Propecia
is the first and only FDA-approved
pill proven to treat male pattern
hair loss on the vertex (top of
head) and anterior mid-scalp area
in men.
Propecia Directions?
Take one tablet by
mouth once each day. You may take Propecia
with or without food.
Propecia Side Effects?
Clinical tests showed
PROPECIA was very well tolerated. Only a very
small number of men had sexual side effects,
with each occurring in less than 2% of men.
They included less desire for sex, difficulty
in achieving an erection, and a decrease in
the amount of semen. When the men who had
these side effects stopped taking PROPECIA,
the side effects went away.
Propecia Warnings?
Propecia is for
men only. Women who are or may potentially
be pregnant must not use Propecia because
of the risk that the active ingredient may
cause a specific kind of birth defect. Women
should also avoid handling tablets that are
crushed or broken. Propecia tablets are coated
to prevent contact with the active ingredient
during normal handling. If a woman who is
pregnant with a male baby absorbs the active
ingredient in Propecia, either by swallowing
or through the skin, it may cause abnormalities
of a male baby's sex organs. If a woman who
is pregnant comes into contact with the active
ingredient in Propecia, a doctor should be
consulted.
Propecia Drug Interactions?
A side effect that
may occur while taking Propecia is a change
in sexual function. If it continues or is
bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience
the following side effects or symptoms of
toxicity: skin rash or swelling of lips. If
you notice any effects, consult your pharmacist
or primary care provider.
Propecia Missed Dose?
Try to take each dose
at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take
it if it is near the time for the next dose,
instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
Propecia Storage?
Keep Propecia in the
original container and keep the container
closed. Store it in a dry place at room temperature.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Propecia?
For most men, Propecia
increases the number of scalp hairs in the
first 12 months of treatment, helping to fill
in thin or balding areas of the scalp.
In addition, men taking it may note a slowing
of hair loss. Although results will vary,
generally you will not be able to grow back
all of the hair you have lost. There is not
sufficient evidence that Propecia works in
the treatment of receding hairline in the
temporal area on both sides of the head.
Male pattern hair loss occurs gradually over
time. On average, healthy hair grows only
about half an inch each month. Therefore,
it will take time to see any effect.
You may need to take Propecia daily for three
months or more before you see a benefit. Propecia
can only work over the long term if you continue
taking it. If the drug has not worked for
you in twelve months, further treatment is
unlikely to be of benefit.
If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely
lose the hair you have gained within 12 months
of stopping treatment. You should discuss
this with your doctor.
Propecia is not effective in the treatment
of hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia
in postmenopausal women. Propecia should not
be taken by women.
Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent
contact with the active ingredient during
normal handling, provided that the tablets
are not broken or crushed.
Do not give your Propecia tablets to anyone
else. It has been prescribed only for you.
Keep Propecia and all medications out of the
reach of children.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment
of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
