Men's Health - Propecia
Before Using This medicine: 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.
Other Medical Problems: 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.
Proper Use of This Medicine: Take one tablet by mouth once each
day. You may take Propecia with or
without food.
Precautions While Using This
Medicine: 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.
Side Effects of This Medicine: 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. |
