Brand Name: Propecia.
Generic Name: Finasteride.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Finasteride is a synthetic antiandrogen, belongs to a group of steroid reductase inhibitor. Usually it is used as a treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and prostate cancer in higher doses. Also Finasteride may be used for treating certain types of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men.

How to Take
Before start taking any new medicine please consult with a doctor. The dose for adult patient is 1 tablet once a day.

Warning and Precautions
Use Finasteride with caution. Finasteride belongs to drugs which accumulated in the body; it may take 3 month before you notice any improvement. Do not take Finasteride longer that 12 month, if your condition does not change consult with your doctor, may be you need a new course of treatment.
Before start taking any new medicine even, prescribed without RX or based on herbal components, check it with your doctor. During the course of treatment you may have decreased sexual desire or ability, if these effects become bothersome talk with your doctor. Finasteride may increase certain risk of fetus formation especially at male fetus. 

Important
Finasteride should not be used while pregnant. It is not approved for women. If you are planning to become pregnant, make sure your doctor knows that you are taking Finasteride. It may also appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, lightheadedness or dizziness, very fast heart rate.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Finasteride should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  chest pain, coughing, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, tiredness, vomiting. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain, breast enlargement, lumps, pain, or tenderness, nipple discharge, testicular pain.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Finasteride. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.