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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?

Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets.

To make sure you can safely take finasteride, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;
• prostate cancer;
• a bladder muscle disorder;
• stricture of your urethra;
• if you are unable to urinate; or
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart).

Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.

If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I take finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Finasteride can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Visit your doctor regularly.

Use finasteride regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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