What’s better for hair loss, Propecia or finasteride? They're actually the same medication. Finasteride is the active ingredient, while Propecia is the brand name.
So, is there any difference between these two products at all? Read on to find out.
Propecia vs finasteride: Key differences
Let’s take a look at finasteride and Propecia head-to-head.
FYI: When a drug is sold without a brand name, it’s called a generic medicine.
The main thing that sets Propecia and finasteride apart is price. Brand-name medicines typically cost 30-60% more than generic ones. Also, finasteride is licensed as a treatment for an enlarged prostate as well as hair loss.
How do results differ?
They don’t. Propecia and finasteride are the same drug. That means scientific research looking into finasteride hair loss would apply to Propecia, too.
- After 12 months, men on finasteride had 107 more hairs within a 1-inch diameter circle on their scalp.
- Finasteride can regrow hair on all areas of the scalp affected by male pattern baldness.
- 80.5% of men using finasteride for hair loss saw improvements after a year.
So, how long does finasteride take to work? Most people start noticing changes within 3-6 months. But it can take up to a year for results to peak.
Side effects: finasteride vs Propecia
Since Propecia and finasteride are the same medication, they have identical side effects.
Possible side effects include:
- Trouble having an erection
- Low libido
- Problems with ejaculation
- Breast tissue growth (gynaecomastia)
- Low mood or depressive symptoms
Not everyone experiences these side effects. If you do, let your provider know. Your dose can be adjusted or you can switch to an alternative formulation or treatment. When side effects do occur, they typically improve over time, and for most people, they resolve after stopping or switching treatment.
Some men also look up post-finasteride syndrome; our guide on this topic explains what is known and what isn’t.
Why is Propecia more expensive?
When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, they hold an exclusive patent for a set period. This allows them to recoup research and development costs by pricing the branded medication higher.
Once the patent expires, other companies can produce generic versions. These generics contain the same active ingredient and work identically, but cost less because the manufacturers don't need to cover the original research costs.
This is why generic finasteride costs less than branded Propecia, despite being the same medication.
When might a clinician recommend the branded product?
In the UK, generic finasteride is the standard route. It contains the same active ingredient as Propecia and works identically, but costs significantly less.
However, generic and branded medications can contain different inactive ingredients (such as fillers or coatings). In rare cases, if someone has an allergy to an inactive ingredient in the generic version, they may be prescribed Propecia instead.
Personal preference also matters. Some people feel more comfortable starting with the branded version because it's what they've heard of, then switch to generic later. Others choose generic from the start. Both are valid choices.
How to choose what’s best for you
Both generic finasteride and Propecia work identically. Here's what to consider:
- Cost. The branded version will be more expensive. At MANUAL, we offer generic finasteride.
- Personal preference. Some people prefer starting with the branded version for reassurance, though most switch to generic once they're comfortable with treatment.
Ready to get your hair back? Take our quiz to find out which scientifically-proven treatment is right for you.
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