Finasteride

Before taking finasteride,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to finasteride or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a blockage of urine flow or liver disease.
• you should 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.

Finasteride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
• decreased libido (interest in sex)
• decreased volume of ejaculate (amount of semen)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• changes in the breasts such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge

Finasteride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at [http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.