Why is Proscar prescribed?

Proscar (Finasteride) is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride (Generic) is available in addition to the brand name Proscar. 

What is the most effective way to take Proscar?

Take Proscar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

• Take this medicine with a full glass of water
• Proscar can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.
• To be sure Proscar is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your doctor will also test your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Visit your doctor regularly.
• Use Proscar regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
• Store Proscar at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Before taking Finasteride,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other drug allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, prostate cancer, infections, urinary problems.
• Finasteride should not be used in children.

Pregnancy Warning:

• The drug can be absorbed through the skin. If the film coating of the tablet has been broken or the tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Exposing a developing male infant to finasteride can result in abnormalities of the genitals.
• Finasteride should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. 

Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Finasteride may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• inability to have or maintain an erection
• decreased sexual desire
• problems with ejaculation (including decreased volume of ejaculate)
• pain in the testicles
• depression

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
• signs of an allergic reaction - including rash, itching, hives, swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing or swallowing

Finasteride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Taking finasteride may increase the risk that you will develop high-grade prostate cancer (a type of prostate cancer that spreads and grows more quickly than other types of prostate cancer). Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking finasteride.

Why is Proscar prescribed?

Proscar can be used to:

• treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate gland)
• treat male pattern hair loss (gradual thinning of the hair on the scalp, leading to a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men) 

How long until I see the results from using Proscar?

With regular and correct use, it may take six to nine months to see the full effects of Finasteride.

What if I forget a dose of Proscar?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How and where should I store this medication?

Store Proscar at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.