Proscar (Finasteride) is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is swelling of the prostate. What is BPH?
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland. After age 50, most men develop enlarged prostates. The prostate is located below the bladder. As the prostate enlarges, it may slowly restrict the flow of urine. This can lead to symptoms such as: a weak or interrupted urinary stream, a feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely,
a feeling of delay or hesitation when you start to urinate, a need to urinate often, especially at night, and a feeling that you must urinate right away. In some men, BPH can lead to serious problems, including urinary tract infections, a sudden inability to pass urine (acute urinary retention), as well as the need for surgery.
There are three main treatment options for symptoms of BPH: (1) Program of monitoring or "Watchful Waiting". If a man has an enlarged prostate gland and no symptoms or if his symptoms do not bother him, he and his doctor may decide on a program of monitoring which would include regular checkups, instead of medication or surgery. (2)Medication. Your doctor may prescribe Proscar (Finasteride) for BPH. (3) Surgery. Some patients may need surgery. Your doctor can suggest several different surgical procedures for BPH. Which procedure is best depends on your symptoms and medical condition.
Proscar (Finasteride) lowers levels of a key hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is a major cause of prostate growth. Lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland in most men. This can lead to gradual improvement in urine flow and symptoms over the next several months. Proscar (Finasteride) will help reduce the risk of developing a sudden inability to pass urine and the need for surgery. However, since each case of BPH is different, you should know that: (1) Even though the prostate shrinks, you may NOT notice an improvement in urine flow or symptoms. (2) You may need to take Proscar (Finasteride) for six (6) months or more to see whether Proscar (Finasteride) improves your symptoms. (3) Therapy with Proscar (Finasteride) may reduce your risk for a sudden inability to pass urine and the need for surgery.You must see your doctor regularly. While taking Proscar (Finasteride), you must have regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about when to have these checkups.
Like all prescription drugs, Proscar (Finasteride) may cause side effects. Side effects due to Proscar (Finasteride) may include impotence (an inability to have an erection) or less desire for sex. Some men taking Proscar (Finasteride) may have changes or problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. This decrease in the amount of semen does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function. In some cases these side effects went away while the patient continued to take Proscar (Finasteride). In addition, some men may have breast enlargement and/or tenderness. You should promptly report to your doctor any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Some men have reported allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face. Rarely, testicular pain has been reported. You should discuss side effects with your doctor before taking Proscar (Finasteride) and anytime you think you are having a side effect.
Checking for prostate cancer. Your doctor has prescribed Proscar (Finasteride) for symptomatic BPH and not for cancer - but a man can have BPH and prostate cancer at the same time. Doctors usually recommend that men be checked for prostate cancer once a year when they turn 50 (or 40 if a family member has had prostate cancer). These checks should continue while you take Proscar (Finasteride) . Proscar (Finasteride) is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
About Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). Your doctor may have done a blood test called PSA. Proscar (Finasteride) can alter PSA values. For more information, talk to your doctor. A warning about Proscar (Finasteride) and pregnancy. Proscar (Finasteride) is for use by MEN only. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Proscar (Finasteride) . They should also not handle crushed or broken tablets of Proscar (Finasteride). If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby absorbs the active ingredient in Proscar (Finasteride) after oral use or through the skin, it may cause the male baby to be born with abnormalities of the sex organs. Proscar (Finasteride) tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in Proscar (Finasteride) , a doctor should be consulted. Remember, these warnings apply only when the woman is pregnant or could potentially be pregnant.
Proscar (Finasteride) side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include a change in sexual function or breast enlargement. If Proscar (Finasteride) side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience Proscar (Finasteride) side effects like or symptoms of toxicity: skin rash or swelling of lips. If you notice other Proscar (Finasteride) side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
IT MAY TAKE 6 TO 12 MONTHS for Proscar (Finasteride)to work. Do not stop taking Proscar (Finasteride) without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. ANY WOMAN WHO IS PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT SHOULD NOT HANDLE crushed or broken tablets of this medicine. If a woman who is pregnant comes in contact with crushed or broken tablets of this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible because they might tesult in Finasteride side effects.