Finasteride is the brand name for the active ingredient in the prescription drug Propecia, a medication used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). The drug's active ingredient, finasteride, is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which is used to inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss.
Proscar works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair, leading to hair loss. Finasteride is available in a generic form, and comes in a range of strengths to help manage symptoms of hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at finasteride vs Proscar and answer common questions about its effectiveness, side effects, and how it compares to other hair loss medications.
Finasteride, the generic version of Proscar, has been linked to a number of adverse effects that can occur due to its use. These side effects may include:
These side effects are generally mild and tend to resolve on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss. DHT binds to receptors found in the scalp hair follicles, which can affect how these follicles respond to DHT.
When DHT attaches to these receptors, it causes the hair follicles to shrink. As a result, the hair follicles stop producing hair and become less healthy, resulting in hair loss. It is important to note that DHT is not an aphrodisiac; it is a specific and non-hormonal substance. The result is that finasteride may cause hair loss by reducing DHT levels.
While finasteride is not generally considered a safe medication for hair loss, it has been shown to have some potential benefits. Propecia, the generic version of Proscar, is effective at treating androgenetic alopecia, and its effectiveness in treating male pattern baldness has been proven to be similar to that of finasteride.
However, as with any medication, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects that may occur. These can include:
While there are some rare side effects that may occur with finasteride, it's important to note that these side effects are generally mild and tend to resolve on their own.
Medically reviewed by Jessica Swirble, PharmDLast updated on March 26, 2025
Drug Information| | |
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men. It is thought to work by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair loss.
Proscar is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men.
Propecia is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men.
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) on the internet. It is a prescription medicine for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Generic Status
Cited as A2Ccreift medication, Finasteride can be used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men.
Propecia is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness. It contains the active ingredient finasteride, which works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Propecia is available in the UK and can be purchased from reputable pharmacies that require a prescription. However, it is important to note that Propecia is not a cure for male pattern baldness and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It is also important to consult with your doctor before starting any new medication, especially if you have a history of other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Before starting any new medication, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your needs. They can provide guidance on dosage and potential side effects, as well as provide guidance on potential interactions with other medications you are taking. If you have any questions or concerns about starting Propecia, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits.
If you are considering buying Propecia from a pharmacy, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with purchasing medication from a pharmacy. These risks include:
It is important to note that Propecia can interact with certain other medications, such as certain heart medications, and should not be taken with these medications. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage, usage, and potential side effects of Propecia.
If you are concerned about side effects of Propecia, it is important to discuss these with your doctor. They can provide guidance on potential risks and provide personalized recommendations.
Show moreBuying Propecia online is easy and convenient. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with buying medication from a legitimate pharmacy. Some online pharmacies may sell counterfeit medications, making it difficult to identify authentic medications. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of potential legal issues and the need for verification from regulatory bodies like the Pharmacy Checker Verification Program.
If you have any questions or concerns about purchasing medication online, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to understand the risks associated with this medication. They can provide guidance on safe and effective use and potential side effects.
In conclusion, Propecia is an effective medication for hair loss treatment, and its potential side effects are generally well-tolerated. However, it is important to be cautious when purchasing medication from an online pharmacy. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication, especially if you have a history of other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Like any medication, Propecia can cause side effects. These may include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or recommend alternative treatments. They may also monitor for side effects, including:
It is important to note that Propecia may interact with certain medications and conditions. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies, before starting treatment with Propecia. They will be able to provide you with information about potential risks and benefits, as well as provide guidance on safe and effective use.
In conclusion, Propecia can be an effective medication for hair loss treatment, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
In adult men, Proscar is used to decrease an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It can be used alone or in combination with other medications to alleviate BPH symptoms and possibly avoid surgery. Proscar (Finasteride) may help with BPH symptoms by reducing the need to urinate, improving urine flow with less straining, reducing the sense that the bladder isn't empty, and reducing overnight urination.
This medication works by lowering the quantity of DHT, a natural body hormone that drives prostate growth. Proscar isn't approved for prostate cancer prevention. It may raise the risk of acquiring a very dangerous form of prostate cancer by a small amount.
Keep a list of everything you use (including prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals, as well as herbal products) and discuss it with your doctor and pharmacist. Without your doctor's permission, do not begin, stop, or modify the dosage of any medications. The findings of a blood test used to identify prostate cancer may be influenced by this medicine (prostatic-specific antigen or PSA levels).
Safety and Common Side Effects:While Proscar is generally safe and well-tolerated by most men, it may cause some side effects in some women. Common side effects of Proscar may include:
armaSide effectsFinasteride - ETell your doctor if you are not sure. This is important for this medicine (prostatic-specific antigen or PSA) to be expressed. While Proscar is generally considered relatively harmless in man, it could lead to serious problems in pregnant women, especially if applied directly to the prostate. Prostatic-specific antigen or PSA is a laboratory test that identifies prostates that are healthy enough for sex. PSA is made up of the same medicines as sex hormones, such as testosterone, but is less toxic than tests such as the blood test.
Male pattern baldness is an age-related progression of male pattern baldness to some degree after age 50. It can be a consequence of genetic predisposition androgens. Male pattern baldness occurs in approximately 5-10% of all men between the ages of 40 and 70. Male pattern baldness is characterized by the growth of hair follicles and the development of an enlarged prostate, which can lead to serious health problems. Finasteride is the first-line treatment for male pattern baldness, but it is not for all patients. It is used to reduce the risk of recurrence of male pattern baldness. Finasteride also has the potential to be used as part of the treatment of male pattern baldness. It should not be taken in combination with other drugs because it can lead to synergistic results.
Male pattern baldness can also be treated with Finasteride (Propecia®), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss in many men. DHT plays a role in the development of male pattern baldness by shrinking hair follicles and encouraging hair growth. It is usually used as a first-line therapy. The recommended dose is 1 mg daily for 1-2 years. Finasteride should be discontinued after a minimum of 6 months. Patients should be advised to take a break for at least 3 months to prevent hair loss.
Male pattern baldness can also be treated with Finasteride (Proscar®), a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.