Proscar (finasteride)

Proscar Description

Proscar is a prescription drug that is used to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) among men. Proscar checks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) among males. DHT is responsible for causing enlarged prostate. Therefore, the decreased levels of DHT in your body will check the enlargement of the prostate gland. The active ingredient in Prscar is Finasteride and is manufactured by Merck and Co. In most men, Proscar has been successful in being able to reduce the size of the prostate gland, thereby, helping them to get rid of symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Available in a single dosage of 5mg, Proscar should be stored in airtight containers and should be kept away from sunlight and moisture. Because of the possible harm to the fetus, Proscar should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who is planning to become pregnant and should be kept out of the reach of children.

Conditions Treated By Proscar

Proscar is primarily used to treat symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate in men. By controlling the conversion of testosterone hormone into DHT, this drug checks the enlargement of prostate.

Proscar Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Take this as per the doctor’s prescriptions. Never take this medicine without the recommendations of a doctor or a physician. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Proscar is usually taken once every day. Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting the doctor who has prescribed it to you. The medicine should be taken in the same time every day. The medicine takes some time to show results. Ideally, it takes about 6 to twelve weeks to show its results. Therefore, you will have to wait patiently in order to realize its benefits.

b.) Missing A Dose

It is advisable to take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. If there is a time lapse of too many hours and if the time of the next dose is very close by, it is advisable to skip the missed dose and wait for the next dose. Do not take an extra tablet to make up for the missed dose. This can be harmful for your health. Do not adjust a dose of Proscar without consulting your doctor.

c.) Overdosing

Seek immediate medical help if you have taken an extra dose of Proscar. Taking an extra dose of this medicine is risky.

Proscar Warnings

Just like all other prescription drugs, this medicine too should be taken with caution. Never take this medicine independently, without a prior consultation with a doctor or a physician. When your doctor is prescribing this medicine to you, make sure you have told the doctor about the medicines you are already taking. Also, tell your doctor if you are suffering from any of the conditions mentioned below:

• If you are allergic to Finasteride. If you are allergic to any other thing, you should tell that to your doctor.
• If you are suffering from liver functioning disabilities like liver failure, cirrhosis of liver or any other type of infection in the failure.
• If you are suffering from any type of urinary problem like problem in urinating or if there is a problem in your urethra.
• If you are suffering from prostate cancer.
• If there is a problem in your bladder muscle.

The medicine can become very dangerous if it handled while it is crushed or if the protective film around it is broken. Other than this, make sure that this medicine is not being handled by a woman who is pregnant or who is planning to become pregnant. This medicine can cause severe deformities in infants if it is consumed by a pregnant woman. Also make sure that a woman who is breast feeding does not come in contact with this medicine. This medicine can lead to deformities in the genitals of infants if it passed on to them through the mother’s breast milk. Make sure that the medicine is out of the reach of children. If any person comes in contact with this medicine, wash hands immediately with soap and water to get rid of the medicine from the surface of the skin.

Proscar Side Effects

Proscar can produce side effects. If you find out that you are suffering from any type of side effect after having this medicine, report immediately to the doctor who has prescribed it to you. Here are some of the common side effects of this medicine:

• Allergic reaction to the medicine- difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling up of face, lips, tongue, throat
• Lumps in the breast, pain, discharge from the nipple, enlargement of breast or other problems and changes in the breast. Sometimes, these may be the symptoms of male breast cancer
• Swelling up of hands and feet
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Sexual problems- decreased libido, less interest in sex, impotence, erectile dysfunction problem in having an orgasm, abnormal ejaculation, decreased ejaculate amount
• Pain in testicles
• Weakness
• Dizziness, feeling that you may pass out
• Itching

Possible Drug Interactions With Proscar

Proscar can interact with other drugs, which is why it is ideal that you tell your doctor what the other medicines are that you are taking. These medicines might be herbal supplements, over-the-counter medicines, protein supplements, multi vitamins, etc. When you are taking Proscar, do not take in any new medicine without informing your doctor. Do not forget to inform your doctor if you are allergic to finasteride or any other medicines. Make sure that you clearly tell your doctor your medical history as it will help him to decide if Proscar will suit you or not. Do not forget to mention to your doctor if you are suffering from any type of liver infection (including cirrhosis of liver or liver failure), prostate cancer, urinary problems and any other types of infections.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.