Proscar or Propecia?

Hi Dr. Rassman,

I’ve just started using Propecia, and Minoxidil 12.5%, but have seen that Proscar has much more of the active ingredient for the same price. Would you recommend Proscar, and how come if it’s so much stronger, and better value for money, it’s not as popular?! Also I read about one of the active ingredients in Minoxidil burning the scalp Is this true? If I’m using Proscar which is 5 times the strength of Propecia, do I need to worry about minoxidil at all? I don’t really like having to apply the cream every night anyway! I do appreciate your time, & look forward to your reply!

Proscar is the 5mg version of Finasteride and Propecia is the 1mg version of the same drug. They do cost about the same and both require a doctor’s prescription. Many people buy the 5mg dose and then split it up. That is not very convenient, but there is no medical reason for me to tell you not to do it. The drug company’s studies show that for hair loss, the 5mg dose is just as effective as the 1mg dose, but the side effects go up as the dosage rises. So if you elect to take Proscar, be sure to use a pill cutter to reduce the dose so that you do not increase the possible side effects of the drug.

Minoxidil does have skin irritation as a side effect, but if you do not experience skin irritation of more flaking(or some of the other side effects), then you can continue using it. The old saying applies: Try it, you might like it!