Finasteride 

Why is Finasteride  prescribed?

Proscar  is prescribed  to help shrink an enlarged prostate. 

The prostate, a chestnut-shaped gland present in males, produces a liquid that forms part of the semen. This gland completely encloses the upper part of the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of the bladder. Many men over age 50 suffer from a  benign (noncancerous)  enlargement of the prostate. The enlarged gland squeezes the urethra, obstructing  the normal flow  of urine. Resulting problems  may include difficulty in starting urination, weak flow of urine, and  the need to urinate urgently or frequently. Sometimes surgical removal  of the prostate is necessary. 

By shrinking  the enlarged prostate, Proscar may alleviate  the various associated urinary problems, making surgery unnecessary. 

Some doctors are also prescribing Proscar for baldness and as a preventive measure against  prostate cancer. 

Most important fact about Finasteride 

Different men have different responses to Proscar: 

• You may experience early relief from your urinary problems. 
• You may need  to take the drug for 6 months  or even a year before noticing  any improvement. 
• Or  you may find that, even after a year  of treatment, Proscar simply has not helped you. 

How should you  take Finasteride? 

You may take Proscar either with  a meal or between meals. 

• If you miss a dose:  Take it as soon as you remember. If it  is almost time for  your next dose, skip  the one you missed and go back to  your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time. 

• Storage instructions:  Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect  from light. 

What side effects may occur? 

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If  any develop  or change in intensity, inform  your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Proscar. 

• Side effects may include:  Decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence 

Why should Finasteride  not be prescribed? 

Proscar  should never be taken by a woman or a child. 

Do not take Proscar if you are sensitive to it or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. 

Special warnings about Finasteride 

Benign enlargement of the prostate is not the only condition that can cause male urinary inefficiency and discomfort. Other possibilities include infection, obstruction, cancer of the prostate, and bladder disorders.  Before prescribing Proscar,  your doctor will want to do various tests to determine  the cause of your urinary problems. 

Even if Proscar does relieve  your urinary symptoms, periodic checkups are necessary to test for possible development of cancer of the prostate. Proscar is not an effective treatment for prostate cancer. 

Check the patient information that comes in the Proscar package for new information every time  you renew  your prescription.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Finasteride 

No significant drug interactions have been reported. 

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding 

If accidentally absorbed by a pregnant woman who is carrying a male fetus, Proscar may cause abnormal development of the unborn baby's genital organs. Any woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant should therefore never even touch a crushed Proscar tablet. 

Recommended dosage for Finasteride 

ADULTS
The recommended dosage, for men only, is one 5-milligram tablet per day. 

Overdosage 
Although no specific information is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Proscar, seek medical attention immediately. 

Notes: FCbinderMD

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EditText of this page (last edited May 1, 2010)