Proscar (Finasteride) - Tablet
Proscar is manufactured by Merck Frosst Ltd. This medicine is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is swelling of the prostate. Why is Proscar prescribed? Proscar is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body. You may begin to see improvement as early as 3 months after you begin taking Proscar, but for many men it takes longer. The improvement lasts only as long as you take the drug; if you stop, new hair growth will cease and hair loss will resume. Proscar is a low-dose form of Proscar, a drug prescribed for prostate enlargement. Most important fact about Proscar Proscar is NOT for use by women. If taken during pregnancy, it can cause abnormal development of a male baby's genital organs. How should you take Proscar? For maximum benefit, take Proscar regularly once a day. It can be taken with or without food. --If you miss a 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. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. --Storage instructions... Store Proscar at room temperature in a closed container away from moisture. What Proscar side effects may occur? Proscar's side effects are primarily sexual, and relatively uncommon--they strike one or two men in a hundred. If any side effects 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. Proscar Side effects may include:
Breast tenderness and enlargement, decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence, itching, rash, swelling, testicular pain Why should Proscar not be prescribed? Due to the drug's effect on male babies, women should avoid Proscar if there is any chance that they may be pregnant. Do not use Proscar if it gives you an allergic reaction, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to its chemical twin, Proscar. Special warnings about Proscar If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Proscar tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating. Use Proscar with caution if you have liver problems. Proscar lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you're taking Proscar. Possible food and drug interactions when taking Proscar No significant drug interactions have been reported. Special Proscar information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding Avoid even touching the active ingredient in Proscar if there's a chance that you're pregnant. Recommended Proscar dosage ADULT MEN The recommended dosage, for men only, is 1 tablet daily. Proscar Overdosage Although no specific information is available on Proscar overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. |
