If you are sourcing for drugs to treat androgenetic alopecia commonly known as male pattern baldness, there is a great possibility the names Finasteride and Propecia will pop up. Finasteride and Propecia are some of the most popular drugs for the treatment of male pattern baldness.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is both the name of a drug used for the treatment of hair loss and the active ingredient in the drug. Finasteride has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Dutasteride is used to treat BPH.
The generic Finasteride used for the treatment of male pattern baldness contains 1 mg of Finasteride (the active ingredient). Because it is a generic name, there are a number of producers. Furthermore, the drug is available over-the-counter at drug stores and pharmacies.
The active ingredient Finasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound. Finasteride is a specific inhibitor of steroid Type II 5?-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5?-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Physically, Finasteride appears as a white crystalline powder with a melting point near 250°C. It is freely soluble in chloroform and in lower alcohol solvents but is practically insoluble in water. N-tert-Butyl-3-oxo-4-aza-5?-androst-1-ene-17?-carboxamide is the chemical name of Finasteride.
Finasteride Tablets for Effective Hair Loss Treatment can be bought over the counter in the UK.
What is Propecia?
On the other hand, is Propecia, which is a branded drug containing Finasteride as the active ingredient. Unlike regular Finasteride, Propecia tablets are film-coated tablets and are administered orally.
Similar to generic Finasteride, each tablet of Propecia contains 1 mg of Finasteride. Propecia (1 mg) is manufactured by Merck and Co. Pharmaceutical Company. Unlike generic Finasteride, Propecia contains a number of inactive ingredients.The inactive ingredients found in the drug include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, titanium dioxide, magnesium stearate, talc, docusate sodium, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide.
What is the Difference Between Propecia or Generic Finasteride?
Both generic Finasteride and Propecia contain 1 mg of Finasteride. The major differences between the generic Finasteride and the branded Propecia are in the inactive ingredients in the drugs, such as the ingredients that bind the drug together in tablet form.
Technically, because they contain the same active ingredient in the same dosage, there should be no difference in results between the two. However, there have been reports that one drug works better than the other, for others it is a case of which formulation works best for their particular body chemistry.
Another noticeable difference is in their pricing. Because Finasteride is the generic drug, it costs less than the branded Propecia manufactured by Merck. As already stated, there is little to no difference in the difference reported from users of both hair loss treatment drugs.
Some men start with Propecia, and if they’re pleased with the progress but chagrined at the expense, will switch over to the generic with no problem. Either way, there’s no reason to wait, because the sooner the medication is started during the balding process (when follicles are still more active), the better the results tend to be.
Finasteride and Propecia: How Are They Used?
Both drugs work pretty much the same and are administered in a similar fashion, orally that is. Both drugs can be taken with or without food. Finasteride and Propecia should be taken only once a day, or as directed by your doctor.
The drug should be taken regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Doctors usually advise that they are taken at almost the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Finasteride may take 6-12 months to notice a benefit.
Getting the Best Results from Generic Finasteride or Propecia
Whether you opt for the branded Propecia or the generic Finasteride, you must take it every day to see results. Taking both drugs at the time of day to ensure a steadier level of the drug in the body. In general, the best results are achieved by men who begin taking either of the drugs early in the balding process.
Some men get better results when they use Finasteride as well as the topical medication minoxidil (Rogaine), while some see better results when they use anti-dandruff shampoo containing the ingredient ketoconazole (Nizoral).
Who Cannot Take These Drugs?
Finasteride and Propecia are not prescribed for everybody suffering from hair loss.
Because the active ingredient Finasteride may be passed through the skin, pregnant women and women who plan to become pregnant in the near future shouldn’t handle this drug. Handling Finasteride during pregnancy could cause birth defects.
Other people who cannot take Finasteride include children, women who are breastfeeding, people with liver disease, prostate cancer, or individuals taking medications that Finasteride can interfere with.