Medications and DrugsBrand Names: Propecia, ProscarGeneric Name: finasteride (Pronunciation: fih NAH steh ride)
What is finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Finasteride 5 mg-MYL round, white, imprinted with M, 151 Finasteride 5 mg-TEV oblong, blue, imprinted with 93, 7355 Propecia 1 mg octagonal, pink, imprinted with PROPECIA 1, MRK 71 Proscar 5 mg shield, blue, imprinted with PROSCAR, MSD 72 What are the possible side effects of finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer. Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What is the most important information I should know about finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)?Before taking finasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets. Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant. If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away. Call your doctor at once if you notice any breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer. Next Page: (Page 1 of 3) |
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Enlarged Prostate Overview
A man's prostate gland usually starts to enlarge after he reaches 40 years of age. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The prostate gland secretes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm. The gland itself surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis (see multimedia file 1). As the prostate grows larger, it may press on the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra can cause some men with prostate enlargement to have trouble with urination. Prostate enlargement may be the most common health problem in men older than 60 years of age.
Enlarged Prostate Causes
The prostate gland, which is normally about the size and shape of a walnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and the rectum, below the bladder. In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces ...
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