Proscar

Proscar

Generic Name: finasteride (fih NAH steh ride)

Brand Names: Propecia, Proscar

What is Proscar?

Proscar prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Proscar is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate.

Proscar may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Proscar

Proscar should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle Proscar tablets.

Before taking Proscar, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to finasteride, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart).

Although Proscar is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Proscar tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.

Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.

Before taking Proscar

Proscar should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle Proscar tablets.

Before taking Proscar, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your doctor if you have:

liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;

prostate cancer;

a bladder muscle disorder;

stricture of your urethra; or

if you are unable to urinate.

Although Proscar is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Proscar tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I 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.

To be sure Proscar is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It is important to 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.

See also: Proscar dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Proscar is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Proscar?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using Proscar.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Proscar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Proscar: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.

Less serious side effects may include:

feeling like you might pass out;

swelling in your hands or feet;

pain in the testicles;

impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;

abnormal ejaculation;

swelling or tenderness in your breasts;

dizziness, weakness;

headache;

runny nose; or

skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Proscar side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Proscar?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Proscar. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Proscar resources

Proscar Side Effects (in More Detail)

Proscar Dosage

Proscar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Proscar Drug Interactions

Proscar Support Group

0 Reviews for Proscar - Add your own review/rating

Proscar Prescribing Information (FDA)

Proscar Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Proscar MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Finasteride Prescribing Information (FDA)

Finasteride Monograph (AHFS DI)

Finasteride Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Propecia MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Propecia Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Proscar with other medications

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Proscar.

What does my medication look like?

Finasteride is available with a prescription under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Proscar 5 mg - blue, apple-shaped, film-coated tablets

Propecia 1 mg - tan, eight-sided, film-coated tablets

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Copyright 1996-2010 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.07. Revision Date: 01/13/2010 1:57:28 PM.