Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration » Generic Drugs

Is Hair Transplant or Treatment with Hair Loss Medication Preferred for People in Their 20's?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:35:17 +0000

Q: I am 25 year old who just started going bald. My doctor confirmed it’s pattern baldness and put me on Propecia and Rogaine. I don’t want to go bald at any age. So, instead of prolonging the process for 5-10 years and then having a HT, isn’t it easier to let the hair loss continue and then have a HT, so, that I can save the money on drugs for years.

A: It is far better to keep your own hair. Keeping your own hair will generally look fuller than a hair transplant, since a hair transplant just re-distributes existing hair (until hair cloning techniques are available).

The medications (i.e. finasteride and minoxidil) are relatively cheap if you get the generic forms.

Do You Recommend Finpecia Hair Loss Medication or Generic Finasteride?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:37:00 +0000

Q: I am 26 years old and in the beginning of losing my hair and not ready for hair transplant surgery. It seems to have stopped now but 4 months ago I shed a lot of hair and can visually see that my hair on the scalp is thinning out.

I have looked into and read up on taking Propecia or more exactly Finpecia (I’m a student so cost is a factor), but can I trust this generic drug? Have looked at the company (Cipla) website but I’m still a bit scared of taking something I don’t really know what it is. What is your opinion on choosing Finpecia over Propecia?

A: Finpecia is manufactured in India by a slightly different method than the way Propecia is produced in the U.S.

Since finasteride 5mg is now available in a generic from in the U.S., I suggest that you use finasteride 5mg and quarter the 5mg tablet with a pill cutter and take 1/4 tablet a day. The parts do not need to be the same size.

In the U.S., generic finasteride and Propecia (1mg) and Proscar (5mg) are all made the same way.

Cipla is a large company, but not under U.S. FDA supervision.

When Will Propecia Hair Loss Medication be Available in Generic Form?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 07:47:18 +0000

Q: I heard that Proscar, the 5mg version of finasteride, is now generic. Is that correct and is Propecia going generic as well?

A: Yes, Finasteride 5mg (Proscar) is now available in a generic formulation. It is my understanding that Finasteride 1mg (Propecia) will not be available generically until the year 2012.

Can One Switch from Propecia Hair Loss Medication to Generic Proscar?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:12:21 +0000

Q: I am currently taking Propecia 1mg a day for hair loss and heard that Proscar 5mg now comes in a generic form. If I get that, how should I take it?

A: If you are currently taking Propecia 1mg a day, and want to switch to Proscar (Finasteride 5mg), you can either take Proscar 5mg, 1/4 pill every day or 1/2 pill every other day.

If you break up the pills, be mindful of the potential risk to pregnant women from handling crushed tablets. You can purchase a pill cutter in any pharmacy.

You should be aware that this dosing is not recommended by Merck and that there are no studies showing that either breaking up the pills or taking alternate day dosing is as effective as taking Propecia (Finasteride 1mg) a day.

That said, finasteride lasts in tissues for several days, so these alternate day dosing schedules seem reasonable.

Where Can One Buy Propecia Hair Loss Medication at Reasonable Price?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:31:00 +0000

Q: I am considering taking Propecia, but it I went to my local pharmacy in New York City and it is so expensive. Is there a way I can get it cheaper?

A: The website www.drugstore.com sells Propecia online at a reasonable price. A doctor’s prescription is required.

Please note that Propecia is not yet available in generic form.