Pros
Can also be used to treat male pattern baldness
May decrease need for surgery
Can decrease frequent urination and weak stream
Proscar (finasteride) prescription available online
If you are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Proscar can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Proscar today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Treats enlarged prostate in adult men
Improves urine flow and reduces nighttime urination
Request Proscar in as little as 15 minutes, with or without insurance*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Proscar
Proscar is considered a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Proscar is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It can also help treat the sudden inability to pass urine related to BPH in men with an enlarged prostate. Proscar is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including finasteride.
Proscar may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Proscar, be sure to complete the full course of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the medication may not fully treat your BPH symptoms.
Proscar uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for Proscar, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online healthcare professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare professional may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Proscar is FDA-approved to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in adult men. It may be prescribed alone or used as a combination therapy with other medications to reduce BPH symptoms.
Proscar may help treat symptoms of BPH, such as the sudden inability to urinate. Proscar can help improve urine flow, decrease the urge to urinate, and reduce nighttime urination.
Proscar is not FDA-approved to treat prostate cancer.
What are the pros and cons?
Proscar
Cons
May take several months to take effect
May decrease libido and cause erectile dysfunction
Some men may experience enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)
Proscar side effects
The side effects associated with taking Proscar are typically mild. Most Proscar side effects are associated with low libido. Proscar has some common side effects. They may include:
Decreased interest in sex
Trouble getting or keeping an erection
Abnormal ejaculation
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Allergic reactions
Signs of male breast cancer
Blood in your semen
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Proscar should not be taken by women or children.
How to take Proscar
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Proscar prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Proscar can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Finasteride tablets are typically prescribed at a dose of 5 mg orally, once daily. Proscar may be used as a monotherapy or combination therapy to treat men with BPH.
If women or children accidentally come into contact with broken Finasteride tablets, wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.
What to avoid while taking Proscar
Proscar has 25 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as other drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Proscar include:
Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol. Research suggests that Proscar may help lower the risk of prostate cancer, but alcohol can decrease this effect.
Medication alternatives to Proscar
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor or an acute urinary retention medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Hair Loss
Proscar prescription FAQs
How much does Proscar cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, Proscar costs around $166 for thirty 5 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as finasteride, offer an affordable alternative.
How can I refill my Proscar prescription?
To refill your Proscar prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Who should not take Proscar?
To make sure Proscar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Prostate cancer
Liver disease or abnormal liver function tests
Finasteride tablets should never be taken by a woman or child.How long should Proscar be taken?
Take Proscar as prescribed by your doctor. Proscar shrinks the prostate gland slowly, and you may need to take Proscar for six months or longer to see results.
Can you take Proscar every other day?
If you experience adverse effects, your doctor may recommend taking Proscar every other day. You may take a half dose each day—or a full dose every other day—to decrease side effects.
How long does it take for Proscar to shrink the prostate?
Proscar can take up to six months to fully affect and start shrinking the prostate gland. You may notice hair growth in 3–6 months for male pattern hair loss.
What happens if I miss a dose of Proscar?
If you miss a dose of Prozac, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regular time. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Proscar?
If you've taken too much Proscar, seek emergency medical help or call your local poison support center.
3 simple steps to request your Proscar prescription today
Step 1
Book a Proscar prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Proscar prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Proscar prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Proscar prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Proscar prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
Book an appointment
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Proscar prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Proscar prescription label. Accessed on November 19, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020180s044lbl.pdf
MedlinePlus. Finasteride. Accessed on November 19, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html
National Cancer Institute. Prostate Cancer Prevention and Finasteride: A Conversation with NCI’s Dr. Howard Parnes. Accessed on November 19, 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/prostate-cancer-prevention-finasteride-parnes