Finasteride vs Propecia: Key Differences Explained

Male pattern baldness is a common problem, affecting 6.5 million men in the UK. However, there are several over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil and prescription medications available to help improve your hairline or prevent further loss.

When it comes to prescription hair loss treatments, you may be considering choosing between generic finasteride vs Propecia.

Finasteride and Propecia are key players for hair loss in the UK, but they are essentially the same medication. Here, we’ll help you understand the key differences between these hair loss treatments to help you make the right decision for your health.

Finasteride is an effective prescription-only hair loss treatment for male pattern baldness that works for up to 90% of men. It belongs to a class of medications called type-2 5-alpha reductase inhibitors which work by reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp.

DHT is a hormone that’s important for the sexual development of men. However, high levels of DHT in your hair follicles contributes to hair loss because it shrinks your hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride reverses the hair loss process.

Finasteride is available for hair loss in 1mg tablets which is taken once a day, but only on a private prescription. It was originally prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that causes an enlarged prostate in men, in 1992. It is still prescribed for this use but in a higher 5mg dose.

Propecia is the branded version of finasteride. It works in exactly the same way as generic finasteride, by blocking the production of DHT in the hair follicles to reverse its effects on male pattern baldness. Propecia is available in 1mg film-coated tablets with the usual dose being 1 tablet per day.

Like generic finasteride, Propecia is only available on a private prescription. It is manufactured by Merck and Co.

Although finasteride and Propecia contain the same active ingredient, there are a few differences you should be aware of before committing to treatment with one or the other. The main difference is the cost and this can be a deciding factor when choosing the best hair loss treatment for you.

The key similarities and differences between finasteride and Propecia are shown in the table below:

Propecia vs finasteride effectiveness

Because generic finasteride and Propecia contain the same active ingredient, they work in exactly the same way to treat hair loss. Research shows that treatment with finasteride or Propecia over 5 years resulted in:

• hair loss improvements in 48% of men
• unchanged hair loss in 42% of men

A further study found that after 48 weeks, finasteride (Propecia) increased anagen hair counts. That is hair that is in its growing phase and resulted in a 47% improvement in anagen to telogen ratio compared to a placebo. So, this means that the active ingredient in Propecia, finasteride, promotes hair growth.

Generic finasteride vs Propecia cost

Propecia is more expensive than generic finasteride because it is a brand name. Despite containing the same active ingredients, branded medications are usually more expensive because of things like extensive marketing and advertising campaigns, which impact their cost, and because brands tend to charge more for the brand name. Generic medications, like finasteride, do not require brand recognition, keeping their costs lower.

The cost comparison of finasteride and Propecia from Superdrug Online Doctor is shown below:

Propecia side effects vs finasteride

Both Propecia and finasteride have similar potential side effects because they share the same active ingredient.

Uncommon side effects (affecting up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• erectile dysfunction and loss of interest in sex
• ejaculation issues, like little or no semen

In most men, these side effects go away once you stop taking the medication. However, if you are concerned about any side effects while taking finasteride or Propecia, speak to your doctor for advice.

Propecia vs finasteride availability

Neither Propecia or generic finasteride are available on the NHS. Instead, you must have a private prescription to obtain either one. You can request Propecia or generic finasteride from online doctor services like Superdrug Online Doctor following a short online hair loss consultation.

Choosing whether finasteride or Propecia is best for you can be difficult, but considering the following factors will help:

Cost

If the price of treatment is an issue for you, then finasteride may be a more suitable option because generic medications are generally less expensive than branded versions.

Preference

Some people prefer the reassurance of a trusted brand which may make them lean towards Propecia. However, it is important to note that both finasteride and Propecia are equally effective and safe hair loss treatments.

Understanding that Propecia and finasteride contain the same active ingredients, work in exactly the same way, and are equally safe and effective means you have to choose between the cost and branding differences. Whichever you choose, Superdrug Online Doctor can help you get the best hair loss treatment to fit your individual needs.