Generic Proscar

Proscar is the brand name for a synthetic steroid that comes in tablet form. Its generic name is finasteride, and it is used to treat symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH with symptoms. BPH is a condition found in men in which their prostate is enlarged, but the condition is benign and not due to cancer. Taking Proscar can also reduce the risk of surgery for an enlarged prostate. It is sometimes prescribed to be taken in conjunction with an alpha-blocker called doxazosin to reduce symptoms even more.

The symptoms of BPH include a weak or inconsistent flow of urine, a feeling that you can’t quite empty your bladder fully, the need to urinate frequently, especially during the night, and the feeling that you must urinate urgently. A swollen prostate can lead to other complications, such as urinary tract infections, acute urinary retention (or the inability to urinate), and the need for surgery.

Before beginning treatment with Proscar, a doctor will examine you to make sure you don’t have any other complicating conditions such as an infection, stricture disease, hypotonic bladder, or other disorders that might present similar symptoms as BPH. An examination will be done to test for prostate cancer, since cancer and BPH can look and feel exactly the same; they can, in fact, exist side by side. If you have cancer, Proscar will not treat it; it only treats enlargement due to BPH.

Proscar is for men, since men are the only ones who require prostate treatment. It should not be taken by women, especially pregnant women, since the hormones in it could cause damage to a fetus, especially a male fetus. It should also not be given to children. In fact, neither women nor children, and especially pregnant women, should even handle crushed or broken Proscar tablets, due to the risk of absorbing the male hormones. Proscar does seem to be safe for older men, with no difference being shown for men at age sixty-five and age seventy-five.

People generally have very little trouble tolerating Proscar; it causes few side effects. The ones it does cause are usually very mild and pass quickly. The most common of these side effects is related to sexual function, which in a very small percentage of people might be negatively affected. Proscar may affect the volume of ejaculate, and in rare cases, cause impotence and decreased libido. Breast changes have also been reported in some men, such as lumps, pain, nipple discharge, breast enlargement or neoplasm (a painful lump). Also, a very small number of men may experience the rare reactions of swelling in the lips and face, itching, hives, and testicular pain.

Proscar is safe to take with other medications. Studies have shown no dangerous reactions with any other medications, including common medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and anti-flammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. It is very hard to overdose on Proscar, since studies show that even large doses above prescription level had few adverse effects. Extremely high doses may, however, be fatal if not treated immediately.