How to use Proscar
Proscar is a medication that is also known as finasteride and it prevents testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the human body. DHT is usually involved in developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This medication is thus used to treat the symptoms of BPH especially in men who have an enlarged prostate. It generally improves the symptoms like difficulties during urinating, decreased flow of urine, waking up to urinate at night and hesitation as you start to urinate. Using finasteride also reduces the risk of undergoing surgery and acute urinary retention.
How is Proscar used?
Before you start using Proscar, it is important to ensure that you know some few important points about its use. It is not meant for use by women or children and as it can be easily absorbed by the skin, it should not be handled by women or children as well. Pregnant women should not come into contact with this drug as it may cause defects during birth. You should also make sure that you disclose to your doctor if you suffer from some conditions. These conditions include liver disease, bladder muscle disorders, prostate cancer, unable to urinate and if you are allergic to dutasteride (Avodart) which is similar to finasteride. Using Proscar increases the risk of prostate cancer developing. Your doctor should check you thoroughly to see if there are other underlying conditions that may prevent you from using finasteride safely.
Proscar should be used in the manner prescribed by the doctor exactly. You should take care not to take it in higher amounts than prescribed and also for a much longer period than instructed. Ensure that you strictly follow the directions found on the prescription label. This medication should also be taken with a glass full of water. You can also take it with or without food but ensure that you take finasteride at the exact same time every day until you clear your dose. As a way of ensuring that this medication is working in your body and that you do not get any side effects, you should ensure that you visit your doctor regularly. This is for the purposes of tests to be carried out. Your doctor ought to regularly test your blood, prostate specific antigen (PSA) as a way of checking for signs of prostate cancer.
Ensure that you use finasteride regularly in order to get the maximum benefit from it and also ensure that you go for a refill before the medicine runs out completely. Ensure that you also store the medicine away from heat, moisture, light and at room temperature at all times. Ensure that you also keep the medicine bottle closed tightly at all times.
Dosage Precautions
If you happen to miss a dose, ensure that you take the medication when you remember. You should only skip it if the time for your next dose is almost but do not take any extra medicine as a way of making up for the missed dose. If you overdose, you should immediately seek medical attention as a matter of emergency. You should also try and desist from getting up too soon from your lying or sitting position as you may feel dizzy. You should get up in a slow and steady way to prevent falling.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.