

Before using Finasteride

Some medical conditions may interact with Finasteride . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have any urinary blockage or obstruction

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Finasteride. However, no specific interactions with Finasteride are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Finasteride may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Finasteride

Use Finasteride as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Finasteride . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information
• Take Finasteride by mouth with or without food
• It may take 3 months or more of daily therapy with Finasteride to begin to see results. It can only work over the long term if you continue taking it
• Finasteride will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day
• If you stop taking Finasteride , you will gradually lose the hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment
• If you miss a dose of Finasteride , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Finasteride.

US Brand NamesPropecia
Proscar

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Description

Note: Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses.

Finasteride belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), finasteride may decrease the severity of symptoms. Finasteride may also reduce the chance that surgery on the prostate will be needed.

Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of finasteride on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.

Finasteride also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of finasteride, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride treatment is stopped.

Finasteride is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Tablet

What Is Propecia Used For? -- An Overview
Propecia® (finasteride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed as a hair loss treatment for certain types of male pattern baldness. Propecia is not approved for use in women or children.

Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss (known medically as alopecia) can be caused by several factors, including the following:

Genetics -- genetic baldness (baldness that "runs in the family") is usually due to the male pattern baldness gene.

Hormones -- many different hormones, including testosterone and thyroid hormone, have an effect on hair loss.

Medications -- hair loss is a common side effect of many medications.

Cancer treatment -- chemotherapy and radiation can cause hair loss.

Infections -- some infections can cause temporary hair loss.

Pregnancy -- hair loss after pregnancy is common.

Types of Hair Loss
A few of the types of hair loss include:

Alopecia areata -- patchy hair loss that does not leave scars
Cicatrical alopecia -- hair loss that leaves scars
Alopecia totalis -- total and sudden hair loss of the scalp
Alopecia universalis -- total hair loss (including body hair)
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) -- hair loss related to genetics and male hormones; can be a cause of hair loss in women and men.
o Female pattern baldness - usually a general thinning of hair at the top and sides of the head

o Male pattern baldness - usually a receding hairline (hair loss from the front of the head, including near the temples) and hair loss at the top of the head.