Proscar (Finasteride)
Finasteride (Proscar) is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, reduce the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy. Proscar administered in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin is indicated to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression of BPH (a confirmed ≥4 point increase in AUA symptom score).
Remember that Finasteride does not cure BPH but it does help reduce the size of the prostate. Therefore, you must continue to take Finasteride if you expect to keep the size of your prostate down. You may have to take Proscar for at least 6 months to see the full effect. You may have to take Finasteride for the rest of your life. Do not stop taking Proscar without first discussing it with your doctor.
Finasteride helps to reduce urinary problems in men with BPH. In general, it is best to avoid drinking fluids, especially coffee or alcohol, in the evening. Then your sleep will not be disturbed by your need to urinate during the night.
Finasteride usage or individuals taking Finasteride for hair growth:
You may have to take Finasteride for at least 3 months to see an effect. The effect will last only as long as the medicine continues to be used. The new hair will be lost within 1 year after finasteride is stopped.
Finasteride Dosage
The dose of Finasteride will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Proscar label. The following information includes only the average dose of Finasteride. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of Proscar that you take depends on the strength of the Proscar. Also, the number of Finasteride doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using Finasteride
Finasteride dosage for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):
Adults — 5 milligrams (mg) of Proscar once a day
Finasteride dosage for hair growth:
Adults — 1 mg of Proscar once a day.
If you miss a dose of Finasteride
If you miss a dose of Proscar, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage — How to store Finasteride
- Keep Proscar out of the reach of children.
- Store Finasteride away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Proscar in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Finasteride to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Proscar or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Finasteride is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Finasteride
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: 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 Finasteride 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; skin rash.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE Proscar side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast enlargement, lumps, pain, or tenderness; nipple discharge; testicular pain.
