Propecia

(finasteride (for male pattern baldness))

In this factsheet:

• How does Propecia work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Propecia?
• What form(s) does Propecia come in?
• Who should NOT take Propecia?
• What side effects are possible with Propecia?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Propecia?
• What other drugs could interact with Propecia?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Propecia work? What will it do for me?

Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines known as 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. It prevents the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase from converting testosterone to its active form in the body (dihydrotestosterone or DHT). DHT plays a major role in inherited male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).

By preventing the production of DHT, finasteride can stimulate hair growth in many men with mild to moderate inherited male pattern baldness. The medicine usually starts to work within three months of beginning treatment. The effectiveness of the medication varies; for most men, it prevents further hair loss and promotes some growth of new hair. In general, however, it will not be possible to grow back all the hair that has been lost. The new hair will stay for only one year after the medication has been stopped.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Propecia?

The recommended dose of finasteride for male pattern baldness is 1 mg daily taken at the same time each day, with or without food. It is important that this medication be taken on a regular basis for it to be effective.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Store the medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Propecia come in?

Each tan-coloured, 8-sided, film-coated convex tablet, with the code "P" logo on one side and PROPECIA on the other, contains finasteride 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: docusate sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, red ferric oxide, sodium starch glycolate, talc, titanium dioxide and yellow ferric oxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Propecia?

Finasteride should not be used by:

• anyone sensitive or allergic to finasteride or the ingredients of the tablet
• women
• children

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