Proscar

Proscar is among other drugs called antiandrogen. Learn more about Proscar and see if this medicine can work efficiently in improving your condition.

The generic name for Proscar is Finasteride. Along with a handful of Finasteride brands in the market, Proscar remains to be one of the most popular. A drug is considered an antiandrogen if it blocks a certain hormone called type II 5-alpha reductase. It is a hormone that is responsible for converting a hormone called testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone or DHT. Doctors recommend the use of Proscar in treating the symptoms of BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia which is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate. In this case, Proscar is given in minimal dosage. For prostate cancer patients, Proscar is given in maximum dosage. Proscar can be taken in conjunction with a drug called doxazosin. This team-up provides better result in decreasing the risks of symptoms development in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Another potential of Proscar is its ability to promote hair growth.

If it is used as a hair growth stimulant, Proscar must be taken consistently for three months. After this period, bald patient will start to see the growth of new hair. However, hair growth can only be as good as long as Proscar intake is not discontinued. Once, the patient stops taking Proscar, hair growth also stops usually within one year.

Different medical conditions may affect the performance of Proscar in the body. So before taking this drug, see your doctor first. The doctor will examine your body of any allergic reactions to preservatives, foods, dyes, drugs, substances and even Proscar ingredients. Some drugs can interact with Proscar, so make sure too that you discuss with your doctor everything about your medication. The doctor may see a conflict with any of the drugs you are currently taking. This will help the doctor in deciding your prescription, the dosage, combined medication of Proscar with other drugs or discontinuation of any of the drugs you are using. Inform your doctor more about your OTC or over the counter drugs, herbal drugs, herbal preparations and dietary supplements.

Once you are given the prescription, be familiar with all the necessary instructions in the taking Proscar. To allow easy swallowing of Proscar tablet, you may crush. Follow up the intake with a full glass of water. Ask your doctor if you can take Proscar tablet with a regular meal. If not, ask your doctor about the best time to take your medicine. Avoid skipping a single dose and always be prompt with your dosing. If you accidentally skipped a dose, tell your doctor about it and seek medical advice. A good tip on taking Proscar to avoid skipping is taking the drug on the same schedule every day. This will create a routine so you will no longer forget your dose.

It is also good to know that Proscar is not a cure for BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The medicine is only taken to maintain size reduction of the Prostate. Once medication is stopped, Prostate enlargement reoccurs. It is a lifetime treatment in most cases, so do not end your Prostate treatment without consulting first your doctor. If symptoms do not seem to improve, contact your doctor.

While under this medication do not drink coffee or alcohol containing beverages. This will help reduce sleep disturbances at night due to urination. The side effects of Proscar are caused by many factors. One of them can be drug interaction. Other probable causes are over dosage and misuse. Some less common Proscar side effects are lip swelling, rashes on the skin and breast tenderness.

There are still other side effects of Proscar. Contact your doctor, if any of those become intolerable. Check with your doctor regularly to see if your condition is improving.