Proscar is a medication for an enlarged prostate (medically referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It’s a tablet that helps reduce the size of the prostate over a period of about six months. Proscar is a branded treatment. There is a generic version of Proscar, which just goes by the name of its active ingredient, Finasteride.
It’s usually older men that get BPH. Studies have shown that about 50% of men aged between 51 and 60 and 90% above 80 years old experience complications of an enlarged prostate. Needing to go to the toilet more often than usual, not being able to empty the bladder and low urine flow are all common symptoms and can be quite stressful to live with.
Proscar has proven to be an effective treatment for these symptoms and can stop them from interfering with your daily life.
How does Proscar work?
It’s not known exactly why BPH happens, but it occurs more in older men and is linked to the way the body deals with testosterone. In the body, the hormone testosterone naturally goes through a conversion into dihydrotestosterone. As men age, the rate of conversion from testosterone to dihydrotestosterone increases, and it’s this acceleration that causes the prostate to grow.
An enlarged prostate can make for uncomfortable symptoms. It’s possible to reduce these by making lifestyle changes, but sometimes treatment is needed.
Proscar works by reducing the size of your prostate gradually over time. The active ingredient, finasteride, blocks the activity of an enzyme, called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme helps along the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. By stopping it, this hormone conversion slows, and eventually helps the prostate to shrink (relieving symptoms).
You'll normally need to take it for six months for it to become fully effective, and carry on taking it long term.
What doses of Proscar are there?
Proscar tablets come in one dose: 5mg. You’ll take one tablet a day. You can get finasteride as a 1mg tablet called Propecia (or as a generic called Finasteride). It’s the same drug but at a lower dose, and is used to treat hair loss.
It takes around six months for Proscar to work at its best, but if you feel like it isn’t working, there are other treatment options available. Proscar is sometimes given in combination with another medication called tamsulosin, which helps to increase your urinary flow; so if Proscar alone doesn’t work, this may be an option.
If Proscar isn’t working for you, let us know, and we’ll discuss other options with you.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Proscar TabletsFinasteride
How to take Proscar
Always take Proscar how your doctor has told you to, and follow the instructions you get with the tablets.
The normal dose is one tablet each day. Take it by mouth, and swallow whole with water. If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take your next one at the normal time.
Don’t double dose to make up for a missed dose. Take Proscar for as long as your doctor tells you to. Don’t stop taking the medication after signs of early improvement because it can take up to 6 months for the full effects to develop. If you stop taking it your symptoms may come back.
How long does it take Proscar to work?
The time it takes to see the benefits of Proscar can vary from person to person. It starts working on limiting testosterone conversion straight away, so symptoms tend to improve within a few weeks of starting your course. But it does take six months for the drug to become fully effective , so it’s important to carry on taking it beyond the first few weeks, and for as long as your doctor tells you to.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Proscar?
If you miss a dose of Proscar, just skip it and take your next dose as normal. Don’t double dose or don’t try to adjust the dose without checking with a doctor first. If you take too much Proscar, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Proscar TabletsFinasteride
Proscar TabletsFinasteride
FAQ: Proscar Tablets
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is Proscar different to other treatments for BPH?
Answer:
Proscar is a type of drug called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This type of medicine works by decreasing the amount of a natural hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes the growth of the prostate. By doing this, it helps reduce the size of the prostate, improving urinary flow.
Other types of treatments for enlarged prostate include alpha-blockers, anticholinergics, diuretics and desmopressins. These treatments work differently to Proscar. They don’t help the prostate to shrink, but improve urinary flow in other ways (for example by drawing more water into the bladder). These may be better for some patients as an alternative to Proscar, if they feel it’s not working well. Combination therapy with Proscar and another medicine is also sometimes an option.
If you’re not completely sure on which treatment is right for you, talk to us, and we’ll help you to choose the best option
Is Proscar similar to any other treatments?
Answer:
Proscar is the branded version of finasteride. While it contains the same drug as the generic, Proscar is produced by a different company and the packaging is different. But the way the drugs work is the same. There’s also a lower dose version of finasteride called Propecia, which is used in hair loss.
Avodart is quite similar to Proscar, because the drug in it (dutasteride) is also a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride. So there is another close option if Proscar doesn’t work for you.
How effective is Proscar?
Answer:
One study of finasteride found that in 12 months, it reduced the size of the prostate by an average of 19 percent , as well as increasing urinary flow by 1.6ml per second. A review of studies also found that it can significantly reduce the progression of BPH and the need for surgery. Clinical trials also saw a reduced risk of getting urinary retention problems (holding onto urine) of 67% in men taking.
Do I need a prescription for Proscar?
Answer:
Our clinicians need to ensure that Proscar is a safe course of treatment for you, so a prescription is required. We’ll also follow-up during the course of your medication to check it’s working okay for you.
Why should I buy Proscar online with Treated?
Answer:
At Treated, we ensure you get the medication you need, when you need it. Once you’ve chatted to us about your health, we’ll offer tailored treatments to suit you, so you can choose the option you need. You’ll also get regular access to our experts so you can ask any questions you have, and get the expert advice you need.
Finasteride in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, [online] 5, pp.535–545.
Very straightforward to make a request and get a prescription. Doctor had some questions but once answered script was issued and medicines delivered quickly.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
If there’s a particular treatment or condition you’re looking for, tell us and we’ll look into it for you.
This treatment category isn't suitable for the gender you have selected.
If you made a mistake on the gender selection, you can amend this by pressing 'Cancel' below and changing your gender. If you entered the correct gender but made a mistake on the treatment category selection, you can choose a different category by pressing 'Choose other treatment' below.
