Proscar and its uses

Proscar is an anti androgen medication that is prescribed for treating BPH and in some cases, prostate cancer.

The Recommended way to use Proscar

The best way to use any medication is as recommended by your health care provider. But if you have any doubts, you can always follow the instructions listed in the patient information booklet that accompanies the pack.

You may take it once a day with or without food to avoid an upset stomach.

Proscar needs to be swallowed whole. Taking it with a full glass of water may reduce the discomfort some people experience while swallowing medication.

It should not be chewed or broken or crushed unless your doctor has permitted it.

A medication may take up to a few weeks to take effect in your body. You may experience symptomatic relief intermittently. But you must not discontinue the dosage schedule nor alter it without consulting your physician.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Almost 80% of people tend to forget taking their medication on time. Hence, one of the best ways of avoiding a missed dose is to make a written note of the dosage timings or set reminders in your cellular phone.

But, if you still miss out on a dose, then you can take it as soon as you remember and then adjust the next dosage accordingly. On the other hand, you can also choose to skip the missed dose and continue normally from the next dosage schedule onwards.

You must never take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. It may have adverse effects.

Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding missed doses.

How and where should I store Proscar?

We recommend you do not store the medications in a place exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight. Medications should generally be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F. Keep it in a safe place that is beyond the reach of children and pets.

Temporary storage in temperatures below room temperature may be permitted for some drugs. Please check the medicine label for more details.

What if I overdose on Proscar?

If you think that you have exceeded the permitted dosage levels, then seek emergency medical care.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Before commencing treatment with any new medication, you must discuss your complete medical history with your health care provider. You must include details about any diseases, allergic reactions that you have to food items as well as medications.

Discuss a complete list of health supplements, over the counter medications, vitamins, herbal pills that you are taking.

This information helps your health care provider analyze your condition and then suggest an apt dosage for you.

Is there any reason to avoid Proscar?

Yes, you must avoid using Proscar if you are allergic to any ingredient in it. Other than this, usage of Proscar is restricted if you any of the following applies to you.

You are allergic toto a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart)

You must also clearly mention to your doctor if you have

liver disease, or abnormal liver enzyme tests;
prostate cancer;
a bladder muscle disorder;
stricture of your urethra; or
if you are unable to urinate.

Are there any other important things I must know before using Proscar?



Proscar is a potent medication that is harmful to an unborn baby. It is absorbed rapidly through the skin. So, if you are a woman of childbearing age and you come in contact with a broken capsule of avodart, then you must wash the area immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention now.

Certain laboratory tests are mandatory to check the progress of the treatment. Ensure that you do not miss out on these tests.

Pregnancy

If you are a women who is pregnant already or are planning to become pregnant, then contact your health care provider and discuss the potential risks to the baby.

It is not clear whether Proscar is found in breast milk. It may be excreted in the breast milk and can pass on to the baby. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side Effects

Some common but mild side effects are usually seen when starting treatment with any new medication including Proscar. But these are temporary and fade away as the body gets used to the medication. These include an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a very irregular or fast heartbeat; or confusion or unusual behavior.

If these side effects start bothering you, then seek medical attention.

Although rare, Proscar may also cause some potentially dangerous side effects like dizziness; anxiety, irritability, or nervousness; tremor (shaking); headache; or skin flushing.

These should be reported immediately to your health care provider.