Propecia

Pro·pe·cia (pr-psh)

A trademark for the drug finasteride.

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finasteride Warning - Hazardous drug!

Propecia, Proscar

Pharmacologic class: Androgen inhibitor

Therapeutic class: Sex hormone, hair regrowth stimulant

Pregnancy risk category X

Action

Suppresses dihydrotestosterone levels by inhibiting the hepatic enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in prostate, liver, and skin

Availability

Tablets: 1 mg (Propecia), 5 mg (Proscar)

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Adults: 5 mg P.O. daily

➣ To reduce risk of progression of BPH symptoms

Adults: 5 mg P.O. daily (Proscar) given with doxazosin

➣ Male-pattern baldness

Adults: 1 mg P.O. daily

Off-label uses

• Acne in women
• Hirsutism

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Females
• Children

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• hepatic impairment, obstructive uropathy.

Administration

• Give with or without food.
• Know that female patients who are or may be pregnant shouldn't handle crushed or broken tablets. (Tablets are coated, so handling of intact tablets doesn't pose a problem).

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O. (BPH)	Unknown	8 hr	24 hr
P.O. (baldness)	3 mo	Unknown	Unknown

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, headache, asthenia

EENT: lip swelling

GU: erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculate volume, decreased libido, testicular pain, gynecomastia

Musculoskeletal: back pain

Skin: rash

Interactions

Drug-drug. Theophylline: increased theophylline clearance

Drug-diagnostic tests. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): 50% decrease

Patient monitoring

• Carefully evaluate sustained PSA increases during therapy.
• Monitor fluid intake and output closely.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient he may take drug with or without food.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.
• Inform patient that he may experience erectile dysfunction and decreased ejaculate. Advise him to discuss these issues with prescriber.
• Caution female caregiver or companion who is or may be pregnant not to handle crushed or broken tablets.
• Tell patient he may need at least 6 months of therapy for BPH treatment and at least 3 months to see improvement in male-pattern baldness.
• Inform patient with BPH that he'll undergo periodic digital rectal exams.
• Instruct patient not to donate blood for at least 1 month after last dose.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs and tests mentioned above.

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Propecia®

Finasteride Esthetic medicine An agent for treating male pattern hair loss–androgenetic alopecia on the vertex and the anterior midscalp area Contraindications ♀, children. See Male-pattern baldness.

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Patient discussion about Propecia.

Q. Do you know if Propecia can truly stop hair loss and even grow back hair. do you have any statistics about it? do you know if there are any side effects to this medication?

A. it does work but there is some side affects, as in E.D. while you are on the med.

Q. i wan't to know. what are the side effects of propecia pills. and more about them please

A. my dad took it.. it helped a bit- but not too much. as i recall the side effects his prescribing Dr. was worried about were allergic reactions (skin rash, problem breathing, edema). but he said it can cause impotence and even breast cancer at men! he told him to check his breast for lumps every now and then.