Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Propecia (Finasteride). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Propecia (Finasteride) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Propecia (Finasteride). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• decreased amount of ejaculate (i.e., semen)
• decreased interest in sex
• Erectile Dysfunction (impotence)
• reduced sexual interest

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• breast enlargement, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge
• continued ejaculation problems after stopping the medication
• decreased interest in sexual activity continuing after stopping the medication
• decreased sexual ability continuing after stopping the medication
• infertility or poor quality of semen
• muscle pain or weakness
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• pain in the testicles

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., skin rash, itchiness, Hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Propecia (Finasteride).

Each tan, 8-sided, film-coated, convex tablet with the "P" logo on one side and "PROPECIA" on the other, contains 1 mg of Propecia (Finasteride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: Docusate Sodium, hydroxypropylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxypropylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, talc, titanium dioxide, red ferric oxide, and yellow ferric oxide.

Propecia (Finasteride) (for male pattern baldness) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Propecia (Finasteride) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is a child
• is a woman

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Propecia (Finasteride).

Breast Cancer: Male breast cancer has been reported in a small number of people taking Propecia (Finasteride). It is not known with certainty whether Propecia (Finasteride) can cause breast cancer, but this possibility cannot be ruled out at this time. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as breast enlargement, pain, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Prostate Cancer: Propecia (Finasteride) may be linked with an increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer called high-grade prostate cancer. The risk of this cancer while taking Propecia (Finasteride) is still considered very small. Note that Propecia (Finasteride) (for male pattern baldness) is not approved to treat prostate cancer. If you have any concerns about your medication, talk to your health care provider.

Liver function: Propecia (Finasteride) is broken down by the liver. Propecia (Finasteride) should be used with caution by people with impaired liver function. If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Propecia (Finasteride) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Propecia (Finasteride), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy and birth defects: When absorbed into the system of a pregnant woman, Propecia (Finasteride) may cause abnormalities of the genitals in a male baby. Crushed or broken Propecia (Finasteride) tablets should not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant because Propecia (Finasteride) may be absorbed into the system through the skin.

Children: Propecia (Finasteride) should not be used by children.

Seniors: The use of Propecia (Finasteride) has not been studied in men over the age of 65 years with male pattern hair loss.