LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Proscar: Men
built 643 days ago
Proscar works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is used in the body to convert testosterone (the male hormone) into a hormone called DHT (dehydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone that is responsible for both prostate enlargement and hair loss in men. By blocking the enzyme responsible for the conversion, Proscar may stop eventually shrink the prostate and may avoid complications that may otherwise need surgery.
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Six-year clinical studies have shown, if taken on a daily basis, Proscar shrinks the prostate and keeps it from growing in most men. As a result, for men who get symptom relief, it generally is maintained for the long term.
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Proscar'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 Proscar.
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Proscar works best in men whose prostate glands are larger than normal size. It has less effect on men whose prostate size is small and the urinary blockage is on the basis of increased muscle tone.
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There have been several studies looking at how well Proscar treats an enlarged prostate. In particular, there has been one very large study that studied several of the effects of Proscar for men with BPH, with the following results:
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Digital rectal examination, as well as other evaluations for prostate cancer, should be carried out on patients with BPH prior to initiating therapy with 'Proscar' and periodically thereafter. Generally, when PSA assays are performed a baseline PSA>10 ng/ml (Hybritech) prompts further evaluation and consideration of biopsy; for PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml, further evaluation is advisable. There is considerable overlap in PSA levels among men with and without prostate cancer. Therefore, in men with BPH, PSA values within the normal reference range do not rule out prostate cancer regardless of treatment with 'Proscar'. A baseline PSA <4 ng/ml does not exclude prostate cancer.
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