Buy Generic Proscar Online

Generic Proscar Information

Introduction

Proscar is a prescription medication that contains the active compound finasteride, a 5‑α‑reductase inhibitor. It is classified within the men’s health and hair‑loss therapeutic groups. In Hong Kong, Proscar is primarily prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms. Finasteride is also the basis of the lower‑dose product Propecia, which is widely used for androgenetic alopecia (male‑pattern hair loss). Both indications rely on the same pharmacologic principle: suppression of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production.

What is Proscar?

• Generic name: Finasteride
• Brand name: Proscar (manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Therapeutic class: 5‑α‑reductase inhibitor, men’s health agent
• Formulation: Oral tablets, usually 5 mg per tablet

Proscar is the brand‑name product that delivers 5 mg of finasteride per tablet. It is distinct from the 1 mg formulation sold as Propecia for hair‑loss treatment, although both contain the same active molecule. In Hong Kong, Proscar is registered with the Department of Health and dispensed by licensed pharmacies. Our online pharmacy provides this medication as a cost‑effective, high‑quality alternative for patients who have limited access through conventional channels.

How Proscar Works

Finasteride selectively inhibits type II 5‑α‑reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the androgen that drives prostatic growth and hair‑follicle miniaturisation. By reducing circulating DHT levels by approximately 70 % within 24 hours, finasteride lowers the stimulus for prostate cell proliferation. The result is a reduction in prostate volume, improvement in urinary flow rates, and a lower risk of acute urinary retention.

In the scalp, the same DHT reduction slows the progression of androgenetic alopecia and can promote modest regrowth of hair shafts. The therapeutic effect on the prostate generally becomes noticeable after 3–6 months of continuous therapy, while hair‑loss benefits may appear after 6–12 months. Finasteride has a half‑life of roughly 5–6 hours, but its pharmacodynamic effect persists because DHT synthesis remains suppressed for several days after the last dose.

Conditions Treated with Proscar

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

  • Indicated for men with prostate enlargement who experience lower‑urinary‑tract symptoms (LUTS) such as weak stream, nocturia, and incomplete bladder emptying.
  • In Hong Kong, BPH prevalence rises with age; epidemiologic surveys estimate that 30‑40 % of men over 60 have clinically relevant BPH.

• Androgenetic alopecia (off‑label, 5 mg formulation):

  • Although the 1 mg tablet (Propecia) is the standard dose for hair loss, the 5 mg tablet may be prescribed off‑label in some jurisdictions for patients who require a higher systemic exposure. Clinicians in Hong Kong sometimes consider this approach when lower‑dose therapy is ineffective.

Finasteride’s efficacy for BPH is supported by large, placebo‑controlled trials (e.g., the MTOPS study) that demonstrated a 30‑40 % reduction in risk of urinary retention or need for surgical intervention. For hair loss, the pivotal Phase III trials (e.g., FINasteride Male Pattern Alopecia Trial) reported a 48 % increase in hair count after 12 months versus placebo.

Who is Proscar For?

• Men aged 18 years and older with a clinical diagnosis of BPH confirmed by digital rectal examination, trans‑rectal ultrasound, or uroflowmetry.
• Patients with moderate to severe LUTS where surgical options are either contraindicated or not yet indicated.
• Men seeking medical management of androgenetic alopecia who have not responded adequately to the 1 mg formulation or who prefer a single‑dose regimen.

Contraindications / Situations to avoid:

• Women (including pregnant or lactating) – finasteride is teratogenic to a male fetus.
• Children – the drug is not approved for pediatric use.
• Men with known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any excipients in the tablet.
• Patients with liver disease requiring dose adjustment should be evaluated carefully, as finasteride is metabolised hepatically.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory volume reduction
• Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)

These effects are usually mild and may improve with continued therapy; however, patients should report persistent symptoms to their healthcare provider.

Rare

• Depression or mood changes
• Testicular pain
• Allergic skin reactions (rash, pruritus)

Although infrequent, these events merit clinical assessment, especially if they affect quality of life.

Serious

• Persistent sexual dysfunction lasting beyond discontinuation (sometimes referred to as post‑finasteride syndrome).
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or anaphylaxis.
• High‑grade prostate cancer: some meta‑analyses suggest a modest increase in the detection of high‑grade tumors, though overall prostate‑cancer incidence is unchanged.

Patients experiencing any signs of a serious reaction should seek immediate medical attention.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase finasteride plasma concentrations modestly; dose adjustment is not typically required but monitoring is advisable.
• CYP2C9 substrates (e.g., warfarin) do not have clinically significant interactions, but co‑administration should be documented.
• Alpha‑blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) are frequently combined with finasteride for BPH; no pharmacokinetic conflict has been identified, but additive blood‑pressure effects can occur.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dose for BPH: 5 mg (one tablet) taken orally once daily, with or without food.
• Dose for off‑label hair‑loss use: 5 mg daily only under specialist supervision; the approved 1 mg regimen remains the first‑line option.

Missed dose:

• If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered on the same day.
• If it is already near the time of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule. Do not double‑dose.

Overdose:

• Symptoms may include dizziness, fainting, or severe hypotension, though toxicity is rare due to the drug’s wide therapeutic margin.
• If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care promptly; supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.

Precautions:

• Alcohol does not directly affect finasteride metabolism, but excessive intake may exacerbate BPH‑related urinary symptoms.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment should use finasteride cautiously; liver function tests are recommended before initiation.
• Maintain regular follow‑up (every 6–12 months) to assess prostate size, PSA levels, and any adverse effects.

Buying Proscar from Our Online Pharmacy

Proscar can be obtained safely from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. We source the medication from licensed overseas manufacturers that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, ensuring the product matches the quality of the original brand.

• Affordable pricing: Our cost structure is close to manufacturer pricing, offering a significant saving compared with local retail pharmacies.
• Verified quality: Each batch is accompanied by a certificate of analysis and is stored under controlled conditions throughout transit.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet packaging is shipped via express courier (typically 5–7 business days) or regular airmail (approximately 2–3 weeks), with tracking available for every order.
• Online‑only access: As a pharmacy broker service, we work with multiple licensed international suppliers, enabling patients to obtain medications not readily stocked locally while respecting privacy and confidentiality.

Our service is designed for individuals who encounter limited pharmacy stock, lack insurance coverage for branded products, or simply seek a cost‑effective generic alternative.

FAQ

• Is Proscar available in both brand‑name and generic forms in Hong Kong?
  Yes, the medication is marketed under the brand name Proscar and also as a generic finasteride 5 mg tablet. Generic versions contain the identical active ingredient and are typically priced lower than the branded product.

• What should be done with Proscar tablets if traveling overseas?
  Keep the tablets in their original, sealed packaging and carry a copy of the prescription or a physician’s note. Store them in a carry‑on bag to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage.

• Does finasteride require refrigeration?
  No, Proscar should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not necessary and may cause condensation on the tablets.

• What are the inactive ingredients in Proscar tablets?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. Patients with lactose intolerance or specific excipient allergies should discuss alternatives with their clinician.

• Can Proscar affect results of urine drug screening?
  Finasteride is not a controlled substance and does not appear on standard drug‑testing panels. It will not cause a false‑positive result for commonly screened substances.

• Are there any special warnings for East Asian patients taking finasteride?
  Current studies have not identified ethnicity‑specific safety concerns. However, clinicians may monitor liver function more closely in patients with underlying hepatic disease, which has a higher prevalence in some Asian populations.

• What is the legal limit for personal import of prescription medicines into Hong Kong?
  The Customs and Excise Department allows a maximum of a 30‑day supply for personal use, provided a valid prescription is retained. Importing larger quantities may require additional documentation or approval.

• How does the 5 mg dose differ from the 1 mg dose used for hair loss?
  The 5 mg tablet delivers five times the amount of finasteride, producing a greater reduction in serum DHT. While the 1 mg dose is sufficient for most cases of androgenetic alopecia, the higher dose is reserved for BPH or off‑label situations where a stronger DHT suppression is desired.

• What is the shelf‑life of Proscar tablets?
  Unopened tablets retain full potency for up to three years from the date of manufacture, as indicated on the packaging. Once opened, use within six months and discard any tablets that appear discolored or crumbly.

• Does Proscar interact with over‑the‑counter supplements such as saw‑palmetto?
  Saw‑palmetto also inhibits 5‑α‑reductase and may have additive effects on DHT reduction. While no severe adverse interactions have been reported, combining them could increase the risk of sexual side‑effects; patients should consult their healthcare provider before concurrent use.

• Are there differences in formulation between US, EU, and Asian markets?
  The active ingredient and dosage are consistent worldwide, but excipient composition may vary slightly to meet regional regulatory requirements. These differences do not impact the clinical efficacy of finasteride.

Glossary

5‑α‑Reductase Inhibitor

A class of drugs that block the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms such as urgency, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

An androgen hormone derived from testosterone; it plays a key role in prostate growth and hair‑follicle miniaturisation.

Post‑Finasteride Syndrome

A term describing persistent sexual, neurological, or physical symptoms that continue after discontinuation of finasteride; the condition remains controversial and is not universally recognized.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Proscar is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Proscar for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.