Generic Finasteride vs Propecia

by Marie | Sep 7, 2018 | hair loss | 0 comments

When treating the progression of hair pattern baldness, we try various options if we are not satisfied with one. Finasteride and Propecia are pretty common in reversing the trend of hair fall to a good extent. Many people wonder if both of these solutions are the same and if they should stick to one of them or if they can interchange. Well, in terms of medicinal effect, both Finasteride and Propecia are almost similar. Here is a brief description of the formulation and effects of both products.

The problem of male pattern baldness:

Hair loss in men is a result of androgenic alopecia, in which men eventually lose 60-70% of hair stands, and this condition seems to be irreversible. Pattern baldness can be caused by genetic inheritance, environmental factors, hormonal disorders, malnutrition, medication, and/or illness. Hair loss in men begins with hair thinning and receding hairline from the front area, and it gradually progresses to create a bald surface. It looks like the baldness area has become wider over the years.

A genetic mutation of hair follicles is caused by the deficiency of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) deficiency. Male pattern baldness is broadly caused by the conversion of the hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, which affects the hair follicles, weakening them to fall easily. Genes of a man determine how rapidly and how early hair fall begins. Propecia 1mg is an effective remedy to reverse this trend.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that can reduce the levels of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Less production of this enzyme means less conversion of testosterone dihydrotestosterone. Therefore, hair follicles are neither so weakened nor shrunken. Furthermore, reducing the incidence of follicles’ shrinking would help them remain healthy and naturally thick.

In a clinical trial, finasteride 1 mg was administered to some people with mild to moderate hair loss, and they showed satisfactory results by successfully retaining the existing hair strands. In contrast, some people not given this drug showed wider hair pattern baldness within the same period.

The differences between Propecia and Finasteride:

Propecia is an anti-hair fall drug manufactured by Merck. It is widely recommended for the treatment of male pattern baldness. It has finasteride as an active ingredient. One tablet of finasteride 1 mg is a bit different from its brand name, Propecia, and contains various inactive ingredients, including finasteride. The effects of Propecia and Proscar are almost the same, and both have this ingredient. Some generic anti-hair fall drugs have 5 mg, and some have 1.25 mg of finasteride in one tablet. If you break down the active ingredients of Propecia and Proscar, finasteride remains the same in different dosages.

Similarities between Propecia and Finasteride:

Finasteride can be formulated with various inactive ingredients and sold as a generic medication to prevent the progression of male hair pattern baldness. Propecia contains 1 mg of finasteride. Users can switch from Propecia 1 mg to generic finasteride, and their effects will not differ. It is recommended to take only one drug at the same time. Users can sometimes take finasteride and the topical medication minoxidil (Rogaine) to combat dandruff. If you are satisfied with the result of Propecia, there is no need to change the medication to prevent hair loss.