Proscar (Finasteride) – What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told you have an enlarged prostate, chances are your doctor mentioned Proscar. It’s a brand‑name version of finasteride, a pill taken once a day to shrink the prostate and ease bathroom trips. Below you’ll find the basics – how it works, who should use it, the right dose, and what to watch out for.

How Proscar Works & Who Should Take It

Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5‑alpha‑reductase. That enzyme turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that makes the prostate grow. By lowering DHT, Proscar helps the gland shrink over a few months.

Typical candidates are men over 50 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who have symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, or the feeling that the bladder isn’t empty. It’s not meant for prostate cancer, and it’s not a cure – it just manages the size of the gland while you keep taking it.

Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety Tips

The standard dose is one 5 mg tablet a day, taken with or without food. Most doctors start you right away, but they’ll check your PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) level after a few months to see how the drug is affecting your prostate.

Side effects are usually mild, but they happen. Some men notice less sex drive, trouble getting an erection, or a slight drop in semen volume. Rarely, you might feel breast tenderness or see a rash. If anything feels off, call your doctor – they can adjust the dose or switch you to another treatment.

Because Proscar affects hormone levels, it’s important not to handle broken tablets or touch them with bare hands. Also, tell any surgeon or dentist you’re on Proscar before a procedure; the drug can affect wound healing.

Pregnant women should avoid any contact with crushed or broken tablets – finasteride can cause birth defects. Keep the medication out of reach of children.

Most men see improvement in symptoms within 3–6 months, but the full benefit can take up to a year. Stick with the regimen, and keep regular check‑ups so your doctor can monitor PSA and any side effects.

In short, Proscar is a simple, once‑daily pill that can make a big difference if you have BPH. Know how it works, follow the dosage, watch for side effects, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider. That’s the recipe for getting back to comfortable bathroom trips without the hassle.