Propecia (Generic)

Propecia (finasteride) is used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) at the crown and in the middle of the scalp. It should be used by adult men only.

This medication works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone (DHT). Decreasing the amount of DHT leads to increased hair regrowth and slower hair loss. Hair growth on other parts of the body is not affected by finasteride.

Women and children should not use this medication.

Propecia is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Related

Hair loss treatment

Finasteride (Generic Propecia)

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?

Sometimes it’s due to hormones, but for the most part, it comes down to genetics. Ninety-five percent of male hair loss is caused by a condition called androgenetic alopecia. Read more.

What's the Difference Between Propecia vs. Finasteride?

They’re both as effective for treating male pattern baldness, but one of them will cost you a whole lot less. Read more.

Should I Use Finasteride, Minoxidil, or Both?

Losing excessive amounts of hair can be stressful, and if you’re in a period where you’re continuing to lose hair even while on minoxidil, you may want to also get a prescription for finasteride. Read more.

Can Women Use Finasteride to Treat Hair Loss?

Finasteride was found ineffective when used by women, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Read more.

How to Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Propecia and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor.

If the tablet is crushed or broken, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or by a woman who may become pregnant (see also Precautions section).

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It may take up to 3 months to notice a benefit.

You must continue to take this medication to maintain your hair growth. When you stop taking finasteride, any gain in hair quantity is generally lost within 12 months.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Side Effects

Propecia may cause decreased sexual ability/desire. In some men, this medication can decrease the amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless, but has continued in some men even after stopping treatment. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: lump in the breast, nipple discharge, breast enlargement/tenderness/pain, pain in the testicles, inability to urinate.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, urinary problems.

Propecia should not be used in children.

The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the film coating of the tablet has been broken or the tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Exposing a developing male infant to Propecia can result in abnormalities of the genitals.

This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Drug Interactions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

This medication can affect the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer (prostatic-specific antigen or PSA levels). If you have a PSA test done, make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.