Before taking finasteride

Before taking finasteride make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you suffer with prostate cancer.
• If you suffer disease in any part of the urinary system.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take finasteride

• Take finasteride exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take one tablet each day, with or without food.
• Try to take finasteride at the same time each day to avoid missing a dose.
• If you forget to take a tablet, just carry on with the next dose as usual. Do not take an extra tablet to make up.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of finasteride contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• Finasteride is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If you are taking finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) it is important that you continue to take the tablets even if you don't feel a benefit straight away. It may take several months to see if your symptoms improve.
• If you are taking finasteride for male-pattern hair loss, it may take three to six months before you notice any improvement. If you stop taking finasteride, you are likely to lose the hair you have gained within the next 6 to 12 months.
• Pregnant women, women who think they might be pregnant or breast feeding mothers should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets.
• Traces of finasteride can be found in the semen of men taking the drug. It is therefore advised to use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking finasteride. If you need further advice speak to you pharmacist or doctor.
• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside finasteride.
• Finasteride can interfere with a blood test called PSA. Tell your doctor you are taking finasteride if you need this test.

Can finasteride cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Loss of interest in sex and/or difficulty in achieving an erection, testicular pain, breast tenderness and enlargement, skin rash and itching.

Important: if you experience any swelling of the mouth or face contact your doctor straight away.

Important: if you experience any pain or lumps in the breast area or any discharge from the nipples, tell your doctor about this.

How to store finasteride

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

Important information about all medicines

References

• British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Proscar®, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised June 2004, accessed 8 January 2008.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Propecia®, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Text revised July 2006, accessed 18 January 2008.