Proper Use of This Medicine

Finasteride tablets may be crushed to make them easier to swallow. However, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets.

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. You may have to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor.
• This medicine helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.

For individuals taking this medicine for hair growth :

• You may have to take this medicine for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride is stopped.

Dosing—The dose of finasteride will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of finasteride. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
    • Adults—5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
  • For hair growth:
    • Adults—1 mg once a day.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.