What Is the Difference Between Finasteride and Propecia?

Table of Contents

• Are Finasteride and Propecia the Same?
• Does the Dosage Differ?
• Which is More Expensive?
• Do Finasteride and Propecia Have Similar Side Effects?
• Which is More Effective for Hair Loss?
• Should I take Finasteride or Propecia?

Are Finasteride and Propecia the Same?

Finasteride is an active ingredient in medication for treating male androgenetic alopecia. This active ingredient belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and works by blocking the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can contribute to hair loss. Finasteride is also the generic unbranded name form of the medication.

Propecia is the brand name for Finasteride, used to treat mild to moderate cases of male androgenetic alopecia. It is owned by Organon, a division of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD). It contains the active ingredient, Finasteride as well as other inactive ingredients such as lactose, microcrystalline cellulose E460, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium starch glycolate and docusate sodium to name a few. [1] 

Both Finasteride and Propecia work in the same way by blocking the body’s production of DHT. For this reason, these two medications are only prescribed to men and are not recommended for use by women or children.

Does the Dosage Differ?

Both Finasteride and Propecia are only available through a prescription and come in the form of film-coated tablets for treating male androgenetic alopecia. The usual dosage of Finasteride and Propecia is one 1mg tablet taken once a day, with water. [2]

Taking more than the recommended dosage does not necessarily lead to better or quicker results, it can increase the risk of side effects. Furthermore, missed doses or discontinued use can cause DHT levels to rise and the previous pattern of hair loss can return. Therefore, taking the medication consistently around the same time every day is crucial. 

Which is More Expensive?

In general, Finasteride and Propecia can be costly because they are both private prescription medications and, therefore, are not available on the NHS. [3] Patients may need to pay the full price for the medication if they want to combat male androgenetic alopecia. 

Propecia is the branded version of Finasteride, which tends to be more expensive than unbranded Finasteride. As of August 2024, leading pharmacies in the UK charge between £14 to £28 for a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg (4-week supply). At Chemist Click, a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg starts at £13.89.

On the other hand, a 28-tablet box of Propecia 1mg can cost between £40 and £60, depending on the pharmacy. For instance, a 28-tablet box of Propecia 1mg starts from £49.99 at Chemist Click. 

Do Finasteride and Propecia Have Similar Side Effects?

As Finasteride and Propecia have the same active ingredient and require the same dosage, they have similar potential side effects. 

Common side effects include:

• Low sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased ejaculate volume

Uncommon side effects include:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Nipple discharge
• Testicle pain
• Rash
• Depression

Finasteride and Propecia are relatively safe and well-tolerated medications, even for long-term use. Not everyone who takes Finasteride or Propecia will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, they usually go away after a while.

If side effects become concerning or do not disappear, speak with your healthcare provider. Some research has shown there may be an increased risk of breast cancer amongst male Finasteride users in rare cases. According to the 2009 MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) Public Assessment Report, 3 cases of male breast cancer were reported worldwide with the use of 1mg Finasteride. The report suggests there was a link between male breast cancer occurring more frequently in Finasteride users than in non-users. [3]

Like other medications, some users may have an allergic reaction to Finasteride or Propecia tablets. If any user experiences swelling, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, discontinue use and seek medical help.

Which is More Effective for Hair Loss?

Despite unbranded Finasteride being more affordable than Propecia, they are just as effective as each other. Users of either Finasteride or Propecia can expect to see a noticeable decrease in hair loss and improvement in hair growth after 3 to 6 months of accurate use.

No research suggests that one medication is more effective than the other in treating male androgenetic alopecia. Both Finasteride and Propecia contain the same active ingredient and have been shown to deliver effective results in clinical trials. 

In one clinical trial, 48% of male Finasteride users showed hair growth improvement after 1 year, compared to 7% of users who received a placebo. After two years, 66% of the men reported further improvement in hair growth. 90% of the male Finasteride users either maintained or sustained visible improvement in scalp coverage over 5 years. [5]

Another clinical study shows a significant increase in hair growth amongst male Propecia users with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. 65% of male Propecia users reported an increase in hair growth, compared with 37% of those on placebo after 1 year. The improvement in hair growth was maintained over 5 years. [6]

Should I Take Finasteride or Propecia?

Whether you take Finasteride or Propecia, you will receive the same benefits. It is not advised to take Finasteride and Propecia at the same time. Similar to taking more than the recommended dosage, it can increase the chances of side effects. 

As we have discovered, the biggest differences between Finasteride and Propecia are the brand name recognition, the inactive ingredients (which may vary) and the cost. While unbranded Finasteride is less expensive, it may be preferred by those on a strict budget. Other individuals may feel more comfortable taking Propecia over unbranded Finasteride because it is UK-licensed and seems more trustworthy.

Before you start taking Finasteride or Propecia, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your specific hair loss condition and determine the right prescription.

Sources

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Propecia 1 mg Film-Coated Tablets. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2194
2. NHS (n.d.). How and When to Take Finasteride. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/how-and-when-to-take-finasteride/
3. NHS (n.d.). About Finasteride. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/about-finasteride/
4. MHRA (2009). MHRA Public Assessment Report: The Risk Of Male Breast Cancer With Finasteride. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5df7610c40f0b60959adc737/Finasteride_risk_of_male_breast_cancer.pdf
5. Science Direct (2015). Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss). Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357
6. Merk & Co. (2010). Propecia. Retrieved on 21st August 2024, from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020788s018lbl.pdf

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.