PROSCAR ® - Finasteride

PROSCAR ® is a drug based on Finasteride

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Testosterone inhibitors 5 alpha reductase

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications PROSCAR ® - Finasteride

PROSCAR ® is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, with the therapeutic goal of reducing the glandular volume, improving urinary flow and associated symptoms, often the cause of surgery.

Mechanism of action PROSCAR ® - Finasteride

PROSCAR ® is a drug particularly known in the urological field, whose therapeutic efficacy is linked to the presence of finasteride. This complex molecule of synthetic origin is in fact able to inhibit the testosterone 5 alpha reductase enzyme, responsible for the conversion of testosterone into its most active form from the androgenizing point of view known as dihydrotestosterone.

The biological efficacy of this active ingredient in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia is to be found in the hyperstimulating effects of dihydrotestosterone on the prostate gland, therefore in the ability of finasteride to inhibit the aforementioned conversion, saving the prostate from the "androgenic insult".

The same mechanism of action could be useful, as recent scientific evidence shows, in combating hair loss during androgenetic alopecia, where the action of dihydrotestosterone tends to concentrate mainly on the scalp hair follicle.

The aforementioned therapy is particularly easy given the pharmacokinetic properties of finasteride, which allow its simple oral intake.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. FINASTERIDE AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Androgenetic alopecia is a systemic disease characterized by progressive hair loss, which compromises the quality of life of patients, subject to anxiety about their condition. This study demonstrates how the treatment with finasteride can improve the quality of life of these patients (measured through specific assessment scales) although the drug does not act on the psychological aspect but on the skin symptoms.

2. FINASTERIS AND SPERMATOGENESIS

Study describing the need to suspend therapy with finasteride in patients who are attempting to have children, given the ability of the active ingredient to reduce spermatogenesis, quality and quantity of spermatozoa.

3. THE COMBINED TREATMENT IN THE PROSTATIC ADENOMAL

The combined treatment of prostate adenoma with finasteride and doxasozina seems particularly effective in reducing the symptoms associated with this condition, facilitating for example the emptying of the bladder.

Method of use and dosage

PROSCAR ®

Tablets containing 5 mg of finasteride:

the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia involves taking one tablet a day, regardless of meals, for at least six months.

It is useful to remember that the correct definition of the dosage and the dosage scheme is the responsibility of the doctor, after having subjected the patient to a careful medical examination.

Warnings PROSCAR ® - Finasteride

The administration of finasteride, must be preceded by a careful medical check useful to assess the prescriptive appropriateness and to ascertain the clinical picture of the patient.

The need for a differential diagnosis between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer is necessary before starting therapy and during the therapeutic procedure, considering that finasteride could reduce the plasma concentrations of PSA, making the diagnosis more complex.

PROSCAR ® contains lactose, therefore its intake is contraindicated in patients with galactose intolerance, lactase enzyme deficiency and glucose-galactose malabsorption.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

PROSCAR ® is a drug indicated for the exclusive treatment of male diseases.

The use of finasteride during pregnancy could compromise the normal development of the male genital organs and the relative reproductive capacity of the unborn child.

Interactions

The hepatic metabolism to which finasteride is subjected exposes the patient to potential clinically relevant drug interactions.

More precisely, the concomitant assumption of CYP3A4 inhibitors / inducers (an enzyme responsible for the metabolism of finasteride), could alter the normal pharmacokinetic profile of finasteride by varying its blood concentrations and its therapeutic efficacy.

Therefore it would be advisable to consult your doctor before undertaking the simultaneous intake of other drugs.

PROSCAR ® Contraindications - Finasteride

Taking PROSCAR ® is contraindicated in patients with severe liver disease or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Although different clinical trials and careful post-marketing monitoring support the good tolerability of finasteride therapy, taking this principle is often associated with side effects, closely related to the biological role of this molecule as:

impotence, reduced ejaculate volume, decreased libido, skin changes such as rash and hives, increased breast tension associated with tenderness.

The aforementioned reactions are limited to the period of treatment and therefore easily reversible.