Men diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), have various treatment options available to them. Medications such as Proscar and Flomax are often considered along with natural solutions like beta-sisterol supplements and certain foods. Comparing these medications can help patients in making an informed choice on which medication best suits their needs.
Proscar and its effects
Proscar (finasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, a drug that blocks the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which transforms testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a significant role in enlarging the prostate. Proscar effectively reduces DHT levels in the body, causing the prostate to shrink and allowing urine to flow more easily.
When taking Proscar, patients can expect the following:
- It is an oral medication, typically taken once daily at the same time every day.
- It can be taken alone or alongside other medications for reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
- The use of Proscar may slightly increase a man’s risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.
- It may take six to 12 months before patients notice an improvement in symptoms.
- Side effects may include reduced libido, increased hair growth, and a reduction in the amount of semen released during ejaculation.
Flomax and its effects
Flomax (tamsulosin) is an alpha-blocker that helps men with an enlarged prostate by relaxing the muscles in the gland as well as in the bladder. The combined effect improves urine flow, urinary frequency, and urinary urgency associated with BPH. While Flomax treats an enlarged prostate and its symptoms differently from Proscar, the results are still similar.
When taking Flomax, patients can expect the following:
- It is an oral medication, usually taken once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal every day.
- Side effects may include sudden drops in blood pressure, resulting in fainting or dizziness; drowsiness; runny or stuffy nose; and, rarely, an erection lasting four or more hours.
- It may take up to one month before patients experience symptom improvement.
Comparing Proscar and Flomax
Various studies have compared Proscar and Flomax for BPH treatment. One study conducted in 2015 involved 470 men who took finasteride and 230 men who took tamsulosin. After 45 months of follow-up, the study concluded that long-term use of finasteride significantly worsened erectile dysfunction and reduced testosterone levels, while tamsulosin did not.
Another study compared the efficacy of the medications in treating symptomatic enlarged prostate in 70 men between the ages of 50 and 80 years. After six months of treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in their International Prostate Symptom Scale and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax). However, men who took tamsulosin experienced improvements more quickly than those in the finasteride group.
Men can expect differing experiences when taking Proscar and Flomax. It is essential for patients to review each medication’s pros and cons with their doctor and discuss which medication is more suitable for their situation and lifestyle.
