Proscar

Information on Proscar

Tablets
Chemical Name: FINASTERIDE (fi-NAS-teer-ide)

Common uses
This medicine is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is swelling of the prostate. This medicine works by lowering the amount of a hormone in your body called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Reducing this hormone level in your body may help to reduce the swelling of the prostate and reduce the symptoms of BPH.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, or pregnancy. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are female. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. This medicine may be crushed if difficult to swallow. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE 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.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE 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 this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may alter certain laboratory test results such as a PSA test. Make sure all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN WOMEN OR CHILDREN. ANY WOMAN WHO IS PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT SHOULD NOT HANDLE crushed or broken tablets of this medicine. If a woman who is pregnant comes in contact with crushed or broken tablets of this medicine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include a change in sexual function or desire, or breast enlargement. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience skin rash, swelling of lips, lumps or pain in the breast, discharge from breast, or testicular pain. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
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

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.