IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

FINASTERIDE - ORAL (HAIR GROWTH) (fin-AST-er-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Propecia

USES: This medication is used to treat male pattern hair loss and is to be used only by adult men.

HOW TO USE: Take one tablet daily or as directed by your doctor. This drug may be taken with or without meals. This drug usually must be taken regularly for 3 months for the benefits to be noticeable. Once treatment is stopped, any gain in hair quantity will be lost. If this medication is crushed prior to administration, it must not be handled by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Unlikely to occur but the possible side effects include impotence, decreased sex drive or decrease in amount of ejaculate. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease and drug allergies. Finasteride should not be used in women or children. The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the film coating of the tablet has been broken or the tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or plans to become pregnant. Any contact with finasteride by a developing male fetus could result in abnormalities of the external genitalia. Finasteride must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if finasteride is excreted into breast milk. However, this drug is not indicated for use in women.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor or pharmacist's approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTES: Do not share this drug with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.