People's Pharmacy

Finasteride

Other Brand Names: Proscar

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Overview

Proscar is a unique compound that counters some of the negative effects of testosterone in the body.

It blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to a more potent hormone called 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT for short).

This testosterone derivative is apparently responsible in most cases for the gradual enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs as a man ages.

It may also have a role to play in male-pattern baldness.

Proscar is prescribed to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH--noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland).

Although prostate tissue actually shrinks in most men who take Proscar, only about half or possibly fewer will get good relief from symptoms such as difficult urination.

A man must take Proscar for 6 months before the benefits of the medicine can be assessed.