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FINASTERIDE (fi NAS teer ide) treats certain types of hair loss. It works by increasing hair growth on the scalp. It belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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-Saw palmetto or other dietary supplements
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take at least 3 months before you see the benefit from this medication. To maintain benefit, you must continue to take this medication.
It is important that you tell your care team you are taking this medication before you have a PSA test to check your prostate. This medication can decrease your PSA levels. This means your care team has to read your PSA test in a different way. You should also tell your care team if you have not been taking this medication as prescribed, as this may also affect the PSA test results. Talk to your care team if you have any questions.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication. Donated blood may contain enough of this medication to cause serious fetal side effects if transfused to someone who is pregnant. Ask your care team when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medication.
Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious fetal side effects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy. People who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not touch broken or crushed tablets. This is because the medication can be absorbed through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle because they have a coating. If a pregnant person touches a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Breast pain or tenderness
-Change in sex drive or performance
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix it with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or another unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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