As with any prescription or OTC (over the counter) medications, there are important precautions needed before taking finasteride. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• an unusual or allergic reaction to finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• kidney disease or infection
• liver disease
• prostate cancer
• blockage of urine flow

Moreover, please inform your doctor and pharmacist any other prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

You should also know that finasteride is only for use in men. If taken by pregnant women, finasteride can cause abnormalities in the male fetus. Women who are or may be pregnant should not touch broken or crushed finasteride tablets.

This medication is for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.

Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use finasteride and should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in finasteride, then a doctor should be consulted.

Furthermore, do not donate blood until at least 6 months after your final dose of finasteride. This will prevent giving finasteride to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion.

Additionally, finasteride can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking finasteride.

Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works.

 

FDA Information

Why is this medication prescribed?

Other uses for this medicine

Dosage and using this medicine

What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause?

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

In case of an emergency/overdose