Proscar Has Gone Generic in the US

Dr. Rassman,

It says here that Proscar has gone generic. Do you believe it, and what does it mean to american customers of Finasteride? I am particularly confused about the 180 days bit? Does it mean that generics of proscar will only be available for a 180 day window.

Thanks Doc

See Dr. Reddy’s launches generic Proscar in U.S..

Yes, Proscar (brand name of 5mg finasteride) has gone generic. Propecia (brand name of 1mg finasteride) is still not available in the generic form in the US. Some patients take Proscar and break the pill in 1/5 or 1/4 in place of Propecia because it costs less. This does not mean Proscar is available without a prescription in the US, but it now that it is to be available in the generic form, it should cost even less to take finasteride in 1mg doses (as long as you break the pill).