Proscar is the brand name for finasteride, a prescription medication primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. BPH is caused by a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can obstruct urine flow. By reducing prostate enlargement, Proscar (finasteride) can lessen the severity of these symptoms.

Proscar is available in the form of an oral tablet. It is important to note that Propecia, another name-brand finasteride medication, is used to treat symptoms of hair loss in men and is not indicated for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.

Proscar belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. These drugs stop the body from converting testosterone, the principal male sex hormone, into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the prostate to enlarge, so by blocking the body’s production of DHT, Proscar can reduce prostate enlargement and alleviate BPH symptoms.

Symptoms of BPH include:

• Urgency
  
• Frequency
  
• Weak stream or interruptions in the urine stream
  
• Frequent awakenings from sleep to urinate
  
• Feeling of incomplete emptying
  
• Dribbling
  
  

The most common side effects of Proscar include a decreased interest in sexual intercourse, inability to have or keep an erection, or a loss in sexual ability, desire, drive or performance. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or are severe.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
  
• Changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
  
• Itching
  
• Hives
  
• Swelling of the lips and face
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
  

While rare, these symptoms require immediate medical attention. This is not a complete list of side effects associated with finasteride. Studies have shown that finasteride can increase your risk of developing breast cancer or high-grade prostate cancer, which spreads and grows more rapidly than other types of prostate cancer.

Studies have also shown that Proscar can affect the results of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which may be used to detect prostate cancer. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider that you are taking finasteride so that they are aware of any medication interference with PSA testing.

Proscar is only for use in men and can cause birth defects in pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or plan on becoming pregnant and touch crushed or broken Proscar tablets, you should wash your hands and call your doctor right away.

For BPH, a 5 mg oral tablet is prescribed to be taken once a day. Do not increase your dosage or discontinue using finasteride without consulting with your doctor.

It is important to note that Proscar is not a cure for BPH, and it may take up to 6 months for Proscar to take full effect. If you stop taking Proscar, the prostate will begin to grow again within a few months.

Store Proscar at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. All medications should be stored away from children. Do not freeze this medication.

Proscar is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy or order the medication to be delivered to your door. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not Proscar is right for you. Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment.

Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Proscar to be picked up near you–often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.