I Don’t Think I’m Responding to Finpecia

Hello Doctor,
I need your advice. I am 24 years old Indian losing hair for last 4 years. Last year doctor prescibed me finpecia (1 mg). I am taking it since then but I am still losing hair. I feel that it is not working. I came to NYC this jan for higher studies and I have brought finpecia with me. Do you think whether I am not responding to medicine or there is some issue with finpecia itself?

Since I am a student I cant afford Propecia. Do you think ,I should give Proscar a try and do I need medical presicption for getting proscar? I want to meet you, but I cant come california for next one year (due to studies) and moreover I will not be able to afford your fees before that. So suggest me what to do ? I will be very thankful to you.

Proscar is the same drug as Propecia, just in higher dosage (Proscar is 5mg finasteride, Propecia is 1mg). If you cut the medication, it is the same. You do need a different prescription for that, and some doctors may have a problem giving you a prostate medication prescription at 24 years old. Explain to them that you know to cut the medication into 4 pieces. If one doctor won’t give you a prescription, you can try another one.

With all that being said, if you’re still losing hair on Finpecia (generic 1mg finasteride from India), I’m not sure Proscar will help. Are you taking it daily? You’ve been taking it for less than a year, so I’d stick with it until the 1 or 2 year mark to see how you’re responding by then. At 24 years old, you may have some strong genes for balding dominating your system and working against the finasteride. Look at the HairDX finasteride response test and see if this applies to you. It might tell you why the drug has not worked well for you.