Propecia vs. Finasteride: Is There a Difference?

If you're researching hair loss treatments, you've likely come across Propecia and Finasteride. Both are clinically proven to treat male pattern hair loss, but is there a real difference between them? Let’s break it down.

 

Are Propecia and Finasteride the Same?

 

Yes, Propecia and generic Finasteride are the same medication. Propecia is the brand name version of Finasteride, originally developed and marketed by Merck & Co. It contains 1mg of Finasteride per tablet, which is the standard dose for treating male pattern baldness.

Just like Minoxidil is also known as Rogaine, Propecia is simply a branded version of Finasteride. The active ingredient is identical in both, meaning they work in exactly the same way.

 

How Do They Treat Hair Loss?

 

Both Propecia and Finasteride work by blocking DHT, the hormone responsible for hair follicle shrinkage in men with male pattern baldness. Studies show that consistent use of 1mg Finasteride can slow hair loss and even encourage regrowth in some men.

For best results, Finasteride is often used alongside Minoxidil, which stimulates blood flow to the scalp and supports hair growth.

 

Which One Should You Choose?

 

The key difference between Propecia and generic Finasteride is the price. Since Propecia is a branded medication, it typically costs 2-3 times more than generic Finasteride, even though both contain the same active ingredient and deliver the same results.

For this reason, generic Finasteride is the smarter choice—it’s just as effective, but far more affordable.

 

Start Your Hair Loss Treatment Today

 

At Sons, we offer Finasteride as part of our proven hair loss treatment plans. To maximise results, we recommend pairing it with Minoxidil for a comprehensive approach to tackling hair loss. If you’re unsure about the best treatment for you, schedule a free online consultation today.

 

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.