Why is this Proscar medication prescribed?

Proscar/Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH commonly occurs in men over 55 years of age and causes the prostate gland to enlarge. Enlarged prostate glands can cause urinary problems such as frequent and difficult urination, especially at night. Proscar/Finasteride shrinks the prostate and relieves these symptoms.

This Proscar medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or Proscar pharmacist for more Proscar information.

How should this Proscar medicine be used?

Proscar/Finasteride comes as a tablet. Proscar/Finasteride usually is taken once a day. Proscar may be taken with or without food. Follow the Proscar directions on your Proscar prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or Proscar pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Proscar/finasteride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of Proscar or take Proscar more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take Proscar/finasteride even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Proscar/finasteride without talking to your doctor.

What special Proscar precautions should I follow?

Before taking Proscar/finasteride,

tell your doctor and Proscar pharmacist if you are allergic to Proscar/finasteride or any other drugs.

tell your doctor and Proscar pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially cold and allergy medicine, diet aids, and vitamins.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, or urinary problems or infection.

pregnant women should avoid contact with Proscar/finasteride. Touching the contents of crushed or broken tablets may harm the fetus.

if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Proscar/finasteride.

What side effects can this Proscar medication cause?

Although side effects from Proscar/finasteride are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these Proscar symptoms are severe or do not go away:

impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection)
decreased libido (interest in sex)
decreased volume of ejaculate (amount of semen)

Other uses for this Proscar medicine

This Proscar medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Proscar information.

What storage conditions are needed for Proscar?

Keep Proscar in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Proscar at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Proscar medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Proscar medication.

In case of Proscar emergency/overdose

In case of Proscar overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What should I do if I forget a Proscar dose?

Take the missed Proscar dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Proscar dose, skip the missed Proscar dose and continue your regular Proscar dosing schedule. Do not take a double Proscar dose to make up for a missed one.

What other Proscar information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during treatment to check your response to Proscar.

Do not let anyone else take your Proscar medication. Ask your Proscar pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your Proscar prescription.