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Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle crushed Propecia tablets. Propecia can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Propecia (fin-AS-tur-ide) belongs to the group of medicines called enzyme inhibitors. It is used to treat urinary problems caused by enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). In men with very enlarged prostates and mild to moderate symptoms (difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination, getting up at night to urinate), Propecia may decrease the severity of symptoms. Propecia may also reduce the chance that surgery on the prostate will be needed. Propecia blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of Propecia on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again. Propecia also is used by some balding men to stimulate hair growth. If hair growth is going to occur with the use of Propecia, it usually occurs after the medicine has been used for about 3 months and lasts only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after Propecia treatment is stopped. Propecia is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada) Buy Propecia (U.S. only) or read more info about Propecia. Brand names: - Finasteride - Propecia - Proscar |