Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. Symptoms may include noticeable thinning of hair volume, a receding hairline and visible bald spots, which can appear in your late teens or early adulthood.
Fortunately, advancements in modern medicine have led to the availability of treatments that can slow and even reverse the effects of male pattern baldness. Drugs such as finasteride and Propecia are both commonly used as treatments to combat this issue. However, there seems to be some general confusion between the two.
We explain the key differences between finasteride and Propecia and how to choose the best one for you.
What is Propecia?
Propecia is a brand-name drug manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Merck and Co. In the 1980s, Merck and Co. were developing a solution for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and, in their research, concluded that the active ingredients used in their treatment for BPH were also remarkably effective at reversing male pattern baldness.
Studies showed that men who take the drug daily as recommended had significant signs of hair recovery. Eventually, in 2014, the license to manufacture Propecia expired, and other manufacturers can now produce it.
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is the active ingredient used in Propecia. When Merck and Co. lost the licensing rights for Propecia, other manufacturers were allowed to make generic Propecia. Thus, finasteride is the same drug as Propecia without branding.
Finasteride is sold as brand-name drugs such as Propecia and Proscar, among others. Propecia is prescribed at lower doses and is used to treat male pattern baldness, whereas Proscar is prescribed at higher doses and is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Finasteride functions the same way as Propecia – by inhibiting the enzyme 5-α-reductase that works to convert testosterone in the body to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The accumulation of DHT causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in thinner hair. By stopping DHT production, finasteride tackles the problem at the root cause and slows hair loss in men.
Propecia vs finasteride dosage
Over-the-counter Propecia is sold strictly in 1 mg tablets, which is the adequate daily recommended dosage. Finasteride, on the other hand, comes in both 1 mg and 5 mg tablets. The 1 mg finasteride tablet is equivalent to one Propecia tablet. The 5 mg tablet is not meant to treat hair loss but, instead, to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Propecia vs finasteride effectiveness
Both Propecia and finasteride are similar in effectiveness. Using either drug will net the same decrease in DHT levels and, subsequently, the same amount of hair growth. Essentially, these drugs are functionally the same.
Propecia vs finasteride side effects
Because Propecia and Finasteride have the same active ingredient, they also share similar side effects. These side effects include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction and skin rashes.
Besides this, Propecia and finasteride both contain different binding inactive ingredients used in the process of forming the drugs. Although rare, consumers may show allergic reactions to these inactive ingredients. Thus consulting a doctor before taking the medication is highly advised.
However, the risk of experiencing said side effects are extremely low.
Propecia vs finasteride cost
Propecia and finasteride differ significantly when it comes to price. Propecia is a brand name and is considerably more expensive per tablet. So when you’re paying for Propecia, you’re also paying for the brand. Finasteride, however, is much cheaper as generic drugs aren’t tied to any specific brand.
In Malaysia, Propecia costs RM170, while finasteride can be purchased at RM66 – RM85.
How long does it take for propecia or finasteride to work?
Taking one tablet every day to ensure hair follicle development. However, it will take 3 to 4 months of continuous use to see noticeable benefits and up to a year for maximum results.
Is finasteride the same as propecia?
Technically, both are identical when it comes to function. Finasteride and Propecia share the same active ingredients but may differ in binding agents, depending on the manufacturer’s discretion.
Which is better, Propecia or finasteride?
Both Propecia and finasteride will get the job done regardless of your choice. However, generic drugs are cheaper and just as effective when compared to their branded counterparts.
One concern when using cheaper generic drugs is that they may be of lower quality. This, however, is far from the case, as the FDA regulations are in place to ensure that generic drugs have equal effectiveness and safety as brand-name drugs.
Can you switch from Propecia to finasteride?
Yes, you can. There are virtually no adverse effects from switching from Propecia to finasteride. However, consultation from a licensed clinician is advised as this allows the best decision based on your health and personal circumstances.
Conclusion
Finapecia (generic finasteride) from andSons is the way to go if you want to get medication to treat male pattern baldness. The product is highly effective at treating male pattern baldness and is approved by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH).
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice.
Book a consultation with andSons Malaysia’s medical team to learn more about hair loss conditions and available treatments here.
