Proscar Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
5-alpha reductase inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
What is Proscar (finasteride)?
Proscar (proh scar) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is an oral prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate in men. Proscar contains 5 mg of the generic medication finasteride. Finasteride is also used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) with a lower dose of the medication.
There may be other uses of Proscar —your pharmacist or physician can give you more information.
Who can take Proscar (finasteride)?
Proscar is prescribed to adult men aged 18 years or over. It is generally not recommended for women and children. Finasteride can cause birth defects in a baby if taken by a pregnant woman or a woman who may become pregnant. The medication is absorbed through the skin. Therefore, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling broken or crushed Proscar tablets.
Proscar Uses
What is Proscar (finasteride) used for?
Proscar is a prescription medication that is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a benign or non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects around 50% of men above 50 and 90% of men above 80. Finasteride is also used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) in men.
How does Proscar (finasteride) work?
Proscar belongs to a group of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These drugs block the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is necessary to convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is the hormone that causes the prostate gland to grow. By blocking the formation of DHT, Proscar shrinks the prostate
What is the dosage of Proscar (finasteride)?
Proscar is available as a 5-mg tablet. It is taken once a day by mouth to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A tablet containing 1 mg of finasteride is available under the brand name Propecia, and it is used to treat male pattern hair loss. The main difference between Proscar and Propecia is the amount of finasteride they contain.
Proscar Directions
How should I take Proscar (finasteride)?
Take Proscar exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This medicine is taken orally (by mouth) with water once a day, with or without food.
Follow the directions on your Proscar prescription label for proper use. Take your medicine regularly at around the same time every day. Do not take more Proscar or take it more frequently than prescribed.
When you take Proscar to treat BPH, it may control your symptoms but not cure the condition. It can take 6 months for you to get the full benefit of this medicine. Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Do not stop Proscar without talking to your healthcare professional
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Proscar, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store Proscar tablets at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store the medication in the bathroom, where it can be exposed to moisture and dampness. Keep all prescription drugs safely out of reach of children.
Unused medicine: Unused Proscar tablets should be disposed of so that children, other people, and pets cannot consume them. Do not flush the tablets down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unused finasteride is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It does not constitute medical advice and may not contain all possible medical information. If you have questions about this medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure proper medical care.
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Proscar Side Effects
What are Proscar (finasteride) side effects?
The most common Proscar side effects include:
- Erectile dysfunction (inability to get or maintain an erection)
- Abnormal ejaculation
- Low sex drive
- Pain in the testicles
- Depression
Proscar side effects may get better over time as the body gets used to the medicine. However, if the side effects are severe or do not go away, please contact your healthcare provider.
Some Proscar side effects are more serious. Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Enlarged breasts, tender breasts, lumps in the breasts, nipple discharge
- Rash, hives, itching
- Swelling of the lips or face
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
The above list may not include all potential Proscar side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any unusual adverse effects after taking this medicine or the side effects do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Proscar overdose: Taking one extra dose of Proscar by mistake is unlikely to be harmful. If you have taken an overdose of this medication, call your doctor or pharmacist immediately or call the poison control helpline on 1-800-222-1222.
Note: Proscar is a prescription medicine intended to be used only by you—never share your medicine with others or use someone else’s Proscar
Source: FDA
Proscar Warnings
What are the risks of taking Proscar (finasteride)?
Proscar can cause serious health problems in certain groups of people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options if you are at high risk of the following complications.
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What should I tell my doctor before starting Proscar (finasteride)?
Tell your doctor if you have previously had an allergic reaction to finasteride, any of the ingredients in Proscar tablets, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can provide you with a list of ingredients.
Tell your health care professional about all your medical conditions. Proscar may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Make sure your doctor knows about any history of liver disease, prostate cancer, or severe problems with urination.
Give your healthcare provider a complete list of your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.
What precautions should I take while on Proscar (finasteride)?
Keep all your healthcare appointments while taking Proscar. Your doctor may order blood tests to check liver function and/or PSA levels. They may also want to keep an eye on adverse effects while you’re on this medicine. Before having any laboratory test, tell the doctor and laboratory personnel that you are on finasteride.
Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. These can be signs of an allergic reaction and require immediate medical attention.
Finasteride can cause changes in breast tissue. Tell your doctor if you experience any tenderness, pain, lumps, or enlargement of the breasts while on this medicine.
Proscar can lead to a decrease in the amount of semen ejaculated during sex. It does not, however, affect sperm count and will not affect your ability to have children.
Remember that Proscar is only for use by adult men. Women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, should not touch broken or crushed tablets as this can be harmful to the unborn baby.
What drugs can interact with Proscar (finasteride)?
Taking Proscar with certain other medications can affect how it works. Drug interactions between finasteride and other medicines, such as St. John’s Wort, can increase the risk of serious adverse effects. Your doctor may prescribe a different BPH treatment, change the dose of your medicines, and/or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known interactions between Proscar and your other medications.
To avoid Proscar drug interactions, be sure to give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all your current medications, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal products.
Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.
Proscar Pros & Cons
What are the pros and cons of Proscar (finasteride)?
- Proscar can provide relief from symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and may help avoid prostate surgery.
- This medicine can be used in combination with doxazosin (Cardura) for greater benefit in controlling BPH symptoms
- Many of the common side effects of this medicine are temporary and go away once the body gets used to it.
- Proscar can cause sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and abnormal ejaculation.
- It can take at least 6 months to see the full effects of Proscar.
- Proscar can increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Proscar Pharmacist Tips
Proscar (finasteride) tips from pharmacists
Proscar does not work immediately. It can take 6 months for this medication to shrink the prostate gland and have its full effect. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines along with Proscar to provide faster relief of symptoms.Orthostatic hypotension is characterized as a drop in blood pressure when you stand up from sitting or laying down. Please take time when changing position and hold on to the side of the bed or part of the chair in order to avoid falls and injuries.
You cannot donate blood while taking this medication and for 1 month after the last dose.
Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not touch broken or crushed Proscar tablets. This medication can be absorbed through the skin. Contact with broken or crushed tablets can be harmful to the unborn baby
Keep all appointments with your healthcare providers while on treatment with Proscar. Your doctors may order blood tests to keep an eye on your response to the medication.
Proscar Rx Savings Tips
Proscar (finasteride) Rx savings tips
Proscar is available in the generic form finasteride, which can be significantly cheaper than the brand name version. Brand name Proscar and generic finasteride contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. However, a free coupon or discount card from BuzzRx can result in significant savings on the brand name Proscar. With a BuzzRx Proscar coupon, you can get big discounts, paying only a fraction of retail Proscar prices. Brand name Proscar may be under $148 for 30 tablets of the 5-mg dose with BuzzRx Proscar coupons. The discount card works at any participating pharmacy in our network. You can also look up patient assistance programs of pharmaceutical companies to see if they offer a free coupon.
Lowest Price for Proscar (finasteride) | |
| Brand $422.52 | Generic $10.86 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Proscar Common Questions
Common Questions about Proscar (finasteride)
Are Proscar and Propecia the same?Both Proscar and Propecia contain the same active ingredient, finasteride. Proscar is used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate gland in adult men. Propecia is used to treat male pattern hair loss. Proscar contains 5 mg finasteride, and Propecia contains 1 mg finasteride. Therefore, you cannot substitute one for the other. |
Does Proscar shrink the prostate?Yes, Proscar shrinks an enlarged prostate gland in adult men. It can be used in combination with other treatments to provide relief from symptoms of BPH and may help avoid surgery. |
How long does it take Proscar to work?Your symptoms may start to improve in a few weeks, but it can take up to 6 months to get the full benefits of Proscar. This is because the medication works slowly to reduce the size of the prostate and provide relief of symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland. |
What happens when you stop taking Proscar?Proscar works only as long as you take the medication. If you stop taking it, the prostate gland will grow again, and your symptoms may come back or worsen. Do not stop taking Proscar without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel well. |
Does Proscar cause erectile dysfunction?Proscar can cause sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction (impotence), problems with ejaculation, and low sex drive. These side effects usually get better over time. However, they can persist even after stopping the medication. |
Can I take Viagra with Proscar?Yes, you can take Proscar with Viagra, Cialis, and other oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction |
What is the price of Proscar without insurance?Without insurance, Proscar can be as high as $135.20. (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $10.86 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Proscar with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Proscar—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Proscar. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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