What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Finasteride is a pill used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid–scalp area (middle front of head). There is not sufficient evidence that Finasteride works for receding hairlines at the temples. Finasteride is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children.

How should I use this medicine?

Finasteride comes as a tablet, usually is taken once a day. It may be taken with or without food. Take Finasteride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Finasteride without talking to your doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

What may interact with this medicine?

Finasteride is not indicated for use by women. Do not take or handle this medication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant during treatment. Finasteride is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take, or you may need a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Finasteride is intended for use by men only.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Stop taking and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects have been reported but usually resolve with continued treatment. Continue to take and notify your doctor if you experience:

Where should I keep my medicine?

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly–closed container, away from moisture.