the drug proscar has been shown to reduce the need for surgery to treat enlarged prostrate glands. In a new study, the men who took the drug required prostrate-reduction surgery only half as often as did those on dummy pills. Proscar, known generically as finasteride, is already one of the most widely-prescribed prostrate drugs.
While it has been shown to reduce prostrate symptoms, such as troubled urinating, the latest study is the first clear evidence that this drug actually lessens the likelihood of surgery.
The study was directed by John D McConnell of the University of Texas, usa , and was commissioned by Merck, the company that manufactures the wonderdrug. The study was conducted on 3,040 men with prostrate enlargement, a condition doctors call benign prostatic hyperplasia -- an extremely common, non-cancerous ailment among older men. All patients had significantly enlarged prostrates and urinating trouble. All these men were randomly assigned to get either proscar or placebos for several years. After a four-year follow-up, five per cent of men taking proscar required surgery, while from the other group, 10 per cent had to go in for prostrate surgery.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.