If you’re in the process of researching the ideal hair loss treatment to begin, you’ve probably come across Propecia and Finasteride. Both have been clinically proven as effective hair loss treatments, so it prompts the question – what’s the difference between them? Here we take a closer look at these two medications and help you decide on the best course of treatment for your hair loss.
Propecia and generic Finasteride
Finasteride and Propecia are both prescription medications that are widely used to treat male pattern hair loss. In fact, they’re both the same medication, as Propecia is the branded name for Finasteride. Propecia is manufactured and distributed by Merck & Co, which is why it is sometimes referred to as Merck Propecia, while Finasteride is the medical term for the generic medication.
Branded medication is common in all walks of life and is something that big pharma companies regularly look to exploit. In fact, there’s another example in the hair loss industry that’s worth mentioning here. Minoxidil is another clinically proven medication for treating male pattern baldness, but it is also retailed as Rogaine, which is the brand name given to the medication by Johnson & Johnson. Generally speaking, branded medications are more expensive, but they consist of practically the same ingredients and deliver very similar (if not identical) results. Therefore, there isn’t really any difference between Finasteride and Propecia other than the price.
Can you use Propecia and Finasteride to treat male pattern hair loss?
Whether you go for generic Finasteride or Propecia, you can be confident that the treatment will effectively treat male pattern baldness. Studies have found Finasteride to be one of the most effective treatments for hair loss in men, as it blocks the growth of DHT, which is the growth hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss. For instance, in a two-year trial, researchers found that just 1mg of Finasteride daily slowed the progression of hair loss in men.
Therefore, when taken consistently and over a sustained period of time, Finasteride can effectively combat the growth of DHT in your hair. As Finasteride and Propecia consist of 1mg of the same medication, you can really opt for either when undertaking your hair loss treatment. For the best possible results, consider combining Finasteride with Minoxidil and other hair loss products, as you will give your hair the nutrients it needs to thrive once again.
The verdict
Ultimately, Finasteride and Propecia are the same. Finasteride is the name of the medication, while Propecia is the branded form of the drug sold by Merck. As is the case with most branded medications, Propecia tends to be more expensive than Finasteride, although you might find exceptions to this rule. Whichever you opt for, you can be confident that they will both block DHT and contribute positively to the health of your hair, so either can work well for treating hair loss.
One final thing to note is that Finasteride is a prescription medication, so you will need to consult a doctor before starting your treatment. Following your appointment, you can get started with your treatment and add the likes of Minoxidil to your plan, providing your hair with the best possible chance of recovering from male pattern hair loss, which is an attractive proposition for all men.