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Proscar (Finasteride) - Summary

 
 



PROSCAR SUMMARY

PROSCAR (finasteride), a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound, is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5(alpha)-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5(alpha)-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

PROSCAR is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to:

  • Improve symptoms
  • Reduce the risk of acute urinary retention
  • Reduce the risk of the need for surgery including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and prostatectomy.

PROSCAR administered in combination with the alpha-blocker doxazosin is indicated to reduce the risk of symptomatic progression of BPH (a confirmed >/=4 point increase in AUA symptom score).


See all Proscar indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Proscar (Finasteride)

Change in sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with long-term treatment with doxazosin, finasteride and combined therapy. [2014]
Inventory during 4 years... CONCLUSIONS: This study significantly extends understanding of the effects of

Long-term effects of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on quality of life in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. [2013]
International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS]-QoL) over 4 years... CONCLUSIONS: QoL of men treated with doxazosin, finasteride, and

Long-term effects of doxazosin, finasteride and combination therapy on quality of life in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. [2013]
International Prostate Symptom Score-QoL) during 4 years... CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of men treated with doxazosin, finasteride, and

A randomized phase IIb presurgical study of finasteride vs. low-dose flutamide vs. placebo in men with prostate cancer. Efficacy monitored by karyometry. [2013]
preventive agents in patients with CaP... CONCLUSION: This exploratory study establishes that karyometric monitoring can

Comparison of dutasteride and finasteride for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: the Enlarged Prostate International Comparator Study (EPICS). [2011.08]
OBJECTIVE: * To assess the efficacy and safety of dutasteride compared with finasteride in treating men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for 12 months... CONCLUSION: * Dutasteride and finasteride, when administered for 12 months, were similarly effective in reducing prostate volume and improving Q(max) and urinary symptoms associated with BPH in men with an enlarged prostate. (c) 2011 THE AUTHORS. BJU INTERNATIONAL (c) 2011 BJU INTERNATIONAL.

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Proscar (Finasteride)

A Trial of PROSCAR (Finasteride) Versus Placebo in Men With an Initial Negative Prostate Biopsy [Completed]
The purpose of this study is to assess whether six months of daily finasteride (PROSCAR), following an initial negative prostate biopsy, will improve the detection of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. 144 subjects with an initial negative prostate biopsy will be randomized to receive either finasteride or placebo for 6 months. The subjects will undergo a second prostate biopsy following drug intervention. PSA (prostate specific antigen) measurements, testosterone levels, and quality of life questionnaires will also be assessed during the study. The two groups will then be compared.

Bioequivalence Study of Finasteride 5 mg Tablet Formulations Under Fasting Conditions [Completed]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative bioavailability of the test formulation of finasteride 5 mg tablets (Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited) with the reference formulation PROSCAR® 5 mg Tablet (Merck & Co., Inc.)under fasting conditions in healthy adult male subjects.

Bioequivalence Study of Two Finasteride 5 mg Tablet Formulations Under Non-Fasting Conditions [Completed]
The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative bioavailability of the test formulation of finasteride 5 mg tablets (Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited) with the reference formulation PROSCAR® 5 mg Tablet (Merck & Co., Inc.)under fed conditions in healthy adult male subjects.

3 Month Finasteride Challenge Test Can Significantly Improve the Performance of Screening for Prostate Cancer [Recruiting]
The investigators will propose a novel method to improve prostate cancer screening with PSA, using a 3-month treatment with finasteride, a drug used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and proven to reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The investigators will also examine three additional promising tests that may further improve diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Finasteride for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy [Terminated]
Background:

- Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a disease that causes fluid to collect under

the retina. It affects the macula, which is in the center of the retina and is needed for sharp, clear vision. In many cases, CSC resolves on its own and does not need treatment. However, in some cases it does not go away or comes back after treatment. This is known as chronic CSC.

- Chronic CSC may be caused by hormones called androgens. Finasteride is a drug that can

alter the effects certain of androgens. Researchers want to compare finasteride with a placebo to see if it is a safe and effective treatment for chronic CSC. Objectives:

- To see if finasteride is a safe and effective treatment for chronic CSC.

Eligibility:

- Individuals at least 18 years of age who have chronic CSC in one or both eyes.

Design:

- Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. A full eye exam

will be performed. Blood and urine samples will also be collected.

- Some participants may have photodynamic therapy (PDT), the standard treatment for CSC.

PDT helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the eye. Participants will need to wait for 3 months after PDT before starting the finasteride study.

- Participants will be separated into two groups. One group will take finasteride 5 mg

(formulated into capsules); the other group will take a placebo capsule. All participants will take the capsules for 3 months.

- After 3 months on the assigned capsule (finasteride or placebo), all participants will

have the opportunity to take finasteride for at least another 4 years and 9 months. This phase of the study is optional.

- Participants will have regular study visits. At each visit, they will have physical

exams and eye exams. They will also provide blood and urine samples.

- During the first 3 months, participants will have 2 study visits. After 3 months, if

the participant continues in the optional (or as needed) phase of the protocol, visits will occur at Month 6, Month 12 and every 12 months thereafter. However, additional visits may be needed.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Proscar (Finasteride) Side Effects

Anxiety (61)Intentional Drug Misuse (53)Depression (48)Wrong Technique in Drug Usage Process (43)Erectile Dysfunction (43)Libido Decreased (40)Sexual Dysfunction (38)Fatigue (33)Asthenia (33)Back Pain (24)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 12 ratings/reviews, Proscar has an overall score of 6.67. The effectiveness score is 7.67 and the side effect score is 8. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.
 

Proscar review by 67 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Highly Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   bph
Dosage & duration:   one tablet taken daily for the period of 3 years
Other conditions:   gerd
Other drugs taken:   omeprazole
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   my urination problems (urgency , frequency , etc ) practically disappeared and I no longer had get off my bed to urinate several times during the night
Side effects:   there were none
Comments:   I took one pill a day every evening with a glass of water after dinner .The treatment was supervised by a proctologist

 

Proscar review by 32 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Moderate Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   hair loss
Dosage & duration:   2.5 mg per day taken every day for the period of 6 months
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   none
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   in taking finasteride 2.5mg per day for six months i noticed an increase in hair growth of new hairs and existing ones. most of the increased hair growth was in the crown region of the head. There was an increase of hair growth of the front hair line, but it was not substantial. My hair also grew at a faster rate than normal.
Side effects:   the side effects of taking finasteride 2.5mg per day for six month period were feeling dehydrated, having dry mouth. Especially in the morning. I also experienced a lower libido than normal. I also experienced a lower level of energy throught the day. the side effects were not extreme and did go away after discontinuing the treatment.
Comments:   The treatment details were the oral intake of finasteride. I obtained it in the 5mg form known as proscar. I would cut the tablet in half to get a 2.5mg dosage. I took 2.5mg of finasteride every day at night before i went to sleep. If i missed a dosage i waited for the next day to take the next dosage. Taking the whole 5mg dosage per day in my opinion would be to high a dosage. The side effects would increase.

 

Proscar review by 40 year old male patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Moderately Effective
Side effects:   Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Hair loss
Dosage & duration:   1mg taken daily for the period of 10 months
Other conditions:   none
Other drugs taken:   inderal for migraine
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I noticed hair regrowth in small amounts but did not know my genitals were shrinking. A friend told me of his testicles shrinking on the drug and so I examined myself and realized that what once was, was no more.
Side effects:   Testiclular Atrophy (permenent shrinkage). I actually have one testicle now smaller than the other. I pray everyday that the pain will go away and that my buddies will come back but I dont think they will. As for penile shrinkage, imagine a button on a sweater. This drug is poison and Im looking for a class action suit. DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG!!!!!!!!
Comments:   1mg a day

See all Proscar reviews / ratings >>

Page last updated: 2014-11-30

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