Proscar Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Proscar Tablet contains finasteride, a medicine from the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor class. It is used by men to treat an enlarged prostate gland, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by lowering a hormone called DHT, which allows the prostate to shrink slowly and can improve urinary symptoms over time. It is for use in men only and is not suitable for women or children.

What is Proscar Tablet

Proscar is a prescription medicine that contains finasteride. It is used by men to treat an enlarged prostate gland, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Proscar Tablet uses

• Treats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate
• Reduces the risk of sudden inability to pass urine (acute urinary retention) related to BPH
• Reduces the risk of needing surgery related to BPH
• May be used alone or together with the alpha-blocker doxazosin to help manage BPH symptoms

Benefits of Proscar Tablet

• May improve urine flow and reduce urinary symptoms over several months
• Lowers the risk of sudden inability to pass urine
• Lowers the risk of needing BPH-related surgery
• Causes shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland over time

How Proscar Tablet works

Proscar blocks an enzyme that turns testosterone into a stronger hormone called DHT. Since DHT causes the prostate to grow, lowering it allows the enlarged prostate to shrink slowly, which can improve urine flow and other symptoms over time.

Proscar Tablet dosage

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take at about the same time each day to help you remember. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. Do not take a double dose if you miss one; just take your next dose at the regular time. It may take 6 months or longer of daily use before you notice an improvement in symptoms. This medicine is not for use in women or children. Tell your doctor if you stop taking it regularly, since this can affect PSA test results.

Available forms and strengths

• Film-coated tablet (5 mg)

Side effects of Proscar Tablet

Common

• Decreased interest in sex
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection
• Trouble having an orgasm
• Abnormal ejaculation or decreased volume of ejaculate
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Skin rash

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes (possible signs of male breast cancer)
• Blood in semen
• Pain in the testicles
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Male infertility or poor semen quality

Warnings and precautions

• Using this medicine may increase the risk of a more serious, high-grade form of prostate cancer.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should never handle broken or crushed tablets, since the medicine can be absorbed through the skin and harm a male baby.
• This medicine lowers PSA test results, so tell your doctor you are taking it before any PSA test for prostate cancer screening.
• This medicine is only for men and should never be given to women or children.
• This medicine must not be used by women who are or may become pregnant. It can cause birth defects in a male baby if a pregnant woman is exposed to it, including through broken or crushed tablets. 
• This medicine is not intended for use in women, so breastfeeding use is not applicable.
• No dose change is needed for people with kidney problems. Caution is advised in people with liver problems, since this medicine is processed mainly by the liver. This medicine should not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light
• Keep the tablets in the original container, tightly closed when not in use
• Keep tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light and heat, at a temperature that stays below 30°C
• Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills
• Keep out of the reach of children
• If no longer needed or expired, take the medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, or trouble breathing.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have blood in your semen, testicle pain, or depression or suicidal thoughts.
• If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, seek urgent medical attention right away, even if there are no symptoms.

Alternatives

• Tamsulosin 0.4 mg
• Doxazosin
• Terazosin