Merck Sharp & Dhome (MSD)

What is Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets)?

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) Uses

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) is used to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult men. It may be used alone or taken in combination with other medications to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce the need for surgery.Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) may improve symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as decreased urge to urinate, better urine flow with less straining, less of a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied, and decreased nighttime urination. This medication works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone (DHT) that causes growth of the prostate.

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer.

How to use Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets)

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor.
• If the tablet is crushed or broken, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or by a woman who may become pregnant (see also Precautions section).
• Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
• It may take 6-12 months to notice a benefit.
• Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) Important information

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) should never be taken by a woman or a child. Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets).

Although Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Proscar (Finasteride 5mg 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.

Before taking Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets), tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to finasteride, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart).

Using Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets).

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.

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) work?

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) contains finasteride 5 mg that specifically inhibits the action of the enzyme type II 5α-reductase that converts the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen primarily responsible for development and growth of the prostate gland. DHT also causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) and Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) reduce the levels of DHT in the blood, so that prostate growth is no longer stimulated in men with BPH allowing the enlarged prostate to shrink. DHT, which is also found in hair follicles, is the androgen responsible for hair loss, as it causes hair follicles in the scalp to gradually shrink producing smaller and thinner hairs, which eventually do not emerge from the follicle. Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) reverse the balding process as it blocks the build up of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, allowing the hair to grow normally.

How should I take Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets)?

Take Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) 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 (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

To be sure Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Visit your doctor regularly.

Use Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets): 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 Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) side effects may include:

• Impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.
• Abnormal ejaculation.
• Swelling in your hands or feet.
• Swelling or tenderness in your breasts.
• Dizziness, weakness.
• Feeling like you might pass out.
• Runny nose.
• Skin rash.

The sexual side effects of Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) (decreased libido, trouble having an erection, ejaculation problems) may continue after you stop taking this medication. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.

Missed dose of Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets)

If you miss a dose of Proscar (Finasteride 5mg Tablets) take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.