This medication is a prescription drug that may be taken orally, but its effects vary by country. It is available in two formulations:. The oral medication is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness.
A typical dose of this medication will be given in the first week of treatment. It can take 2 weeks or longer to see the full effects of this drug. However, it is important to note that the oral medication should be taken only under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
This medication is available as a 10 mg tablet. It is available in two strengths: Proscar® and Proscar® DS. Proscar® is a brand name for the generic medication that contains the active ingredient finasteride. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, which is an essential hormone for the growth and development of prostate and benign prostate enlargement. Proscar® contains the same active ingredient and is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
This medication is available in two strengths: Proscar® and Proscar® DS. It is available in two forms:
This medication is not approved for use in the United States. It is only approved for use in the United States for use in the treatment of BPH and male pattern baldness.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this drug for the treatment of BPH in 1997.
FDA approves only medications that have been shown to cause BPH symptoms in healthy men. Medications that are approved for use in the U. as an over-the-counter treatment are only approved for use in the United States for use in the treatment of BPH or for treatment of male pattern baldness.
This FDA safety information sheet should not be used as a substitute for your primary healthcare provider’s advice. Ask your primary healthcare provider about your current medications.
The most common side effects of Proscar include a decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection, or a loss in sexual ability, desire, drive or performance. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or are severe.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
While rare, these symptoms require immediate medical attention. This is not a complete list of side effects associated with finasteride. Studies have shown that finasteride can increase your risk of developing breast cancer or high-grade prostate cancer, which spreads and grows more rapidly than other types of prostate cancer.
Studies have also shown that Proscar can affect the results of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which may be used to detect prostate cancer. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you are taking finasteride so that they are aware of any medication interference with PSA testing.
Proscar is only for use in men and can cause birth defects in pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant and touch crushed or broken Proscar tablets, you should wash your hands and call your doctor right away.
Read the patient information provided with you to decide if this is the best choice for you!Do not take Proscar if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Take this medication by mouth once daily. If you are already pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take this medication. This drug is excreted in the breast after the use of estrogens.Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicationDo not use Proscar if you have any of the following medical conditions:
Before starting this medication, tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with this drug, so it is best to talk with your healthcare provider before starting this medication.
In some cases, Proscar can affect PSA testing, so it is important to take this medication regularly to get the best results. To help you find a safe way to take this medication, including missed dosages, see the label or package insert for this drug.
If you have trouble remembering to take this medication, you can find a list of the drugs that your healthcare provider has told you to take. You can also use a special tool to help you remember to take this medication.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed for you. If you or any of your family members have any concerns about how you should be treated, please reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.See also Warning section.Proscar tablets may cause side effects:
Serious side effects include decreased sex drive, difficulty having an erection, reduced libido, vaginal bleeding or vomiting, breast tenderness, enlargement, or other breast problems or tenderness. Call your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they become severe.
Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medications may interact with this drug, so it is best to talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medication.
Proscar, a widely used medication for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, is primarily known for its approved indications as part of a class of drugs known as thebenign prostatic hyperplasia-metabolic disorder (BPH-MD). BPH-MD can affect men’s health, leading to challenges in maintaining and effectively managing their prostate health.
offers Proscar an ability to halt the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is a culprit in causing urinary symptoms associated with BPH-MD, such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and maintenance, and increased urinary urgency. By reducing DHT levels, Proscar helps alleviate these symptoms and helps promote urinary flow.
Proscar offers several benefits to individuals looking to manage their BPH-MD.✔Effective treatments include:1mg daily for best results1mg in the morning for better resultsCombination therapy with other medicationsLong-term treatment with ProscarExpert recommendations
Proscar’s uses in prostate health are primarily driven by its approved indications as part of a class known as theImportance as a first-line treatmentReduces BPH symptomsCombines other medications to improve urinary flow
The dosage of Proscar depends on the specific condition being treated. Doctors typically start with a dose of5 mg Proscarrather than trying to increase the dose gradually. The maximum daily dose is1 mg, but doctors may suggest a starting dose based on individual patient needs.
Proscar’s usage practices can be combating male-pattern baldness, reducing prostate-related symptoms in women, and promoting urinary flow in men. However, these strategies often come with risks and side effects.
Proscar comes with its share of potential side effects. Common side effects may include:
Immediate Results
Proscar’s benefits can begin to unfold when its usage is complemented with a low-dose therapy. Immediate results begin within2-4 weeksafter starting treatment, with the goal of maintaining results through to the completion of a full course of therapy.
Proscar comes in a variety of forms to ensure safety and effectiveness. Typically, doctors prescribe it as 5 mg tablets to start with, then 2.5 mg daily for another 2-4 weeks. Doctors may recommend starting the medication at the lower end of this dosage range to minimize the risk of adverse effects.💀 Dosage for Men
Proscar comes with its precautions to take when used properly. Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you are currently managing, such as heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, especially those prescribed for prostate cancer or to prevent your medications from getting the job done.
Proscar offers its medical precautions to take when used properly. Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking. It’s important to understand these precautions before starting treatment with Proscar to ensure safe and effective use.
Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on March 26, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is used to treat the condition of hair follicles in men caused by hormonal imbalances. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme in the hair follicles that are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that causes hair loss and hair-growth. The medication helps to reduce DHT levels in the scalp, and it stops hair loss and grows hair
Finasteride is a drug for men with male pattern hair loss.
It helps to reduce DHT levels in the scalp, and it stops hair loss and grows hair. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into an active and anti-inflammatory agent that stops hair loss and grows hair. Finasteride works by blocking the action of the enzyme, in the hair follicles that are responsible for converting testosterone into DHT, which helps to reduce hair loss and growth.
Finasteride can be used in some cases of androgenetic alopecia in men. In the presence of androgenetic alopecia, the drug may be prescribed for other uses, although this is most effective for treating active androgenetic alopecia (active hair loss disorder).
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and course of treatment to achieve optimal results with finasteride
It is used to treat active androgenetic alopecia (hair loss disorder that is caused by a hormonal imbalance).
Finasteride helps to reduce DHT levels in the scalp, and it stops hair loss and grows hair. Finasteride contains Finasteride which is used to treat cases of anagen hair loss and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
It is used in some cases of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).
It works by inhibiting the enzyme, in the hair follicles that are responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which helps to reduce hair loss and hair growth.
Finasteride contains Finasteride that is used to treat cases of anagen hair loss and androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).