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!
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(you may edit this if post)i was thinking of getting the 5mg generic proscar and splitting to at least four pieces, some say better to dissolve in everclear? or crush in powder then divide, because they said Merck had told them that the dispersion of the drug throughout the 5mg pill may not be consistent even though four equal quarters and (unlike dutasteride) finasteride mostly leaves the body in 24hrs. the company was trying to say one quadrant may have almost 5mg and the others low even though equal cut quarters and that 3 days low could effect drug levels and hormone fluctuations and drug efficacy. i know after vioxx debacle, Merck going to try to recoup profits, even though propecia patent expire 6-19-06, i’m sure they are going to try to block generic 1mg. i still don’t understand legal aspect of 5mg being generic and lower 1mg still not allowed generic even though same finasteride, talk about suing dermatologist, to me sue FDA and gov officials for being in conspiracy and collusion, jeez, you think generic 1mg will be coming out soon? you think i should try the splitting, from your patient experience do you think it makes a difference, i’m in school now and without health insurance to pay, thanks for any insight
I am 62 years old. I started using propecia 1mg.about a year ago. There has been some growth.If I discontinue, will the gain be lost? How long ought I continue with propecia?Thanks.