Propecia (Finasteride)

Do’s

• Before commencing the use of Propecia and upon each refill, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist. If you have any queries, always consult your healthcare provider.
• Propecia should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once a day.
• Use this medication regularly to derive the most benefit from it. Remember to take it at the same time each day. It may take up to 3 months to notice a benefit, and continued use is necessary to maintain hair growth.
• If there is no improvement in your condition or if it worsens, inform your healthcare provider.
• Continue taking this medication to maintain hair growth. Discontinuing it may result in the loss of any hair gained within 12 months.

Common Side Effects: 

• Chills
• Cold sweats
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• Breast enlargement and tenderness
• Hives or welts
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Rapid weight gain 

Less Common Side Effects: 

• Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Breast tenderness
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory disorder
• Headache
• Skin rash or hives
• Swelling in the face, arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Weakness

Rare Side Effects: 

Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) has been reported in some users, characterized by sexual dysfunction, somatic symptoms, and psychological disorders that persist after Propecia treatment has ended.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you experience any side effects while taking Propecia, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Other drugs may interact with Propecia, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medicines you use.

Women who are pregnant or may potentially become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken Propecia tablets due to the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

Propecia is approved only for use in men because it can cause ambiguous genitalia in developing male fetuses. It should not be used by women.

Keep all appointments with your healthcare providers and the laboratory. Before having any laboratory tests, inform your healthcare providers that you are taking Propecia. 

The information provided here is not exhaustive. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Propecia and its associated warnings and precautions.