Proscar® (Finasteride)

Finasteride is used to treat benignprostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Finasteride is also used toreduce hair loss due to male pattern baldness.

Finasteride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precaution

• Before taking thismedication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not beable to take finasteride, or you may need a lower dose or specialmonitoring during treatment.

• Finasteride is intended for use by men only.
• Finasterideis not indicated for use by women. Do not take or handle thismedication if you are pregnant or are could become pregnant duringtreatment. Finasteride is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This meansthat it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Women whoare or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or brokenfinasteride tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin.Finasteride is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby.Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible; howeverexposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as thetablets are not swallowed.
• It is not known whether finasteride passes into breastmilk. Finasteride is not intended for use by women. Do not take thismedication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects

Stop taking finasteride andseek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious sideeffects have been reported but usually resolve with continuedtreatment. Continue to take finasteride and notify your doctor if youexperience

• decreased libido (sex drive);

• decreased volume of ejaculate;
• impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.

Side effects other thanthose listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any sideeffect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.