Proscar (PRAH-scar)

Proscar (finasteride [fih NAH steh ride]) is a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used in men to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia—BPH). It helps relax muscles to increase urine flow and reduce pain for men with prostatitis.

Proscar Warnings

Proscar may artificially decrease PSA levels. Be sure to inform any lab technicians and physicians that you are taking this drug if you are being tested for prostate cancer.

Proscar (finasteride) for prostatitis and other 5 alpha reductase inhibitors are linked to a risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

This drug may cause birth defects in male babies, male infertility, and poor quality semen. Discuss the effects of Proscar with your physician before taking this medication for Prostatitis if you have plans to later become a father.

If the coating on the tablet has been penetrated or crushed, this drug should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to have children, as Proscar can be absorbed in the skin and causes genital birth defects in male infants.

Sexual side effects such as libido disorders, ejaculation disorders, and orgasm disorders may persist after stopping this medication.

Caution should be used in patients who have liver problems.

Why Is Proscar Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Proscar may be prescribed to relax muscles and/or shrink the prostate to increase urine flow and reduce pain in cases of prostatitis.

How Should Proscar (Finasteride) for Prostatitis Be Used?

This medication comes in 5 mg tablets. It is taken orally, usually once per day, with or without food. Follow your physician’s instructions regarding dose.

Read the patient information provided with this medication from your pharmacist carefully.

Take Proscar regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from its effects.

Do not stop taking Proscar without consulting your physician.

If your condition continues or worsens, inform your physician.

It may take six months to a year to experience the benefits from this medication.

This drug should only be used in men.

Other Uses for Proscar

Proscar may be prescribed to treat hair loss in men, as it may increase hair growth. It is also used to shrink an enlarged prostate.

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Discuss with your physician all prescription and nonprescription products you are currently taking, as Proscar and other drugs in this class may negatively interact with certain other medications.

Before taking this medication, inform your physician about any allergies you have, including an allergy to Proscar or any other 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Inactive ingredients in this drug may cause an allergic reaction.

Discuss your medical history with your physician before taking Proscar, especially with regard to:

Liver disease
Prostate cancer
Infections
Urinary difficulties

Stand up slowly after lying or sitting down to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially if you just began using this medication, or if your doctor has changed your dose.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Proscar?

This medication may be taken with or without food.

Follow your regular diet or follow your doctor’s instructions.

What If I Forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Proscar for Prostatitis?

Side effects may include:

Erectile dysfunction or decreased sexual desire
Reduction in the amount of semen (during and after taking Proscar) or ejaculation that recedes into the bladder
Abnormal orgasm
Increased hair growth
Dizziness
Fainting
Exhaustion
Headache
Nasal congestion
Reduction in sperm count
Swelling of hands or feet

If any of these symptoms continue or worsen, inform your physician right away.

Rare, serious side effects may include:

Breast lump
Discharge from nipple
Enlarged breasts
Painful or tender breasts
Testicle pain
Lack of ability to urinate
Depression

If any of these severe side effects occur, inform your physician immediately.

Symptoms of a rare allergic reaction to this medication may include:

Rash
Hives
Itching or swelling of face, tongue, or throat
Extreme dizziness
Difficulty breathing

In the event of a suspected allergic reaction to Proscar, seek medical attention immediately.

Does Proscar Have Special Storage Instructions?

Store this medication in its original container tightly sealed.

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.