Prostate Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Proscar
Proscar is a drug that can be used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. By decreasing DHT levels, the medication can help shrink an enlarged prostate and relieve associated symptoms. Proscar comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day. Potential side effects may include impotence, decreased sex drive, and decreased ejaculate amount.
Interested in a Discount on Proscar?
Enter your email address to see if eMedTV's free DiscountRx service has a program that could help you save on your prescription(s).
Thank you!
Thank you for your interest in DiscountRx from eMedTV. An email has been sent to the address you provided. Please follow the link within that email to see what offers may be available.
Proscar® (finasteride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed as treatment for an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is also known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH.
(Click Proscar Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Proscar is manufactured by Merck & Co, Inc. Generic Proscar is made by several manufacturers.
Proscar works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which decreases the amount of DHT in the body. Since DHT is important for enlargement of the prostate, using this drug to decrease DHT levels can treat an enlarged prostate. In most men, Proscar can help shrink the prostate, helping to relieve their enlarged prostate symptoms.
Several studies have looked at how well Proscar treats an enlarged prostate. In particular, there has been one large study that examined several of the effects of the drug for men with BPH, with the following results.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD