Proscar (Finasteride)
>> Drug Uses:
Proscar is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This drug enlarges the prostate gland and decreases symptoms, including a weak or interrupted urinary stream, feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely, delay or hesitation when you start to urinate, frequent urination especially at night, feeling that you must urinate right away; decreases the risk of development a sudden inability to pass urine; and decreases the necessity of surgery.
>> How Taken:
Take Proscar as prescribed by your physician. You may take Proscar with or without food. Continue to accept Proscar even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Accepting Proscar at the same time each day will help you to remember. Communicate with your health care provider if you have any questions about usage of Proscar.
>> Drug Class and Mechanism:
Proscar is an enzyme inhibitor. It acts by decreasing levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone is a major reason of prostate growth. Decrease of DHT results in shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland.
>> Missed Dose:
In case of missing a dose of Proscar, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
>> Possible Side Effects:
Communicate with your physician if any of these most common adverse reactions persist or become bothersome: breast enlargement and/or tenderness; reduced sex drive; reduced volume of ejaculate; inability to have an erection. Look for medical attention immediately if any of these severe adverse reactions occur: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
>> Storage:
Keep Proscar at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Keep away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not store Proscar within close range of children and pets.
>> Warnings/Precautions:
Do not apply Proscar if:
you have allergy to any ingredient in Proscar;
you are pregnant or a female of childbearing age.
Communicate with your physician or health care provider if any of these apply to you.
Important:
Proscar may diminish your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function.
Proscar mustnt be accepted by women who are or may potentially be pregnant. They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets. If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the drug after oral use or through the skin, it may lead to abnormalities of the sex organs. A woman who is pregnant should communicate with her physician if she contacts with the active ingredient in this tablet.
These tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling. But you should be convinced that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
Proscar is not applied for the treatment of baldness.
Proscar can distort the results of a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This test is made for the screening of prostate cancer. You should tell your physician that you are accepting Proscar uf you have done a PSA test. Lab tests may help to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Proscar is not recommended for applying in children; safety and effectiveness have not been proved.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: it has been shown that Proscar cause harm to the human fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, communicate your physician immediately. It is unknown if Proscar percolates in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while accepting Proscar.
>> More Information:
Proscar should be accepted only by the patient for whom it is directed. Do not share it with other people. Communicate with your physician if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.