What is Proscar (finasteride)?

Proscar (proh scar) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is an oral prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate in men. Proscar contains 5 mg of the generic medication finasteride. Finasteride is also used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) with a lower dose of the medication.

 There may be other uses of Proscar —your pharmacist or physician can give you more information.

Who can take Proscar (finasteride)?

Proscar is prescribed to adult men aged 18 years or over. It is generally not recommended for women and children. Finasteride can cause birth defects in a baby if taken by a pregnant woman or a woman who may become pregnant. The medication is absorbed through the skin. Therefore, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling broken or crushed Proscar tablets.