Finasteride hair loss treatment – Choosing between Propecia and Proscar
Saturday, July 3rd, 2010Finasteride hair loss treatment is available in the market in two various forms namely Propecia and Proscar. It was initially approved to treat BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia through Proscar 5 mg. However, due to the fact that the dihydrotestosterone is fundamental to androgenetic alopecia and BPH, the medication can also be used in slowing the process of hair loss. Based on the different tests conducted by experts to determine the reliability of the drug, it was found out that the lowest amount of dose of Finasteride is only 1 mg – enough amount that is said to work effectively in androgenetic alopecia.
Because of the concept suggested above, Proscar tablet was divided into fifths, placed in a bottle at 1 mg for every pill and is recommended for hair loss treatment taken daily. It was then called as Propecia. If you’ll try to identify the difference of the two drugs, it is only their dosage that differs. When it comes to the manufacturer, both Propecia and the Proscar are manufactured by the Merck Pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, users also have the option to buy the generic version of Finasteride since it is significantly cheaper that the real ones.
Finasteride works by inhibiting the 5A- reductase which in result, lowers the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)and treats BPH. BPH refers to the enlargement of prostate gland. This condition is mostly common among older men. It involves the conversion of the testosterone into dihydrotestosterone through 5A- reductase, a kind of enzyme found in the prostate. Finasteride then facilitates the shrinkage of the prostate.
The formulation and usage of Propecia has been approved by FDA to treat androgenetic alopecia but only for men. Proscar, on the other hand, was approved by FDA to only treat BPH. Now, many might want to verify the claims that say Finasteride is a potential solution for hair loss. Many people will find the hope of growing back their hair since it has been proven clinically that both the Proscar and Propecia possess the key to fight against the indications of androgenetic alopecia.
Finasteride hair loss treatment is recommended at 1 mg dosage and it has to be taken in a daily basis. To equate it, Propecia has to be taken in 1 pill and Propecia in one fifth of the pill. Obviously, it would be more convenient to take Propecia. However, because Proscar costs more affordable, many people would opt to use it and will consider dividing their tablet. But since it is hard to accurately divide Proscar in 5 equal parts, you can simply cut it into 4 parts.
Bear in mind though that behind the impressive performance of Finasteride, it can also cause different side effects. Around 2 percent of its users experience various side effects. Common side effects are impotency, enlargement or tenderness of the breast, reduced sexual desire, lowered semen quantity, and difficulty in maintaining erection.
Lastly, Finasteride hair loss treatment is only recommended to men. Pregnant women and even those who are planning to be pregnant are not allowed to use nor get in contact with either broken or crushed Finasteride drugs.



