Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Proscar (Finasteride). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Proscar (Finasteride) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Proscar (Finasteride). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• decreased interest in sex
• decreased volume of ejaculate (i.e., semen)
• Erectile Dysfunction (impotence)
• testicular pain

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood in ejaculate
• breast enlargement, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge
• continued ejaculation problems after stopping the medication
• decreased interest in sexual activity continuing after stopping the medication
• decreased sexual ability continuing after stopping the medication
• infertility or poor quality of semen
• muscle pain or weakness
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., skin rash, itchiness, Hives, swelling of the lips or tongue)
• thoughts of suicide or self harm

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Proscar (Finasteride).

Each blue, apple-shaped, film-coated tablet with the code "MSD 72" on one side and "PROSCAR" on the other contains 5 mg of Proscar (Finasteride). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cellulose and cellulose derivatives, coloring agents (FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, titanium dioxide, and yellow ferric oxide), corn starch, Docusate Sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, sodium starch glycolate, and talc.

Proscar (Finasteride) (for BPH) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Proscar (Finasteride) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is a child
• is a woman

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Proscar (Finasteride).

Breast Cancer: Male breast cancer has been reported in a small number of people taking Proscar (Finasteride). It is not known with certainty whether Proscar (Finasteride) can cause breast cancer, but this possibility cannot be ruled out at this time. If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as breast enlargement, pain, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Laboratory tests: Proscar (Finasteride) may decrease PSA levels (a substance normally produced and used to evaluate Prostate Cancer) and should be taken into account when evaluating PSA levels.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Proscar (Finasteride) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Proscar (Finasteride) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Proscar (Finasteride), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Long-term use: The effects of using Proscar (Finasteride) for the long term (i.e., more than 10 years) have not been established.

Prostate cancer: Proscar (Finasteride) (for BPH) may be linked with an increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer called high-grade prostate cancer. The risk of this cancer while taking Proscar (Finasteride) is still considered very small. Note that Proscar (Finasteride) (for BPH) is not approved to treat prostate cancer. If you have any concerns about Proscar (Finasteride), talk to your health care provider.

Surgery: People who are candidates for immediate prostate surgery should not take Proscar (Finasteride).

Pregnancy and birth defects: When absorbed into the system of a pregnant woman, Proscar (Finasteride) may cause abnormalities of the genitals in a male baby. Crushed or broken Proscar (Finasteride) tablets should not be handled by women who are or may become pregnant because Proscar (Finasteride) may be absorbed into their system through the skin.

Children: Proscar (Finasteride) should not be used by children.