Proscar (Finasteride)

General Information

Finasteride is a medicine marketed under the name Proscar. It is a member of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drug class. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a disorder in which the prostate gland enlarges, is the main indication for the use of Proscar. This medication lessens the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that promotes prostate growth, by blocking the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. 

 Apart from treating BPH, Proscar is also administered at a reduced dosage for male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia (Propecia). For some people, the decrease in DHT levels helps to both slow down hair loss and encourage hair growth.

Proscar adverse effects, like those of any medicine, might include sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction and diminished libido. People who are thinking about using Proscar should talk to their healthcare professionals about the advantages and disadvantages of the medication, especially if they have concerns about how it may affect their ability to conceive. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are crucial for patients using Proscar for hair loss or BPH. 

Proscar (Finasteride) Components 

Finasteride is Proscar’s active component. Typically, each Proscar tablet has five milligrams of finasteride in it. 

 A lower-dose version of finasteride (1 milligram) is also available and frequently given to treat male pattern baldness, in addition to Proscar, which is used for BPH. 

Four-year Study Verifies Drug Modifies BPH Progression 

Finasteride (Proscar/Merck) has been shown in a four-year study to lower the requirement for surgery in half for males with acute urinary retention. Men who did not have acute urine retention were 57% less likely to acquire the illness than men who were not taking the medication, according to research involving 3,040 men. Men who took the medication also had a 55% lower risk of needing prostate surgery. According to Dr. John McConnell, head of the Proscar Long-Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS) at Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, the medication “clearly alters the progression of BPH.” Throughout the four-year research period, the drug’s benefits persisted. 

Proscar’s Uses 

The main indication for Proscar, also known as finasteride, is the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. As it ages, it can expand and cause symptoms like poor urine flow, trouble urinating, and frequent urination. 

Finasteride functions by preventing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth. Proscar helps relieve BPH symptoms and may also halt the evolution of the condition by lowering DHT levels. 

A lower-dose version of finasteride (1 milligram) is also used to treat androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, in addition to BPH. Finasteride may encourage hair growth and prevent additional hair loss in this situation. 

Doses 

When treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a 5-milligram tablet taken once a day is the standard dosage for Proscar (finasteride). This is the usual dosage for treating an enlarged prostate’s symptoms. 

Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is treated with a lower finasteride dosage. In this instance, a 1-milligram tablet is frequently administered and sold under the Propecia brand. This reduced dosage works well to stop additional hair loss and, in certain situations, to encourage hair growth. 

It’s crucial to abide by your healthcare practitioner’s dose recommendations and directions. See your healthcare provider for individual advice if you have any questions or concerns regarding the dosage or possible side effects. 

Precautions 

Women who are pregnant or who intend to become pregnant shouldn’t touch broken or crushed Proscar tablets. A developing male fetus may be harmed by finasteride exposure during pregnancy since it can be absorbed via the skin.

Finasteride allergies can include redness, itching, swelling, extreme dizziness, and trouble breathing in certain people. If you see any symptoms of an allergic reaction, get medical help.

Proscar may lower the risk of prostate cancer in addition to treating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Nonetheless, there’s a slim chance of developing high-grade prostate cancer. Talk about the advantages and possible drawbacks with your medical professional. 

Share your medical history with your healthcare practitioner, mentioning any conditions you may have had in the past, such as liver illness, urinary issues, or a history of medication allergies. 

Your medications—prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin—should be disclosed to your healthcare physician. Finasteride may interact with certain drugs. 

Contraindications for Finasteride

1. Women, especially those expecting a child, should not use Proscar. It may be harmful to a male fetus in development. Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not handle broken or crushed Proscar tablets.
2. Proscar should not be used by anyone with a history of hypersensitivity or allergy to finasteride or any of the medication’s ingredients.
3. Children and teenagers are not usually prescribed Proscar. Finasteride’s effectiveness and safety in this population are unknown.
4. Finasteride metabolism may be changed in people with advanced liver disease. Before beginning Proscar, disclose any liver issues to your healthcare physician.
5. Finasteride may interact with other drugs in ways that reduce its effectiveness or raise the possibility of side effects. Notify your healthcare practitioner of all your medications, including over-the-counter and vitamins.

To find out if Proscar is right for you, consider your medical history, present medications, and general state of health by speaking with your healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer any adverse effects or have any concerns. 

Adverse Reactions 

Some people may experience adverse effects from Proscar (finasteride). It’s crucial to remember that not everyone will have these side effects, and the drug is generally well tolerated. Typical Proscar side effects include:

• A decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in ejaculation volume are examples of sexual side effects. Usually, these side effects go away after the medicine is stopped.
• Gynecomastia, or breast soreness or enlargement, can affect certain people. If this happens, it is best to let your healthcare professional know.
• Although they are uncommon, finasteride allergies can happen. Possible symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, extreme disorientation, and trouble breathing. If you are having an allergic reaction, get medical help.
• Finasteride users have occasionally reported experiencing mood swings, including despair or anxiety. Addressing any major mood swings you experience with your healthcare physician is crucial.
• Men who have testicles may feel pain or discomfort. 

Notifying your healthcare professional as soon as possible of any adverse effects is critical. In addition, discuss the advantages and possible drawbacks of Proscar, taking into account your unique health and medical background. 

Overdose 

Immediately seek medical attention in the event of a Proscar (finasteride) overdose. Even though severe side effects from overdosing are uncommon, it’s crucial to take the medicine precisely as directed by your doctor. 

Get in touch with emergency medical services or a poison control center as soon as possible if you suspect an overdose or feel symptoms like weakness, dizziness, or fainting. Tell them about the drug you’re taking, how much you’re taking, and any symptoms you may be having.

Since there isn’t a known cure for finasteride overdose, supportive care is typically provided to treat and manage symptoms. It’s critical to refrain from self-medicating or changing the dosage without first seeing a medical provider.

How to Keep Proscar

Proscar should be kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. It should also be kept away from temperatures higher than 86°F (30°C) or lower than 59°F (15°C).

Store it in the original box and protect it from the sun. Keep it out of restrooms and other moist areas. 

Proscar should be kept out of children’s reach and stored in a childproof container.

Unless your healthcare practitioner instructs you otherwise, do not split, crush, or break the tablets. 

Make a note of the medicine’s expiration date on the container. Once the expiration date has passed, stop using Proscar. 

FAQ

Is prostate cancer preventable with Proscar? 

It has been demonstrated that Proscar lowers a man’s risk of getting some forms of prostate cancer. It’s crucial to go over the advantages and disadvantages of Proscar with your physician before using it for this reason.

If my symptoms become better, may I stop using Proscar?

Even if your symptoms subside, it’s crucial to keep taking Proscar as directed by your physician. If you suddenly stop taking the drug, your symptoms can get worse.

Is there a generic version of Proscar? 

Yes, finasteride, a generic version of Proscar, is available. Proscar generics are usually less expensive than brand-name counterparts while having the same active component. However, before using a generic medication, always get advice from your pharmacist or doctor.