Propecia and Hepatitis C?

How is life treating you today?

I have a question but first I have to thank you for providing this excellent resource free of charge. The blog has been an invaluable tool in my continuing effort to learn more about hair loss and unicorns.

My question is this, is there a difference between the effectiveness of Proscar and Propecia? I recently switched to Proscar (I was prescribed it during my consult at NHI). I am a little nervous though because the blue Proscar pill looks to be the same size as the brownish Propecia pill, yet I am cutting Proscar into fourths. I thought a 5mg pill would be larger than a 1 mg pill. Am I missing something or is Proscar simply more potent?

Also, I have Hepatitis C. Prior to starting the medication, I found nothing to indicate that taking Propecia would be a problem for someone with my condition. Does this hold true for Proscar as well? I found nothing in Merck’s online product information to prove otherwise but the internet is so full of misinformation that I honestly don’t know what is what.

If you don’t feel comfortable answering the second question with certainty, do you know of any good Gastroenterologist’s in the LA/Orange County area?

I am sorry, that was 3 questions.

Thank you very much for your time and patience

Life is going well, thank you. I hope you’re doing fine and I’m glad you enjoy the site, but if you got your medication prescribed from us (NHI), you should call our office to discuss any issues/concerns at 310-553-9113. You’re our patient and we are here for you!

In general, I think some drug companies make it hard for patients to divide up and cut pills sometimes because it’s all about economics and making a buck. The reason the 1mg and 5mg pills might be the same size has more to do with the inactive fillers, which you can learn more about here.

With respect to Hepatitis C, as long as your liver enzymes are normal and your primary care doctor (or gastroenterologist) is aware that you’re taking the Propecia, I am fine with it. As for gastroenterologists in the Los Angeles area, you can try Dr. Norman Panitch.