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Generic Propecia |
Propecia is one of the more popular brand names for finasteride, a drug used whether on its own or combined with other drugs for the treatment of BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy, more commonly known as a condition of enlargement of the prostate gland. It helps to address the symptoms and effects of BPH including urination difficulty, urinary retention or inability to urinate.
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How does Propecia work? |
Propecia finasteride as a BPH treatment belongs to a classification of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These drugs work to block or control the bodily production of male hormones that somehow causes enlargement of the prostate. Finasteride has been proven to be useful sometimes in treating baldness among males. The use of finasteride for this purpose, however, should be taken up closely with your doctor.
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How should I take the product? |
Propecia, or finasteride for that matter, is available as an orally-taken tablet, administered or taken one tablet a day, whether accompanied by food or not. Intake should be strictly as prescribed - as your doctor and prescription labels indicate. For better efficacy, it should be taken around the same regular schedule or time every day. In cases where your condition seemingly improves, you should still continue to take finasteride until you consume the full prescription, unless otherwise prescribed or instructed by your doctor.
Should you accidentally overdose on finasteride, treat it like you would a regular poisoning and seek immediate medical attention. If you should miss a dose, take one the moment you remember that you've missed a dose. But if the next dose is almost up for taking, simply skip the missed dose and proceed with the next one. Doubling your doses, especially to compensate for prior missed doses, is absolutely not allowed.
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Precautions |
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Propecia, or finasteride for that matter, is available as an orally-taken tablet, administered or taken one tablet a day, whether accompanied by food or not. Intake should be strictly as prescribed - as your doctor and prescription labels indicate. For better efficacy, it should be taken around the same regular schedule or time every day. In cases where your condition seemingly improves, you should still continue to take finasteride until you consume the full prescription, unless otherwise prescribed or instructed by your doctor.
Should you accidentally overdose on finasteride, treat it like you would a regular poisoning and seek immediate medical attention. If you should miss a dose, take one the moment you remember that you've missed a dose. But if the next dose is almost up for taking, simply skip the missed dose and proceed with the next one. Doubling your doses, especially to compensate for prior missed doses, is absolutely not allowed.
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Side effects |
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In varying degrees, finasteride may cause side effects like an inability to attain an erection and induce impotence, a decrease interest in sex (lessened libido), or even a decrease in the volume of semen that is ejaculated. Other side effects may be more serious like lumps in the breasts, breast tenderness, a breast enlargement, abnormal pains, or even discharges from your nipple. Should any of these symptoms or side effects be manifest, make sure that you refer the incident immediately to your doctor. If you experience allergic reactions that manifest themselves in terms of breathing difficulties, throat constrictions, facial or extremities swelling, rashes and hives, again seek immediate medical attention.
If there are other side effects not listed here that you experience, have your doctor check out these unusual effects. He may want to send a report to the Food and Drug Administration for further study.
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What should I avoid while taking Propecia? |
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No special dietary restrictions exist for finasteride so that unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can continue on your regular regimen of food and beverages and other lifestyle activities even while being treated with finasteride.
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Drug interactions |
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Aside from the caution on informing your doctor of your use of other medications and substances including your prescription or over-the counter drugs, vitamins, herbal products, mineral and nutrition supplements, there are no other adverse drug reaction or interaction known for finasteride. For your peace of mind, though, you can check with your pharmacy for additional written materials about finasteride and its use.
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Shelf life |
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The shelf and efficacy life for finasteride is usually no less than two years from the date of manufacturing. Check out these production and expiration dates with your pharmacist and the prescription labels or blisters that come in the drug's original package. This medication should be stored in its original container with lid tightly closed at all times. Keep this medication out of children's reach and store it at room temperatures and away from direct heat, sunlight, or moisture. After your treatment, excess medication should be disposed of properly in accordance to your doctor's instructions or the instructions indicated on the drug's labels.
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