Propecia Vs Finasteride: Generic Or Branded, That's The Question

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on April 20, 2022

Losing your hair and worrying about what's the best product and medication to use? Well, first of all, you are not alone in this! Hair loss is prevalent among both men and women. 

Secondly, thanks to science, there are many treatments out there to slow down and, at times, reverse the process of hair loss.

Finasteride is among the popular options to address hair loss. It is convenient to use and effective. Finasteride comes as a branded and generic version.

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Our question in this article is the difference between branded and generic finasteride. 

If generic finasteride vs branded is how you got to this page, you are in the right place. 

This is what we are going to talk about in this article:

- What is Propecia?

- What is finasteride?

- Are they different, and how?

- Branded medicine vs generic medicine

- Final words: How to know which one is best for you?

NOTE: Pregnant women, or women who are planning to get pregnant, should not take finasteride (Propecia) or even touch the broken pill. Finasteride can cause congenital disabilities.

What Is Propecia?

Propecia is the name of the medication that treats male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It comes as tablets and therefore is taken orally. Propecia is taken by men ONLY.

Propecia decreases a hormone called DHT. Hair loss slows down when this hormone decreases, and hair might grow back. Propecia affects the crown and in the middle of the scalp and not all body parts.

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What Is Finasteride?

Finasteride is the name of the active ingredient in Propecia. It is also the name of the generic version of Propecia, which is what we are talking about in this article.

Finasteride comes as oral tablets and is used to address hair loss in men. Women and children should not use finasteride and Propecia. Finasteride is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

Remember, Both finasteride and Propecia are only effective as long as they are used. Once you stop taking them, their effect fades away gradually.

Finasteride blocks the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme causes the prostate to enlarge, or it also causes hair loss in males. 

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Finasteride stops this enzyme, treats BPH and helps the hair on the scalp to grow. Finasteride doesn't cause the hair to grow in other body parts.

This drug is available in different doses for the conditions above and is only available by prescription.

Read more: The Right Finasteride Dose For You: Dosage Guide

Are They Different, and How?

What is the difference between Propecia and finasteride? To answer short: Nothing much! There is no difference, except for the price! 

Propecia is a brand! You pay the price for the branded version. But, the benefits, the effect on the body, the side effects and the drug interactions are precisely the same!

Remember, Both finasteride and Propecia are only effective as long as they are used. Once you stop taking them, their effect fades away gradually.

Read more: Can Finasteride Cause ED? Finasteride Warning And Precautions To Know

Branded Medicine vs Generic Medicine

Branded medicine and generic ones are always the same, except for their price. The branded medicines are named after their main manufacturers, and the generic versions are named after the active ingredient in the medication.

Final Words: How To Know Which One Is Best for You?

Which one is best for you, generic or branded finasteride? As mentioned above in detail, they are exactly the same. So, if it is important for you to get the branded version, go for it! 

But, if you don't care about the brand, generic finasteride is just as good and effective, and it has the same side effects.

Read more: How To Use Finasteride For Hair Loss: A Complete Guide

If you are wondering what medication is best for your condition and if finasteride (branded or generic) is the best fit, know that you need to consult with your doctor. 

Do not take this or any other ED medication on your own, and do not mix and match! It can be extremely dangerous. 

If you don't feel comfortable talking to your own doctor and pharmacist about this particular issue, contact UPGUYS today, and we'll help you out! We have a collection of medications for you, and our doctors walk you through everything you need to know!