Generic Propecia

Propecia, which is generically prescribed as finasteride, and is commonly used to treat enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness. Propecia prevents testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone in the body.

Propecia is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history which includes liver disease may not be able to take Propecia or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Propecia, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Propecia as a category X pregnancy risk. While this medication is not appropriate for women, pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take or handle this medication as it is highly likely to cause birth defects in unborn babies. Propecia will pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should make it clear that pregnant or nursing women or women who may become pregnant should not touch this medication. There is no reason for a physician to prescribe this medication for women.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Propecia, some of which are severe. A patient who is experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms which include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical care include intolerable sensitivity and erections which may last for 4 or more hours.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as impotence, breast enlargement and tenderness, and sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects may be able to be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Propecia.

Propecia should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose may present with symptoms that include stomach issues and fogginess in the head, but the effects of an overdose are not well known. Patients suspected of overdosing should still seek emergency medical attention to determine their vital signs.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Propecia. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications which are known to have a negative interaction with Propecia include erectile dysfunction medications in men who are particularly sensitive to medication. Blood tests that monitor the amount of PSA in the blood may be required to determine periodically whether prostate cancer is present.