Proscare 5 Mg

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Akanksha Kaushal

Dr. Akanksha, Pharm-D

Dr. Akansha is a licensed Clinical Pharmacologist with extensive expertise in pharmacovigilance, prescription analysis, drug information, and safety. She's a dedicated educator and avid learner. Dr. Akansha also reviews medical content on GoodRx Medicine, ensuring accurate pharmaceutical information is accessible to all.

Written by

Julian Carter

Julian Carter

Julian, an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management, brings a dynamic blend of expertise and impact with his contributions at Goodrxmedicine. His dedication and innovative spirit continue to shape a brighter future in pharmaceutical management.

What is Proscar 5mg

Proscar (Finasteride) is used in males with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to shrink the size of their enlarged prostate. 

It reduces BPH symptoms such as frequent and difficult urination, burning sensation while urinating, weak urine stream, etc. 

This medicine may lessen the need for surgery and be used alone or in conjunction with other medicines. 

It is a prescription-based medication prescribed only to people with known medical conditions. 

Proscar 5mg uses

It is prescribed to treat many symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

As men age, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), often known as Prostate gland enlargement, is a prevalent disorder.

An enlarged Prostate gland can result in uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as the obstruction of urine flow from the bladder, frequent urge to urinate, etc. 

It can also cause bladder, urinary tract, and kidney difficulties.

How does Proscar 5mg work

Proscar 5mg tablet contains an active ingredient Finasteride, which is in a medicinal class called 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors.

The enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase transforms some Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 

DHT contributes to Prostate enlargement, acne, facial hair development, and male pattern baldness. 

5ARIs, like Finasteride, function by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. This reduces the quantity of DHT produced by the body.

Hence, more testosterone is available in the body, which decreases the Prostate size. 

How to take Proscar 5mg

As your doctor instructs, take this medication orally with or without food, generally once daily

Take this medication routinely to obtain the maximum benefits

Remember to use it daily at the same time

Do not discontinue taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. It could take six to twelve months to notice benefits

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens

Proscar 5mg side effects

Proscar can have certain side effects. However, you can avoid them if you follow your doctor's instructions.

Some side effects include:

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Swelling of your face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Low sex drive
• Trouble having an orgasm
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Chest pain
• Itching

These are temporary side effects. Consult your doctor if they cause you discomfort.

Interactions

It may interfere with specific diseases and medicines. Talk to your doctor to learn about all possible interactions.

Drug Interaction

Ensure to identify which medicine pairings patients must avoid.

• Avacopan
• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Nelfinavir
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Voriconazole

Disease Interaction

In medicine-disease interactions, the medicine used to treat one disease adversely affects the condition of a patient with another disease.

• Liver disease
• Urinary obstruction

Precautions

Consult your doctor regarding all potential contraindications.

• Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and exposure during pregnancy can result in birth abnormalities
• It is not potent in preventing Prostate Cancer
• Before taking Proscar, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced an adverse response to Finasteride or Dutasteride 
• The use of Proscar may raise the likelihood of acquiring Prostate cancer. Your doctor will do testing to ensure that you do not have any additional conditions that would prevent you from using this medication properly
• Contact your doctor immediately if you discover any lumps in the chest , discomfort, nipple discharge, etc . These could indicate male breast cancer

Storage

• To prevent it from sunlight and moisture, keep Atorlip in its original pack
• Keep this medicine away from children and pets

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should Proscar be taken?

Proscar gradually reduces Prostate size. Therefore, you may need to take it for at least six months to determine its efficacy. If it relieves your symptoms, you may need to take it daily. Continue taking it as prescribed by your doctor.

Who should not take Proscar?

Women and children are not permitted to use this medication. Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken pills. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and is associated with birth abnormalities in male babies.

Does Proscar affect the liver?

Finasteride is connected with a modest incidence of transient serum aminotransferase increases but has yet to be linked to cases of clinically evident, acute liver injury.

Does Proscar cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Loss of sexual desire, inability to ejaculate, and inability to achieve orgasm is possible side effects. All these symptoms induce Erectile Dysfunction.