Drug Name

Proscar (Finasteride)

Drug Uses

Proscar is used for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is enlargement of the prostate gland and reducing 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; reducing the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine; and reducing the need for surgery.

How Taken

Use Proscar as directed by your doctor.

• Proscar may be taken with or without food.
• Continue to use Proscar even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Using Proscar at the same time each day will help you to remember.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Proscar.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Proscar is an enzyme inhibitor. It works by lowering levels of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of prostate growth; lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Proscar , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Proscar at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Proscar out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Proscar if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Proscar;
• you are pregnant or a female of childbearing age.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Proscar may decrease your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function.
• Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Proscar . They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets. If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the medicine after oral use or through the skin, it may cause the male baby to be born with abnormalities of the sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in this tablet, a doctor should be consulted.
• These tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.
• Proscar is not used to treat baldness.
• Proscar can affect a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Proscar .
• Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Proscar is not recommended for use in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Proscar has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Proscar is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Proscar.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• breast enlargement and/or tenderness; decreased sex drive; decreased volume of ejaculate; inability to have an erection.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects 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.

More Information

Proscar is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.