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Drug Information: Proscar

PROSCAR (Finasteride) is prescribed by the physicians for the patients suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in males, usually for the adults males and the geriatric patients. BPH may lead to the prostatic enlargement also the risk of acute urinary retention. PROSCAR (Finasteride) can be prescribed for this pathological condition and also used as a medical management of prostatectomy (Removal of Prostate due to secondary disease condition) and the Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), an invasive prostatic surgical intervention. PROSCAR (Finasteride) acts by inhibiting the Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that causes the prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement). Some recent clinical research studies claim that the PROSCAR can delay or prevent the appearance of the Prostate Cancer.

Who should not take PROSCAR (Finasteride)?

PROSCAR (Finasteride) should be used by adult males only. It is contraindicated for the females and the children, foetus of both genders. The male patients with Liver disorders, difficult in Micturition (Urination), Bladder muscle disorder associated with urethral stricture. Also in males, who is having Prostate Cancer, Allergic condition to PROSCAR (Finasteride), also known allergic to Dutasteride (Avodart). This is a pharmacological analogue drug to Finasteride. This is a Pregnancy –X category drug, according to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the pregnant women should refrain from handling this drug with bare hands, since it can pass through the skin. If contacted physically, they should wash the hands with soap water immediately, because of its potential teratogenic effect.

PROSCAR (Finasteride) Side Effects:

The common side effects includes the Loss of libido (Sexual Desire and drive), Erectile dysfunctions, decrease in the volume of seminal fluid during the ejaculation process, also as a beneficial end, increase in the hair growth. The less common side effects are the depression, mood swings and weight gain. Tell your health care provider if you have pain in testicles, lump in the breast, painful micturition, Mastitis, Breast Enlargement or pain and even tenderness can be a sign of drug adverse effects. These are not all the possible PROSCAR (Finasteride) side effects. You can ask your health care provider or pharmacist about other PROSCAR (Finasteride) side effects. Also some other drug can contribute to the Drug-Drug interaction and its adverse effects, if taken concomitantly with the PROSCAR (Finasteride). So it is recommended that the drugs to be taken for other existing disease state are to be taken to the Physician’s notice and consideration and the self-medication are also should be avoided.

How should I take PROSCAR (Finasteride)?

The recommended dosage for the PROSCAR (Finasteride) is 5 mg daily. PROSCAR (Finasteride) can be administered alone or along with the Doxazosin (CARDURA), an Alpha-Adregenic blocker, used for the synergistic effect with the PROSCAR (Finasteride) to get the beneficial results in the symptomatic progression of BPH. The following instruction should be followed to take the PROSCAR (Finasteride) – 5 mg (Daily): (1) Take PROSCAR (Finasteride) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take PROSCAR (Finasteride) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take PROSCAR (Finasteride) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take PROSCAR (Finasteride) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take PROSCAR (Finasteride) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow PROSCAR (Finasteride) whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep PROSCAR (Finasteride) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking PROSCAR (Finasteride) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.

Keep taking PROSCAR (Finasteride) for as long as your health care provider tells you. For PROSCAR (Finasteride) to treat your BPH or keep you from getting BPH, you have to take PROSCAR (Finasteride) as often and in the way PROSCAR (Finasteride) as prescribed.

How should I take PROSCAR (Finasteride)?

  • Take PROSCAR (Finasteride) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • PROSCAR (Finasteride) can be taken with or without food.
  • For PROSCAR (Finasteride) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • It is important to take PROSCAR (Finasteride) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • Do not stop taking PROSCAR (Finasteride) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Store PROSCAR (Finasteride) as per the instructions on the label.
  • What happens if I miss a dose of PROSCAR (Finasteride)?

    Take the missed dose of PROSCAR (Finasteride) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take PROSCAR next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

    What happens if I overdose of PROSCAR (Finasteride)?

    Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

    Where can I get more information on PROSCAR?

    PROSCAR prescribed patients, who try to place an order for PROSCAR (Finasteride) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.