Proscar (finasteride) is a prescription medication specifically formulated to address two distinct yet common medical conditions: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). As a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, it represents a cornerstone of long-term, non-surgical management strategies. Its mechanism of action targets the hormonal pathway responsible for prostate enlargement and hair follicle miniaturization, offering a scientifically validated approach to treatment. This medication requires a prescription and ongoing medical supervision to ensure its appropriate and safe use.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Finasteride 5 mg.
• Drug Class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (Type II).
• Presentation: Film-coated, pentagon-shaped tablets.
• Mechanism: Selectively inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• Prescription Status: Rx-only medication.
• Standard Packaging: Bottles or blister packs, typically 30 tablets.

Benefits

• Significant Reduction in Prostate Volume: Leads to a measurable decrease in the size of the enlarged prostate gland over several months of treatment.
• Improvement in Urinary Flow and Symptoms: Effectively alleviates obstructive and irritative BPH symptoms, such as weak stream, hesitancy, nocturia, and urinary urgency, improving quality of life.
• Decreased Risk of Acute Urinary Retention: Long-term use is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing AUR, a painful condition requiring catheterization.
• Lowered Incidence of BPH-Related Surgery: Provides a medical alternative to invasive surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
• Stimulation of Hair Regrowth (at lower 1mg dose): While Proscar is 5mg, the active principle (finasteride) at 1mg promotes hair regrowth and prevents further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area.
• Long-Term Management Option: Offers a sustainable, non-invasive pharmacological strategy for managing chronic conditions.

Common use

Proscar is primarily prescribed for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It is used to improve urinary flow and reduce the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. It is also commonly used off-label (and its active ingredient is approved at a 1mg dose under a different brand name) for the management of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Treatment is intended for long-term use, with maximum effects on urinary symptoms often observed after 6-12 months of continuous therapy. It is not indicated for use in women or children.

Dosage and direction

• For BPH: The recommended dosage is one 5 mg tablet administered orally once a day, with or without food.
• For Male Pattern Hair Loss: Treatment for hair loss typically uses a 1 mg daily dose. Proscar 5mg tablets are not scored and are not intended to be split or crushed for this purpose; a separate 1mg product exists.
• Administration: The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It does not need to be taken with food.
• Duration: Treatment is continuous. Patients may take several months to experience a noticeable improvement in urinary symptoms or hair growth. Discontinuation of treatment leads to a reversal of its effects within approximately 12 months.

Precautions

• Before taking Proscar, inform your physician of your complete medical history, especially of liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary problems due to conditions other than BPH, and any allergies.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Proscar reduces PSA levels by approximately 50%. Any interpretation of PSA values for prostate cancer screening in patients taking Proscar must be corrected by doubling the reported value. A confirmed rise in PSA while on Proscar warrants further investigation.
• Blood Donation: Men being treated with Proscar should not donate blood until at least one month after their last dose to prevent administration of finasteride to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.
• Pregnancy Warning: The tablet coating contains finasteride. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to the risk of absorption through the skin and potential risk of abnormalities to a male fetus.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to finasteride or any other component of the formulation.
• Use in women, particularly those who are pregnant or of childbearing potential.
• Use in pediatric patients.

Possible side effect

While many users tolerate Proscar well, side effects are primarily related to its hormonal mechanism and are usually sexual in nature. Most are mild and often diminish with continued treatment.

• Common (>1%): Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido (sex drive), ejaculation disorder (e.g., decreased volume of ejaculate).
• Less Common: Breast enlargement (gynecomastia) and/or tenderness.
• Rare: Allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips and face; testicular pain; depression.
• Of Note: A small percentage of men may report side effects that persist after discontinuation of the drug (Post-Finasteride Syndrome), though a direct causal link is still a subject of medical research.

Drug interaction

Formal drug interaction studies have not shown clinically significant interactions with many common medications. However, theoretical interactions exist.

• Theophylline: A minor increase in theophylline clearance was observed; monitoring is advised.
• Warfin (Coumadin): No significant interaction was found, but monitoring of prothrombin time is recommended when initiating therapy.
• Other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Concomitant use with dutasteride is not recommended as they act by the same mechanism.
• Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Proscar, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

In reported cases of overdose with finasteride, no specific adverse events were identified. The maximum single dose taken was 400 mg without ill effects. However, in case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Supportive treatment should be provided as required. There is no specific antidote.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
• Keep the container tightly closed and protect from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

Reviews

• Clinical Evidence: Extensive randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies over 4-6 years demonstrate Proscar’s efficacy in improving BPH symptoms, increasing urinary flow rate, reducing prostate volume, and lowering the risk of AUR and surgery. Data also supports the efficacy of finasteride 1mg for hair growth.
• Patient Feedback: Many men report significant improvement in urinary comfort and flow, reducing nightly trips to the bathroom. A subset of users report experiencing sexual side effects, which for some are a reason for discontinuation. Patient experiences are highly individual.
• Expert Consensus: Urologists and dermatologists consider finasteride a first-line and well-established medical therapy for BPH and male pattern hair loss, respectively. Its use is supported by major clinical practice guidelines worldwide.