Propecia: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Use

What is propecia used for?

Propecia is an oral medication that is available in the form of film-coated tablets. This medication contains the main active ingredient finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor drug.

This drug is generally used to treat androgenetic alopecia conditions or baldness problems in men. Usually, this condition affects the front and middle of the head.

This drug works by blocking the production of male hormones in the body which can stop hair growth in the head area mentioned above. This medicine should only be used by men and should not be used for women and children.

This medicine is included in prescription drugs, so you cannot buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor.

How to use propecia?

There are procedures for using drugs that you must pay attention to to get the maximum benefits of using this drug, including:

• Use this medication as prescribed from your doctor, including the dosage used. The doctor will certainly have given you a dose according to your health condition. Do not use doses less or more than that given by your doctor. Do not also use this drug for longer than the time determined by the doctor.
• Use this drug by drinking a glass of water.
• This medicine may be used before or after meals. Use this medication at the same time every day.
• This medicine can only work to treat your condition if you take it regularly. In fact, it may take you up to three months to feel the maximum results.
• If you stop using this drug, you may lose hair that has grown since using this medicine within 12 months or one year after you stop using this medicine.
• While using this medicine, you must regularly have blood tests.

How do I store propecia?

As with drug use in general, you must also learn about drug storage procedures, as follows.

• Store this drug in a place at room temperature.
• Do not store it in a humid place like the bathroom.
• Do not also store and freeze in the freezer.
• Keep this medication away from exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Also keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
• The main active ingredient of this drug, namely finasteride, is also available in several brands. Other brands may have different storage procedures.

If you no longer use this medicine, or if the medicine has expired, you should discard this medicine. Dispose of this drug in an environmentally correct and safe disposal procedure.

For example, do not mix medicinal waste with ordinary household waste. In addition, do not throw the medicine in drains such as toilets. You can also ask pharmacists or officers from your local waste disposal agency how to properly and safely dispose of medicines.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage for propecia for adults?

This medicine should be used once a day and taken at the same time. Do not stop using this medication without the doctor's knowledge because it can have a stopping effect such as hair loss that has grown back after 12 months of stopping using this medicine.

What is the dose of propecia for children?

This drug is made specifically for adult men. Women and children are not advised to use this medicine for any condition.

Therefore, do not give this medicine to children. For more information, ask your doctor.

In what dosage is propecia available?

Propecia is available in a film-coated tablet form, in a strength of 1 milligram (mg).

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of using propecia?

If you are going to use this drug, of course you will realize that there are possible symptoms of side effects of use, like other medicines. These side effects can include certain health conditions, ranging from serious to mild.

The following are possible side effects:

• Not being able at all or being able to maintain an erection
• Reduced sex drive
• Ejaculation problems
• Pain in the testicles
• Depression

You don't need to worry if you experience these side effects because these side effects will disappear over time. However, if these side effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor.

Then, there are also side effects that are quite serious, such as:

• Changes in breast shape, such as enlargement, lumps, pain, or discharge from the nipple.
• Skin rash
• Itchy rash
• Swelling of the face and lips
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing food.

If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor and seek medical care immediately. Actually, not all possible side effects are listed above. However, if you experience other side effects not listed above, tell your doctor.

Warnings & Precautions

What should be known before using propecia?

Before using propecia, you must pay attention to the following things:

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to propecia or the main active ingredient of this drug, finasteride.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other allergies you may have, including allergies to food, dyes, preservatives, other drugs, to allergies to animals.
• Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have or are currently experiencing, including liver problems, prostate cancer, infections, and problems urinating.
• This medicine should not be used by women or children.
• This drug can be absorbed through the skin, so if the tablets of this medicine are crushed, it should not be touched by women as they may be absorbed through the skin. Especially if the woman is pregnant.
• In fact, using this drug can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, as long as you are using this medicine, you must regularly have regular health checks with your doctor.

Is propecia safe for use by pregnant and lactating women?

The use of this medicine in a pregnant woman can cause birth defects in the baby she is carrying. In fact, this condition may occur if pregnant women touch this drug tablet, because this drug can also be absorbed through the skin.

If a pregnant woman touches this medicine accidentally, wash her hands immediately with soap and water until they are clean. Therefore, this drug is included in category X in the risk of pregnancy according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in America or the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM) in Indonesia. The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Interaction

What medicines can interact with propecia?

Drug interactions are possible if you use propecia at the same time as other medicines. If an interaction occurs, there is an increased risk of side effects.

In addition, the way the drug works may also change. However, it is also possible that the interactions that occur may be the best alternative to managing your condition.

Therefore, tell all the types of drugs you use, from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal medicines, multivitamins, to dietary supplements. Do not change, start, or stop the dose of any medication you are taking without your doctor's knowledge.

The following are drugs that may interact with propecia, including:

• diltiazem
• duvelisib
• fluconazole
• fluvoxamine
• fostamatinib
• itraconazole
• nefazodone
• nelfinavir
• saquinavir
• sirolimus
• tacrolimus
• temsirolimus
• terazosin
• voriconazole

What foods and alcohol can interact with propecia?

Apart from medications, there are also foods that may interact with propecia. If interactions occur, the risk of side effects from using the drugs may increase. In addition, the way the drug works may also change. Therefore, ask your doctor what foods should not be consumed together with propecia.

What health conditions can interact with propecia?

There are two health conditions that have potential interactions with propecia. If interactions occur, besides the increased risk of drug side effects, these health conditions may also worsen.

Therefore, always tell your doctor about any health conditions you have so that the doctor can determine whether this drug is safe or not for you to use.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you accidentally miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if time has indicated to take the next dose, forget the missed dose and use the next dose on schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.