Some men report better results by using ketoconazole shampoo while taking finasteride.
The active ingredient in Propecia is called finasteride. Finasteride was first used to treat a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but during clinical trials, some patients noticed that hair loss slowed or stopped, and some even noticed hair loss reversing, with new hair growing in. Propecia and its generic versions contain 1 mg finasteride along with other inactive ingredients.
Does Finasteride Work in the Same Way as Propecia?
Finasteride is the same active ingredient in name-brand Propecia, so it does work like Propecia. This drug works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is responsible for converting regular testosterone into a form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is DHT that is partly responsible for male pattern baldness (with genetics playing a role as well).
I’ve Read the Science, but What Do Actual Users Say About Finasteride?
A 2010 survey by Consumer Reports of over 6,000 men found that finasteride was “very effective” for one-fourth of them, and that many of those who did not find it “very effective” nonetheless found it effective enough to keep taking it. Finasteride was the only treatment for male pattern baldness that got such dramatic results. Topical medications like minoxidil had some effect, but it was not nearly as pronounced.
How Can I Get the Best Results from Finasteride?
A 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology looked at men who used finasteride alone or in combination with either minoxidil or ketoconazole shampoo (such as Nizoral shampoo). Men who took finasteride along with topical minoxidil or with ketoconazole shampoo had better results than men who took either finasteride alone or who only used minoxidil. This study did not include a group taking finasteride, using ketoconazole shampoo, and applying minoxidil, however.
Is There Any Reason Not to Try Generic Finasteride?
Though generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient as Propecia, the inert ingredients — like binders — that hold the medication together in tablet form may be different, and they may even differ from one generic to another. If you switch from Merck’s Propecia to a generic, it is possible that the drug may be absorbed differently. Consistency is very important to get the best results with finasteride, so if you were to switch to a formulation that for whatever reason you didn’t absorb as well, it could affect your results. If finasteride is discontinued altogether, hair loss returns.
Is Counterfeiting a Problem With Finasteride?
Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia, a drug used to treat male pattern baldness.
Propecia and Finasteride have helped millions of men halt or reverse male pattern baldness for as long as they continue to take the drug. If you’re considering taking Propecia or finasteride, you should know that it’s a long-term commitment. Compare prices from bricks and mortar pharmacies and trusted US-based online facilitators like eDrugstore.com. Lots of customers trust eDrugstore.com due to convenience, great prices, excellent customer service and the ability to purchase medications in a discreet manner.
eDrugstore.com has delivered genuine Merck Propecia to thousands of satisfied customers for years, and works with US-licensed pharmacists and physicians to dispense the drug safely.
If you’re interested in Dr. Reddy’s finasteride for addressing male pattern baldness, one of the best things you can do is find a trusted source with competitive prices that you feel like you can work with long term. For many men, that trusted source is eDrugstore.com. To purchase Finasteride online, click here.
Photo Credits: Ross666, Alvimann
We specialize in providing our over 1,000,000 customers with relevant product and condition information created by our professional editorial staff which includes our team of medical writers, medical practitioners, and health educators. eDrugStore.com Staff on Facebook
