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Finasteride |
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What is Finasteride and why is it prescribed? Finasteride is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body. You may begin to see improvement as early as 3 months after you begin taking Finasteride, but for many men it takes longer. The improvement lasts only as long as you take the drug. If you stop, new hair growth will cease and hair loss will resume. Finasteride is not for use by women. If taken during pregnancy, it can cause abnormal development of a male baby's genital organs. How should you take Finasteride? Follow your doctors directions for taking Finasteride. For maximum benefit, take Finasteride regularly once a day. It can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time. Store Finasteride at room temperature in a closed container away from moisture. Are there any Finasteride side effects? Finasteride side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Finasteride side effects may include breast tenderness and enlargement, decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence, itching, rash, swelling, and testicular pain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Finasteride? If Finasteride is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. No significant drug interactions have been reported. Are there any special warnings about Finasteride? If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Finasteride tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating. Use Finasteride with caution if you have liver problems. Finasteride lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you're taking Finasteride. |
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