|
|
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or
other precautions may be necessary. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription.
|
Side Effects of This Medicine
Propecia's side effects are primarily sexual, and relatively uncommon--they strike one or two men in a hundred. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possib
le. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Propecia.
Side effects may include:
Breast tenderness and enlargement, decreased amount of semen per ejaculat
ion, decreased sex drive, impotence, itching, rash, swelling, testicular pain
|
Symptoms of overdose may include:
No specific information is available on Propecia overdose. In general, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. Seek medical attention immediately in case you suspect an overdose
|
|
|
|
What Is It
Propecia belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very
enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), Propecia may decrease th
e severity of symptoms. Propecia may also reduce the chance that surgery on the prostate will be needed.
|
Before Taking This Medicine
If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Propecia tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets
are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating.
Use Propecia with caution if you have liver problems.
Propecia lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate canc
er. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you're taking Propecia.
|
Proper Use of This Medicine
For patients taking this medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
- To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.
- Remember that this medicine does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take it if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may
have to take this medicine for at least 6 months to see the full effect.
- This medicine helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especia
lly coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.
|
|
