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EspañolProscar overview
BRAND NAMES:
Proscar, Propecia
Generic Names:
Finasteride
Uses:
Treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Also treats hair loss in men.
Therapeutic Classes:
Alopecia Agent, Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What form(s) does Proscar come in
Tablet
What are common Proscar doses?
Bottle 30 Tablets
Bottle 100 Tablets
Common Proscar prescriptions
Proscar
100 tablets bottleProscar
30 tablets bottleProscar
90 tablets bottle
How to take Proscar
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
For hair loss, you may need to take this medicine for 3 months or longer before you see an effect.
For an enlarged prostate, you may need to take this medicine for up to 6 months to see the full effect.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
For hair loss, you may need to take this medicine for 3 months or longer before you see an effect.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food.
For an enlarged prostate, you may need to take this medicine for up to 6 months to see the full effect.
What to do if you miss a dose of Proscar
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, skip the missed dose and take your next regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Proscar contraindications
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to finasteride. Women and children should not use this medicine.
Proscar warnings
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling or touching this medicine. This medicine can get into the body through the skin and may harm an unborn male baby. If any of this medicine gets on the skin of a woman, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or severe problems urinating.
This medicine will not cure an enlarged prostate problem or male pattern baldness. Once you stop using this medicine, the prostate will begin to grow again within a few months and any new hair will be lost within 12 months.
This medicine may cause changes to the breast tissue. Tell your doctor if you have any lumps, pain, tenderness, or an enlargement of the breasts while using this medicine.
This medicine will not prevent prostate cancer but may increase your risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. Tell your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
This medicine may affect the results of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which may be used to detect prostate cancer. Make sure you tell all of your doctors that you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause a decrease in the amount of semen you ejaculate during sex. This will not affect your sperm count or your ability to have children.
Proscar interactions
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling or touching this medicine. This medicine can get into the body through the skin and may harm an unborn male baby. If any of this medicine gets on the skin of a woman, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or severe problems urinating.
This medicine will not cure an enlarged prostate problem or male pattern baldness. Once you stop using this medicine, the prostate will begin to grow again within a few months and any new hair will be lost within 12 months.
This medicine may cause changes to the breast tissue. Tell your doctor if you have any lumps, pain, tenderness, or an enlargement of the breasts while using this medicine.
This medicine will not prevent prostate cancer but may increase your risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. Tell your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
This medicine may affect the results of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which may be used to detect prostate cancer. Make sure you tell all of your doctors that you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause a decrease in the amount of semen you ejaculate during sex. This will not affect your sperm count or your ability to have children.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Proscar side effects
Serious Side Effects
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Breast swelling, pain, or tenderness.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Lumps in the breast or under the arm.
Pain in the testicles.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Weakness.
Less Serious Side Effects
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
Weakness.
Decrease in the amount of semen.
Loss of interest in sex or the ability to have sex (impotence).
Stuffy or runny nose.
Skin rash.
Trouble having or keeping an erection.