Prescription Drug Information

Information on Proscar^Ž

Generic name: Finasteride

USES: 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.

Different men have different responses to Proscar:

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: The recommended dosage, for men only, is one 5-milligram tablet per day. You may take Proscar either with a meal or between meals.

SIDE EFFECTS: 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.

PRECAUTIONS: 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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: No significant drug interactions have been reported.

NOTES: 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.

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.

MISSED 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: : Store at room temperature in airtight container and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

SUPPLIER RECOMMENDATION:


Information on Proscar^Ž Generic name: Finasteride USES: 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. 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 TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: The recommended dosage, for men only, is one 5-milligram tablet per day. You may take Proscar either with a meal or between meals. SIDE EFFECTS: 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 PRECAUTIONS: 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. DRUG INTERACTIONS: No significant drug interactions have been reported. NOTES: 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. 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. MISSED 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: : Store at room temperature in airtight container and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. SUPPLIER RECOMMENDATION: