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Proscar
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Proscar is an FDA approved medication used for the treatment of benign swelling of the prostate. It is a well-tolerated, nontoxic medication. It works by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase that converts testosterone into its most potent form, dihydrotestosterone(DHT). In the adult DHT is the major growth hormone of the prostate cell. Since this more potent form of testosterone is blocked by Proscar from being created, the normal prostate gland experiences a relative deprivation of testosterone. The prostate gland needs the ongoing presence of DHT and testosterone to exist and function.
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Proscar is a prescription drug that can be used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged. By decreasing DHT levels, the medication can help shrink an enlarged prostate and relieve enlarged prostate symptoms. Proscar comes as a 5 mg tablet and is generally taken once a day. Potential side effects of the medicine may include impotence, decreased sex drive, breast enlargement,and decreased ejaculate amount.
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Like any medicine, ‘Proscar’ may have unintended or unwanted effects. These are uncommon and do not affect most men. Side effects due to ‘Proscar’ may include: impotence (an inability to have an erection) or less desire to have sex. Some men may have changes or problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. This decrease in the amount of semen does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function. In some men, such side effects disappeared while the patient continued to take ‘Proscar’.
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Before taking Proscar, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart). Also tell your doctor if you have:
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Most studies of Proscar in prostate cancer have occurred in very advanced disease at a time when multiple other cancer agents have failed. Results of those studies have demonstrated minimal benefit from Proscar. More recently an abstract has been published about a study using Proscar as the first and only treatment in men who develop rising PSA levels after having undergone radical prostatectomy. Such a situation is essentially equivalent to relapsing cancer. These were people who had had their prostates out and who had PSA levels between 1 and 10, people with relatively low volume disease. The study evaluated two groups one of which received Proscar and the other which received placebo.
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In man, a single 5-mg oral dose of Proscar produces a rapid reduction in serum DHT concentration, with the maximum effect observed 8 hours after the first dose. The suppression of DHT is maintained throughout the 24-hour dosing interval and with continued treatment. Daily dosing of Proscar at 5mg/day for up to 4years has been shown to reduce the serum DHT concentration by approximately 70%. The median circulating level of testosterone increased by approximately 10-20% but remained within the physiologic range.
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