Propecia is the branded version of finasteride (the generic form) used to treat androgenetic alopecia in men.

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic disorder that leads to hair loss from an over-response to certain hormones. This type of hair issue affects both men and women, but it is more common in men and is known as male-pattern baldness. Medications like finasteride and Propecia are prescribed as first-line treatments before other medical or surgical interventions are explored. 

Finasteride is an enzyme inhibitor that stops the 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme responsible for converting the sex hormone testosterone to DHT. It is a slow-working compound that takes time to build, resulting in patients waiting several months before seeing any difference in hair loss. Due to this delay, patients must take finasteride regularly despite the lack of results.

What conditions are finasteride approved to treat?

Finasteride is approved to treat men with hair loss, such as male pattern baldness. It also treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland), excessive hair, prostate cancer, and hormone replacement therapy for transgender women.

Finasteride inhibits the action of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In the case of androgenetic alopecia, patients have an overresponse to this hormone which causes hair follicles to shrink to the point where they stop producing hair. 

Therefore, finasteride stops hair follicles from shrinking by blocking this conversion and can even help 

However, finasteride's effects take several months before becoming noticeable. In the meantime, regular intake is crucial to sufficiently inhibit the production of DHT enough to stop hair loss. Patients who discontinue finasteride early see no change. 

 is the brand name for oral finasteride tablets. Therefore it also inhibits 5-alpha-reductase to stop the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). 

What conditions is Propecia approved to treat?

Propecia is only approved by the FDA to treat male pattern baldness, such as the gradual thinning of scalp hair that causes balding at the top of the head or receding hairline. It is not approved for treating blandness in women. 

As Propecia is the brand name for generic finasteride, it works identically, inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. 

How effective are finasteride and Propecia for treating hair loss?

Both finasteride and Propecia reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth. However, there have been several reports showcasing finasteride to be more effective.

, finasteride was slightly more effective than Propecia in promoting hair health for men who have androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with 80% of men in the 

How is finasteride administered for hair loss?

 administered orally. It can be taken with or without meals but should exceed a dosage of 1 mg per day unless otherwise specified by the physician. 

Taking the drug daily for at least three months is recommended to see any visible benefits. Additionally, doctors may recommend long-term use to maintain hair regrowth. It is important to note that the effects of the drug are not permanent, and hair fall may resume within 12 months of stopping treatment.

It is important to note that finasteride is not recommended for women and must be avoided by those who are pregnant or may become pregnant as finasteride as it may lead to birth abnormalities.

How is Propecia administered for hair loss?

Propecia comes as a tablet and is also administered orally. It can be taken before or after meals, but doctors recommend no more than 1 mg daily to avoid unwanted side effects. These tablets have a protective coating because Propecia can be absorbed through  the skin.

Patients must be taken Propecia for at least three months to see results, and continued use is recommended to ensure benefits are sustained. Side effects and dosages must be 

, and in the case of withdrawing treatment, hair fall may resume within the following 12 months.

What are the most common side effects of finasteride?

Are there any potentially serious side effects of finasteride?

What are the most common side effects of Propecia?

Are there any potentially serious side effects of Propecia?

Warnings and general precautions for Finasteride and Propecia 

Contraindications and important interactions for Finasteride and Propecia

No interactions between finasteride and any food, beverage, or supplement have been reported.

Grapefruit should be avoided unless specified otherwise.

How much do finasteride and Propecia cost?

Cost per month is calculated by assuming daily use for 30 days. Note that prices may vary depending on location and pharmacy.

The popularity of Finasteride and Propecia

, finasteride and Propecia are among the most commonly used medications in the United States. 

 most prescribed medication in the US in 2020, with an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions and 2.2 million patients. Propecia ranked 66th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with over 9 million prescriptions filled and a total drug cost of over 38 million dollars.

Despite having a similar formulation, Propecia has been seen to be prescribed more often than its generic counterpart.

Finasteride and Propecia are effective medications for stopping male pattern baldness and improving hair health. However, the effects are temporary and continuous use is needed to prevent hair loss.

Therefore, patients and their doctors must weigh the benefits of long-term use of finasteride and Propecia against their harmful side effects. Both medications can potentially reduce the quality of life and increase the risk of cancer in men.

Given society's acceptance of male baldness and the fact that it is not life-threatening, baldness is more of a superficial concern. In most cases, treatment may not be recommended or even necessary.

Finasteride Vs Propecia

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