PROSCAR (FINASTERIDE)

Proscar is Prescribed to Treat an Enlarged Prostate Gland

Some men may never require medication as symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be minimal, while others need a prescription to take Proscar or generic Finasteride to alleviate difficult or frequent urination. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of your prostate gland, a natural occurrence during the aging process.

Proscar or the generic alternative Finasteride is not a cure for an enlarged prostate gland, but this drug can relieve the bothersome symptoms that men may experience such as trouble urinating, urinary tract infections, and bladder stones. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Proscar Helps Shrink Prostate Gland

Proscar was engineered to work as an androgen antagonist. This means the activity of steroid hormones is suppressed when Proscar is taken as instructed to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. By decreasing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) the prostate gland will shrink and provide relief from enlarged prostate symptoms as there is no pressure on your bladder and urethra. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms associated with this condition. Proscar reduces the likelihood of prostate surgery for men with BPH. Proscar must be taken on a regular basis to be effective. If the medication is stopped, the prostate will start to grow again.

Information About the Prostate Gland

Men have a gland located below their bladder that is about the size of a walnut. The prostate encircles the urethra, which is where urine flows out from your body. When a man ejaculates, the prostate gland will help the sperm swim faster and more easily by releasing a special fluid into your urethra. Women do not have a prostate gland.

Men’s prostate gland goes through 2 growth periods. The first is during puberty where it will double in size. Then, at around the age of 25 years, the second period of growth begins and continues to do so for the rest of your life. Your urethra may become partially blocked from the pressure, which is why urinating can become a problem. Some men may experience a complete blockage and require a little more than medication to fix this problem.

Before You Take Proscar

Tell your doctor about other medical conditions you have or had, including if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, liver disease, or a bladder muscle disorder before taking Proscar. List any OTC and Rx drugs, and herbal, dietary, or vitamin supplements you currently take or use so your physician can determine if Proscar is safe for you to take or whether dosage adjustments may be required. You will need to be patient as it can take up to six months before you notice any improvements with Proscar.

Precautions for Proscar

Although Proscar is coated so absorption through touching the pill is considered minimal, it is advisable for women and children to avoid handling Proscar and Finasteride generic as it affects hormone levels. While you are taking this medicine, use a condom during sex if your spouse or partner is pregnant or could become pregnant because the active ingredient of this medicine can pass into semen and harm the development of an unborn baby.

Possible Side Effects of Proscar

• Impotence or reduced libido
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chills or cold sweats
• Skin rash