Propecia and Proscar are similar medicines - generic name is Finasteride.

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.

Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and to reduce hair loss due to male baldness.

*** Important facts about Propecia

Propecia is NOT for use by women. If taken during pregnancy, it can cause abnormal development of a male baby's genital organs.

Propecia is a remedy for baldness in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and the front of the mid-scalp area. It increases hair growth, improves hair regrowth, and slows down hair loss. It works only on scalp hair and does not affect hair on other parts of the body.

You may begin to see improvement as early as 3 months after you begin taking Propecia, but for many men it takes longer. The improvement lasts only as long as you take the drug; if you stop, new hair growth will cease and hair loss will resume.

Propecia is a low-dose form of Proscar, a drug prescribed for prostate enlargement.

How to take Propecia?

For maximum benefit, take Propecia regularly once a day. It can be taken with or without food.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

* Storage instructions

Store at room temperature in a closed container away from moisture.

* Propecia side effects

Propecia's side effects are primarily sexual, and relatively uncommon--they strike one or two men in a hundred. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Propecia.

* Side effects may include:

Breast tenderness and enlargement, decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence, itching, rash, swelling, testicular pain.

Due to the drug's effect on male babies, women should avoid Propecia if there is any chance that they may be pregnant.

Do not use Propecia if it gives you an allergic reaction, or if you've ever had an allergic reaction to its chemical twin, Proscar.

If there's even a possibility that they're pregnant, women should avoid handling a crushed or broken Propecia tablet for fear of absorbing some of the active ingredient through the skin. Whole tablets are safe to handle thanks to a protective outer coating.

Avoid even touching the active ingredient in Propecia if there's a chance that you're pregnant. Use Propecia with caution if you have liver problems.

Propecia lowers readings of the PSA screening test for prostate cancer. If you're scheduled to have your PSA level checked, make sure the doctor knows you're taking Propecia.

*** Important facts about Proscar

Proscar is prescribed to help shrink an enlarged prostate. Some doctors are also prescribing Proscar for baldness and as a preventive measure against prostate cancer.

The prostate, a chestnut-shaped gland present in males, produces a liquid that forms part of the semen. This gland completely encloses the upper part of the urethra, the tube through which urine flows out of the bladder. Many men over age 50 suffer from a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate.

The enlarged gland squeezes the urethra, obstructing the normal flow of urine. Resulting problems may include difficulty in starting urination, weak flow of urine, and the need to urinate urgently or frequently. Sometimes surgical removal of the prostate is necessary.

By shrinking the enlarged prostate, Proscar may alleviate the various associated urinary problems, making surgery unnecessary.

Different men have different responses to Proscar:

You may experience early relief from your urinary problems. You may need to take the drug for 6 months or even a year before noticing any improvement. Or you may find that, even after a year of treatment, Proscar simply has not helped you.

You may take Proscar either with a meal or between meals.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

* Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect from light.

* Proscar side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Proscar.

* Side effects may include:

Decreased amount of semen per ejaculation, decreased sex drive, impotence.

Benign enlargement of the prostate is not the only condition that can cause male urinary inefficiency and discomfort. Other possibilities include infection, obstruction, cancer of the prostate, and bladder disorders. Before prescribing Proscar, your doctor will want to do various tests to determine the cause of your urinary problems.

Even if Proscar does relieve your urinary symptoms, periodic checkups are necessary to test for possible development of cancer of the prostate. Proscar is not an effective treatment for prostate cancer.

* Possible food and drug interactions when taking Propecia and Proscar - no significant drug interactions have been reported.

* Recommended dosage for Propecia and Proscar - Adult men.

* Overdosage

Although no specific information is available on Propecia and Proscar overdose, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.

Copyright (c) 2008 Vlad Kott