Propecia vs Finasteride

Introduction

Propecia and Finasteride are both medications used for treating male pattern baldness, a condition that affects many men as they get older.

These medications work by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss in men. By reducing the levels of DHT in the body, Propecia and Finasteride can help slow down or reverse hair loss in men.

Propecia is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness on the top and front of the head, but it is not effective for hair loss on other parts of the body. Finasteride, like Propecia, also treats male pattern baldness, but it is also used to treat an enlarged prostate gland- this is a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

About Propecia and Finasteride

What Is Propecia

Propecia is a brand-name medication that is used to treat male pattern hair loss, a common condition affecting millions of men worldwide.

Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia- this works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)- a hormone that contributes to hair loss.

By lowering DHT levels in the scalp, Propecia can slow down hair loss and boost hair growth. Propecia is taken orally in the form of a 1 mg tablet once a day and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

What Conditions Is Propecia Approved to Treat?

The FDA approved the use of Propecia in the US to treat male-pattern hair loss. It is the only oral prescription medication approved by the FDA for this purpose.

It is not approved to treat thinning hair at the temples and is not used to treat hair loss in women or children.

How Does Propecia Work for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

The enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase is inhibited when an individual takes Propecia. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone responsible for hair loss in men with androgenic alopecia.

By reducing the production of DHT in the scalp, Propecia decreases the concentration of DHT in the scalp, which helps to reverse the balding process and increase hair growth.

What Is Finasteride?

Like Propecia, Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It also works by inhibiting the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The only difference between Propecia and Finasteride is that the former is a branded medication while the latter is available as a brand name, as well as a generic version.

What Conditions Is Finasteride Approved to Treat?

Finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in men.

It may be used alone or with other medicines to treat BPH and will increase the number of scalp hairs but not body hair for men with hair loss

How Does Finasteride Work for Male-Pattern Hair Loss and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

It works by blocking the action of an enzyme that changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in males. In the case of BPH, it can help relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating and frequent urination.

Effectiveness

How Effective are Propecia and Finasteride for Treating Hair Loss in Men?

Both Propecia and generic Finasteride are effective for treating male pattern hair loss. Studies have shown that Propecia can reduce hair loss in up to 90% of men and increase hair growth in up to 65% of men.

Moreover, Finasteride has also shown similar results in clinical trials, with up to 80% of men experiencing a decrease in hair loss and up to 42% experiencing increased hair growth. The results of treatment with Finasteride may vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of hair loss, and the duration of treatment.

Dosage Information

How is Propecia Administered for Male Pattern Baldness?

Propecia Dosage Information for Male Pattern Baldness

The recommended dosage of Propecia for male pattern hair loss is 1 milligram (mg) once a day for adults. The medication may be taken with or without food and should be taken as directed by a doctor. It takes at least three months of consistent daily use to see results for hair loss.

How Is Finasteride Administered for Male Pattern Baldness and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Finasteride Dosage Information

Finasteride 1mg and 5mg are made using the same active ingredient, but the 1mg pill is used to treat hair loss caused as a result of the androgen hormone dihydrotestosterone, while the 5mg pill is prescribed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Side Effects

Please note that these are not exhaustive lists of side effects; always read the package inserts and speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional to understand the potential side effects of your treatment with Propecia or Finasteride.

What are the Most Common Side Effects of Propecia?

Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Impotence
Ejaculation disorder

Are There Any Potential Serious Side Effects of Propecia?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

Allergic reactions
Testicular pain
Infertility
Male breast cancer
Breast enlargement and tenderness
Hives or skin rash
Weight gain
Reduced sperm count

What are the Most Common Side Effects of Finasteride?

Decreased sex drive
Trouble getting or keeping an erection
Ejaculation disorder
Skin rash
Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men)

Are There Any Potential Serious Side Effects of Finasteride?

Testicular pain
Male infertility
Persistent erectile dysfunction
Premature ejaculation
Low sex drive
Depression

Contradictions and Interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Propecia and Finasteride

The medication should only be used as directed by a doctor.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets or the medication as it can be absorbed through the skin and cause harm to the developing fetus.
Men who have a history of allergic reactions to Finasteride should not take the medication.
Men who take Finasteride should inform their healthcare provider before having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, as Finasteride can affect the results of the test.
Finasteride and Propecia can increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer, and men should discuss the risks and benefits of taking the medication with their healthcare provider.
Finasteride should be used with caution in men with liver disease.
The medication may interact with other medications, including herbal supplements, and it is important to inform the doctor of all medications being taken.
The medication should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, and out of reach of children.

Contradictions and Important Interactions for Propecia and Finasteride

Contraindications

Propecia

This tablet is not meant to be used by women and children.

Women who are pregnant should not touch broken or crushed tablets.

Propecia can cause defects at birth in male babies.

Men over 18 years of age can use Propecia.

Finasteride

Finasteride should not be used by women or children.

Women who are pregnant should not touch broken or crushed tablets.

Finasteride can cause defects at birth in male babies.

Men over 18 years of age can use Finasteride.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Propecia

(only major/potentially severe interactions listed here; further information on Propecia interactions)

Adderall
Ambien (zolpidem)
Cialis (tadalafil)
Crestor
Fish Oil
Gabapentin

Finasteride

(only major/potentially severe interactions listed here; further information on Finasteride interactions)

Adderall
Ambien (zolpidem)
Cialis (tadalafil)
Crestor
Fish Oil
Gabapentin

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Propecia

Alcohol should not be taken with Propecia as it will negate the entire treatment.

Finasteride

Alcohol should not be taken with Finasteride as it will negate the entire treatment.

Cost Comparision

How Much Do Propecia and Finasteride Cost?

Based on the given search results, the cost of Propecia and Finasteride can vary depending on factors such as insurance coverage and the pharmacy where the medication is purchased.

Here is what you need to know:

A 30-day supply of 1 mg tablets of Finasteride costs $31.30.
A 30-day supply of 3 mg tablets of Finasteride costs $12.42.
A 30-day supply of 1mg tablets of Propecia costs $130.68.
When compared to the price of brand-name versions, such as Propecia, Finasteride is the cheaper alternative.
The cost of Finasteride is covered by insurance plans when prescribed for an enlarged prostate. However, coverage for male pattern hair loss may vary.
Generic versions of Finasteride can be used to save money.

Popularity of Propecia and Finasteride

According to research, Propecia and Finasteride are popular hair loss treatments among men. 50 million men in the US alone undergo hair loss. However, the good news is that Finasteride, when used every day, has been proven highly effective as a daily treatment for slowing the progression of hair loss and promoting its growth.

Both Propecia and Finasteride have the same active ingredient and are effective in treating male pattern baldness. Finasteride is sold at a considerably lower price and maybe a cheaper alternative to Propecia.

Statistics from 2020 show that these two drugs were the top 90 drugs to be used in the US.

Conclusion

Takeaway

In conclusion, Propecia and Finasteride are both popular pills used to treat hair loss in men. Both these medicines are formulated with the same active ingredient and have been proven to stop hair loss and promote hair growth in men.

The only difference between the two pills is that Propecia is a brand-name medication, which makes it more expensive than Finasteride- a generic version of the same medicine which is sold at a lower price. Both these pills have some side effects and cannot be sold without a prescription. Hence, before you make a decision to start these pills, make sure to take your healthcare provider into consideration.

To sum it all up, individuals can choose between Propecia and Finasteride depending on their personal preferences and insurance coverage.