Pregnancy—Women who are or may become pregnant should not take Finasteride or should not be exposed to broken or crushed Finasteride tablets, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.

Older adults—Finasteride has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Propecia : Full Prescribing Information

Propecia's Price List

Brand Name Generic Name Strength Manufacturer Quantity US$   Propecia (generic) aka Finpecia Finasteride 1 mg tab various 90   tabs (blister pack) 78.00 Propecia (brand) aka Finpecia Finasteride 1 mg tab Merck 28 tabs 67.00

Proper Use of Finasteride

Propecia tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed Propecia tablets.

For patients taking Finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.

Remember that Finasteride does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect. You may have to take Finasteride for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking Finasteride without first discussing it with your doctor.

Finasteride helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.

For individuals taking this medicine for hair growth:
You may have to take Finasteride for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as Finasteride continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Propecia is stopped.

Dosing—
The dose of Propecia will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of Propecia. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

For oral dosage form (tablets):

For treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

Adults—5 milligrams (mg) once a day.

For hair growth:

Adults—1 mg once a day.