finasteride
Finasteride (Proscar) is a medication used alone or with doxazosin (Cardura) to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s typically recommended for those with an enlarged prostate who also have symptoms, such as problems urinating. But it can take up to 6 months to work. Luckily, the medication comes as a lower-cost generic option.
What is Finasteride (Proscar)?
What is Finasteride (Proscar) used for?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Relieves urinary symptoms
Lessens the need for prostate surgery
How Finasteride (Proscar) works
Finasteride (Proscar) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Normally, a protein called 5-alpha reductase is responsible for changing testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Too much DHT hormone causes the prostate to grow. And if the prostate grows too large it can cause problems urinating.
By blocking 5-alpha reductase from working, finasteride (Proscar) lowers the amount of DHT. So, with less DHT around, the prostate shrinks, making it easier to urinate.
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What are the side effects of Finasteride (Proscar)?
Common Side Effects
- Inability to have an erection (5-8%)
- Lower sex drive (3-6%)
- Decrease in ejaculation amount (2-4%)
- Dizziness (23%)
- Inability to have an erection (23%)
- Low blood pressure when getting up (18%)
- Feeling tired (17%)
- Abnormal ejaculation (14%)
- Lower sex drive (12%)
Other Side Effects
- Swelling in the body
- Headache
- Breast enlargement
- Runny nose
- Itchy skin
- Pain in the testicles
Source: DailyMed
More on Finasteride (Proscar) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
Less common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
breast enlargement and tenderness
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
rapid weight gain
redness of the skin
swelling of the lips and face
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
dimpling of the breast skin
inverted nipple
lump in the breast or under the arm
persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
redness or swelling of the breast
sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
inability to have or keep an erection
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
Incidence not known
Testicular pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Finasteride (Proscar)
Pros
Works to relieve symptoms in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Doesn’t interact with many medications
Can be used in people who have kidney problems
Cons
Some men might have sexual side effects like inability to have an erection
Typically used as a long-term therapy
Requires regular prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests
Pharmacist tips for Finasteride (Proscar)
Take finasteride (Proscar) at the same time every day with or without food.
If you accidentally forget to take a finasteride (Proscar) tablet, don’t double up on the medication. You should wait to take your next dose the next day.
You might not feel your symptoms improve from finasteride (Proscar) right away since it can take several months before you start to feel the full effects. Let your provider know if you’re still having symptoms after taking the medication for a few months.
If your partner is pregnant, they shouldn’t physically touch crushed or broken finasteride (Proscar) tablets because it can harm the unborn baby. They should wash their hands immediately if they accidentally touch damaged tablets.
You’ll likely need to have regular prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests when taking finasteride (Proscar) to check for prostate cancer. Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done during treatment.
Finasteride (Proscar) might cause certain sexual side effects like the inability to have an erection or lower sex drive. Discuss with your provider if you have these side effects and they become bothersome.
Finasteride (Proscar) might cause changes to your breast area. If you notice any breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge, let your provider know.
Frequently asked questions about Finasteride (Proscar)
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What are the risks and warnings for Finasteride (Proscar)?
Finasteride (Proscar) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to unborn baby
Risk factors: Touching damaged finasteride (Proscar) tablets
Pregnant women and those who might be pregnant shouldn’t touch or handle crushed or broken finasteride (Proscar) tablets. Typically, whole tablets have a film around them that protects people from the active ingredient. But if the tablet is crushed or broken, the medication can be absorbed through the skin and into the body. If a pregnant woman touches damaged finasteride (Proscar) tablets and gets medication absorbed into the body, it can lead to abnormal development of the unborn baby's genitals, especially if the baby is male. Potentially pregnant and pregnant women should wash their hands right away if they accidentally touch crushed finasteride (Proscar) tablets.
Lowered prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels
Finasteride (Proscar) lowers prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood levels. PSA is a screening tool that determines if men are at risk of prostate cancer. You’ll need to have blood work done to measure your PSA levels before and during treatment. Any rise in the PSA level could mean a higher chance of prostate cancer.
High-risk prostate cancer
Risk factors: Men ages 55 and older| High PSA levels | Large tumor
In a clinical study, males who took finasteride (Proscar) were less likely to develop low-risk prostate cancer compared to men who didn’t take it. But that same study also showed that men who took finasteride (Proscar) had a higher risk of developing high-risk prostate cancer. Although this observed increase in risk is mostly likely due to the medication’s ability to help detect cancer better, it’s still important to look out for any symptoms of prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer might seem similar to those of BPH so you’ll need to check with your provider. Symptoms include the need to urinate a lot, a weak urine stream, not being able to empty the bladder, and pain while urinating. If you have any of these symptoms, let your provider know.
Finasteride (Proscar) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $177.99 | $5.93 |
Typical dosing for Finasteride (Proscar)
The typical dose is 5 mg once daily. You can take finasteride (Proscar) alone or with doxazosin (Cardura).
Interactions between Finasteride (Proscar) and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- St John's Wort
How much does Finasteride (Proscar) cost?
Finasteride (Proscar) contraindications
Currently or able to become pregnant
What are alternatives to Finasteride (Proscar)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Relieves urinary symptoms
Lessens the need for prostate surgery
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
What is the latest news about Finasteride (Proscar)?
Finasteride (Proscar) images
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References
Best studies we foundAccord Healthcare, Inc. (2023). FINASTERIDE tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Fertig, R. M., et al. (2017). Sexual side effects of 5-α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride: A comprehensive review. Dermatology Online Journal.
Mother to Baby. (2022). Finasteride. Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS).
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT): Questions and Answers.
National Cancer Institute. (2023). Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer.
Sandhu, J. S., et al. (2023). Management of lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): AUA Guideline amendment 2023. The Journal of Urology.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Dihydrotestosterone.
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