What is generic Proscar?

Proscar or Generic Finasteride by Cipla is a medication from the class of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This means that this medication inhibits the functioning of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into a more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone which is the cause for the enlargement of the prostate. This is why Proscar is used in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, preventing this conversion and thus decreasing the size of the prostate, effectively alleviating the symptoms such as nocturnal urination, hesitation, incontinence as well as any other difficulties urinating.

Proscar is a prescription drug that is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, more commonly known as enlarged prostate. This condition affects a percentage of men that becomes larger as the age limit is increased. For example, around 50% of men who are over the age of 75 are suffering from one form of BPH or another. This condition is known for its symptoms which include difficulties urinating, as well as other changes to the urination, such as incontinence, interrupted urination, hesitation, etc. However, BPH can also cause other complications, like for example urinary tract infections which occur as the urine is not expelled from the body properly. It may also lead to renal failure, which is in fact the failure of the kidneys, a condition that can even be life-threatening. Proscar is known as one of the most efficient treatment options for BPH and it can also reduce the chances of prostatic cancer developing.

How does Proscar work?

Before we can explain how Proscar works, we should explain how an enlarged prostate occurs. The main culprit is an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is found in prostate, as well as in other parts of the body, such as scalp and skin. This enzyme has the function of converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. DHT is a much more potent androgen than testosterone and its effects on the prostate include the increase in the size. The way in which Proscar prevents this conversion from testosterone into dihydrotestosterone is by binding to the alpha-5 reductase, thus preventing testosterone from doing the same and being converted into DHT. Because of this, the levels of DHT are much lower and the prostate is decreased in size, which leads to alleviation of the BPH symptoms.

Before taking Proscar

In order to be completely certain that you can buy Proscar and safely use it, you need to talk to your doctor who will go over your medical history and decide if you can use this medication. To this end, they need to be acquainted with your medical history as much as possible, which means you should inform them of any medical conditions you are suffering or from which you suffered in the past. Among the conditions that you must not fail to mention, you will find such as prostate cancer, bladder muscle disorders, inability to urinate, stricture of the urethra or any liver insufficiencies. These conditions are not true contraindications, as you might still be able to order Proscar and start using it. However, your doctor might need to run some tests or adjust your regimen specifically so that it does not exacerbate these conditions. The only true contraindication for Proscar is an allergy to the active ingredient Finasteride or to a medication that is similar to Proscar, called Avodart.

How to use Proscar properly

It is of vital importance that you realize that Proscar needs to be taken exactly as was prescribed. This means that you should not take more or less of Proscar than prescribed and that you need to use it adhering to the schedule that your doctor has recommended to you. It is important to take Proscar regularly and at the same intervals as it works best when there is a constant level of the medication in the system. It is possible that you might experience dizziness when standing up too fast due to the use of Proscar, which is why you need to exert precaution when doing so. One of the most important things to remember when taking Proscar is that the tablets must not be handled by children or pregnant women. Proscar can be absorbed through skin and cause harmful effects to the health of the child, or the fetus if handled by pregnant women.

Proscar side effects

Proscar is a medication that is generally very well tolerated. There are no serious side effects that can be caused by the use of Proscar and the only side effects that might occur are mild ones which are expected to go away in time. They include such as: skin rash, runny nose, headaches, weakness, dizziness, swelling of the breasts, tender breasts, swelling of the extremities, abnormal ejaculations as well as changes to the sex drive and sexual performance.

Proscar interactions and Proscar overdose

Before you combine Proscar with any other medications, supplements, vitamins and minerals, you should first check with the doctor or the pharmacist in order to be safe that Proscar will not interact with those substances. If you are not sure about the medication in question, it is best if you talk to a medical expert. When it comes to an overdose on Proscar, it is important to seek emergency medical help if an overdose is suspected. It is not expected to cause any life-threatening symptoms but it is still required to address it immediately.