Generic Proscar

Introduction

Proscar is a prescription medication approved in the United Kingdom for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary obstruction. The tablet contains the active compound finasteride, a 5‑α‑reductase inhibitor that reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Finasteride is also used at lower doses for androgenetic alopecia (male‑pattern hair loss), but the 5 mg formulation marketed as Proscar is specifically licensed for BPH. The drug is manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) and is classified within the “Hair Loss, Men's Health” therapeutic groups because it targets the same hormonal pathway.

What is Proscar?

Proscar is a 5 mg oral tablet whose sole active ingredient is finasteride. It belongs to the class of 5‑α‑reductase inhibitors, a pharmacological group that blocks the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into the more potent androgen DHT. The medication was developed by Merck in the early 199s and received Marketing Authorisation from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the management of BPH. In addition to the branded product, the same molecule is available under various generic names and is marketed worldwide as Propecia (1 mg) for hair loss.

How Proscar Works

Finasteride binds selectively to the type II isoenzyme of 5‑α‑reductase, which is predominantly expressed in the prostate, scalp, and liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, the drug lowers intraprostatic DHT concentrations by up to 90 % within days of the first dose. Reduced DHT leads to a gradual decrease in prostatic epithelial cell proliferation and stromal volume, resulting in a smaller gland and alleviation of urinary symptoms. The pharmacokinetic profile shows a median time to peak plasma concentration of 1–2 hours, a half‑life of approximately 5–6 days, and steady‑state levels reached after 3–4 weeks of daily dosing. Because finasteride’s effects are hormone‑mediated, clinical improvement may take several months to become apparent.

Conditions Treated with Proscar

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH affects up to 25 % of men over 50 years in the UK and is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Proscar improves urinary flow rate, reduces nocturia, and lowers the risk of acute urinary retention.
• Off‑label use for androgenetic alopecia (male‑pattern hair loss). Although the 5 mg dose is not licensed for this indication, clinicians sometimes prescribe it when the 1 mg formulation (Propecia) is unavailable. The drug acts on hair follicles by diminishing DHT‑driven miniaturisation, leading to increased hair density after 6–12 months.

Proscar is not indicated for prostate cancer, female patients, or children. Its efficacy in BPH is supported by large‑scale trials such as the Finasteride Long‑Term Efficacy and Safety Study (PLESS), which demonstrated a 30 % reduction in progression to surgery over four years.

Who is Proscar For?

• Men aged ≥50 years with symptomatic BPH. Candidates typically present with enlarged prostate volume (>30 mL) and persistent LUTS despite lifestyle modification.
• Patients who prefer medical management over surgical intervention. Proscar offers a non‑invasive alternative that can delay or avoid transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
• Men with a prostate volume that responds to hormonal shrinkage. Ultrasound or MRI assessment confirming DHT‑driven growth predicts better outcomes.

Contra‑indications include hypersensitivity to finasteride, women (especially pregnant or breastfeeding), and patients with a history of prostate cancer. Caution is advised in individuals with severe hepatic impairment, as metabolism may be altered.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory disorders (reduced volume, delayed emission)
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

These events are reported in up to 5 % of users and often improve with continued therapy or dose adjustment.

Rare

• Depression or mood changes
• Testicular pain
• Rash or urticaria

Incidence is below 1 % but warrants clinical attention if symptoms emerge.

Serious

• Male breast cancer. Although extremely rare, finasteride has been associated with a modest increase in incidence; patients should report any new breast lumps promptly.
• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Immediate medical care is required.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise finasteride plasma levels, potentially intensifying side effects.
• Hormonal therapies (e.g., testosterone replacement, androgenic steroids) may counteract the drug’s intended effect.
• No significant interaction with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, or most anti‑diabetic agents has been demonstrated.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter supplements, to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dose: One 5 mg tablet taken orally once daily, preferably at the same time each day. Food does not affect absorption.
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as the patient remembers, unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue with the regular regimen; double‑dosing is unnecessary.
• Overdose: Acute overdose of finasteride is unlikely to be life‑threatening. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical advice; supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.
• Special precautions: Patients with severe liver disease should be monitored for altered drug clearance. Alcohol does not interfere with efficacy but excessive intake can exacerbate urinary symptoms.

Regular follow‑up, including prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) testing and symptom scoring, is recommended every 6–12 months.

Buying Proscar from Our Online Pharmacy

Proscar can be obtained safely and discreetly from our online pharmacy in the UK. The service offers:

• Affordable pricing: Costs are close to wholesale rates, making the medication significantly cheaper than many brick‑and‑mortar pharmacies.
• Verified quality: All tablets are sourced from licensed overseas manufacturers that meet EU‑GMP standards, and each batch undergoes independent laboratory testing.
• Guaranteed delivery: Options include express shipping (delivery within 7 days) and regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with discreet packaging to protect patient privacy.
• Pharmacy broker model: We work with accredited international suppliers, allowing access to medications that may be scarce or unavailable through the NHS or private UK pharmacies.

Our platform prioritises safety, confidentiality, and convenience for patients who need a reliable supply of Proscar without unnecessary barriers.

FAQ

• What is the typical shelf‑life of Proscar tablets?
  Proscar tablets are usually stable for 24 months when stored in their original container at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C. Expiry dates are printed on the packaging and should be respected.

• Can Proscar be taken with other BPH medications such as alpha‑blockers?
  Yes, clinicians often combine finasteride with alpha‑blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to achieve both rapid symptom relief (alpha‑blocker) and long‑term prostate volume reduction (finasteride).

• Does travel across time zones affect the dosing schedule?
  When crossing multiple time zones, maintain the approximate 24‑hour interval between doses. Slight adjustments are acceptable; however, avoid taking two tablets within a short period to prevent unnecessary exposure.

• Are there any differences in tablet appearance between regions?
  In the UK, generic finasteride 5 mg tablets are typically round, blue‑coloured, and bear the imprint “5 MG”. Branding may vary in other markets, but the active content remains identical.

• Is Proscar compatible with dietary supplements such as saw‑palmetto?
  Saw‑palmetto also inhibits 5‑α‑reductase but via a different mechanism. Concurrent use is not contraindicated but may increase the risk of additive side effects like reduced libido. Discuss any supplement use with a healthcare professional.

• What are the legal requirements for importing Proscar into the UK for personal use?
  UK law permits the personal importation of a three‑month supply of a prescription‑only medicine for personal use, provided it is for a legitimate medical purpose and not for resale. The medication must be purchased from a reputable source, such as our online pharmacy.

• Does finasteride influence hormone testing for athletes?
  Because finasteride lowers DHT, it can appear on anti‑doping panels. Some sporting bodies consider it a prohibited substance if used without a therapeutic use exemption. Athletes should consult their governing authority before commencing therapy.

• Can Proscar be crushed or split to adjust the dose?
  The tablet is formulated for whole‑tablet administration. Crushing or splitting may affect its dissolution profile and should be avoided unless a pharmacist explicitly advises an alternative formulation.

• What environmental considerations apply to disposing of unused Proscar tablets?
  Unused tablets should be returned to a pharmacy waste container or a specialised drug‑take‑back programme. Do not flush them down the toilet, as active pharmaceutical ingredients can enter water supplies.

• Has the manufacturing process for finasteride changed since its original approval?
  Advances in synthetic chemistry have refined the production route, improving yield and reducing impurities. However, the chemical structure of finasteride remains unchanged, ensuring bioequivalence with the original MSD product.

Glossary

5‑α‑Reductase

An enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a steroid hormone that stimulates prostate growth and hair‑follicle miniaturisation.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, leading to urinary obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Prostate‑Specific Antigen (PSA)

A protein produced by prostate cells; blood levels are measured to monitor prostate health and assess treatment response in BPH.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and eliminated by the body, influencing dosing intervals and onset of action.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Proscar is intended for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. It is assumed that all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Proscar for individuals who may face limited access through conventional pharmacies, insurance schemes, or who seek cost‑effective generic alternatives. Always consult a doctor before starting, altering, or stopping any medication.