If you’ve heard the name Proscar, you probably know it’s a medication for men’s health. The active ingredient is finasteride, a drug that blocks the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lower DHT levels shrink an enlarged prostate and can also slow hair loss on the scalp.
Proscar comes in a 5 mg tablet and is taken once a day, usually with or without food. It’s prescribed mainly for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the non‑cancerous growth of the prostate that makes it hard to pee. Some doctors also use finasteride at a lower 1 mg dose (under the brand name Propecia) to treat male‑pattern baldness.
Start with a single 5 mg tablet each morning. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one—don’t double up. Keep a regular schedule so your blood levels stay steady.
Because Proscar works by changing hormone levels, doctors will often order blood tests before you begin and then every few months to check prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) and liver function. If you’re taking other meds, especially hormonal therapies, tell your doctor; finasteride can interact with some drugs.
Most men tolerate Proscar well, but a few notice side effects. The most reported are decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and a slight drop in ejaculate volume. These usually improve after a few weeks or when the dose is adjusted.
Rarely, some users experience breast tenderness, rash, or depression. If you notice any of these, or if sexual symptoms persist beyond a month, reach out to your healthcare provider. In very rare cases, finasteride has been linked to high‑grade prostate cancer, so regular PSA monitoring is crucial.
Women should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets, especially if they are pregnant or could become pregnant. Finasteride can affect a male fetus’s development.
Stopping Proscar abruptly isn’t usually harmful, but you may see BPH symptoms or hair loss return within weeks. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
Overall, Proscar is a well‑studied medication that can provide real relief from urinary problems and help keep hair loss at bay. Knowing how to use it correctly, watching for side effects, and staying in touch with your doctor will give you the best chance of success.
Get all the essential facts about Proscar: what it’s used for, its benefits, potential side effects, and helpful practical tips.