Would Switching from Propecia to Cut Proscar Tablets Induce Hair Loss?

Could switching Finasteride products possibly be dangerous on my hair? I’m currently on 1mg Propecia, but when my prescription runs out I may to switch to 5mg Finasteride tablets and cut them into 1/4ths. I’ve read that switching medications like this, despite having the same ingredients, can bring on a sudden and serious shed. Is there any truth to that and should I perhaps get another renewed prescription for Propecia instead?

No, I don’t believe you’ll see a shed from switching. Most people who switch from Propecia to Proscar do it for economic reasons, as the 5mg pill is substantially less expensive (particularly the generic 5mg, since there is no generic 1mg legally available in the U.S.). I wish the drug company, Merck, would get that message… and maybe they will, as this blog is frequent reading by their sales force.

Propecia is a brand name for a drug called finasteride in 1mg strength and Proscar is the same drug in a 5mg strength. Splitting the pill into 4 or 5 pieces is a cost saver, but as long as you are taking 1mg finasteride daily it is the same thing for treating hair loss.