Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects of Proscar.
Chemical Name: FINASTERIDE (fi-NAS-teer-ide)
Proscar 5mg is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]). It is also used to lower the risk of needing surgery to treat BPH. Proscar 5mg may also be used in combination with another medicine to reduce the progression of symptoms of BPH over time. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Proscar 5mg. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a narrowing or blockage in the urinary tract, prostate cancer, nerve or muscle problems of the bladder, a bladder infection, severe trouble urinating, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are unable to urinate or if you have a history of increased serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, abnormal liver function tests, or liver problems. USE OF PROSCAR 5mg IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Use of Proscar 5mg in children is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving Proscar 5mg to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Proscar 5mg.
Follow the directions for using Proscar 5mg provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with Proscar 5mg. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. Proscar 5mg may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE PROSCAR 5mg at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C), in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. KEEP PROSCAR 5mg out of the reach of children and away from pets. Taking Proscar 5mg at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE PROSCAR 5mg even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF PROSCAR 5mg and you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE PROSCAR 5mg if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE 6 TO 12 MONTHS for Proscar 5mg to work. Do not stop taking Proscar 5mg without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Proscar 5mg. Proscar 5mg may alter certain laboratory test results, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Make sure all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know that you are taking Proscar 5mg. PROSCAR 5mg MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Use Proscar 5mg with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Using Proscar 5mg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. PROSCAR 5mg MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF CERTAIN BIRTH DEFECTS, including abnormal formation of genitalia in male fetuses. Proscar 5mg is coated to prevent contact with finasteride while handling undamaged tablets. The coating is not effective if the tablets are damaged, broken, or crushed. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid contact with damaged, broken, or crushed tablets. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once. RARELY, THERE HAVE BEEN CASES OF MALE BREAST CANCER reported in patients taking Proscar 5mg. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you develop breast changes such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. DO NOT DONATE BLOOD while you take Proscar 5mg and for at least 1 month after your last dose of Proscar 5mg to prevent exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: PROSCAR 5mg IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN WOMEN. It may cause harm to the fetus if used during pregnancy. It is not known if Proscar 5mg is found in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Proscar 5mg include a change in sexual function or desire. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience breast enlargement, lumps, pain, or tenderness; depression; nipple discharge; or testicular pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to Proscar 5mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions for Proscar
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE PROSCAR 5mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE PROSCAR 5mg for other health conditions. IF USING PROSCAR 5mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.
e-mail a friend about this prescription product
