Category: Drugs

Is there any reason to take Propecia versus the generic version. I have been on the generic for a 7 months and the balding has gotten worse (I am 23). Also, do you have recommendations for where to get generic Propecia?

There is no generic Propecia available legally in the US. I realize other countries may manufacture finasteride in 1mg strength, but Propecia is still under patent protection in much of the western world.

There is a generic finasteride available in 5mg strength — any pharmacy should have it, provided that your doctor prescribes you 5mg finasteride. Some patients cut the 5mg tablet into 1/4ths to save money. There may be problems in cutting down the pill into smaller pieces and the partial tablets will have the problem of hydrating with humidity so do not cut more than one at a time (every 4 days) and keep it in a sealed container. Be sure that the company that makes it is legit and you are getting what you are buying!

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I’ve only taken propecia for 6 days but I’ve noticed some side effects is it possible it could have had such effects so quickly? I’m experiencing erectile difficulties and less facial hair. Age 17.

I could believe that sexual dysfunction might occur as quickly as 1 weeks. Some of the men who are very sensitive to Propecia and get ED or libido problems have reported that the side effect comes on quickly. The loss of acial hair is a new one for me in that short a time frame. If I could get the beard effect without the ED effect, I would love the product even more than I do now.

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Since Minoxidil and Finasteride working differently, what happens when they are combined?

Is there any studies on using both Minoxidil/Finasteride vs. just finasteride?

Wouldn’t Minoxidil be a lot more affective if combined with a DHT blocking agent (finasteride/Dus.)?

I agree finasteride is a better drug since it addresses the cause. But with one blocking the cause (DHT) and the other stimulating the follicle wouldn’t the results be a lot better?

As a matter of fact, this has been studied and your answer is positive. Minoxidil and finasteride have a synergistic effect and using both is proven to be more effective than only one.

• PubMed – Comparative efficacy of various treatment regimens for androgenetic alopecia in men.

A short while ago you answered a question regarding hair loss and testosterone boosters (T Bomb II was the product in question). Your answer made sense and was helpful. I have slight variation on that question for you.

I’ve been on Proscar (1mg daily) for about 8 months. I’m happy with the results. I’m thinking of buying a supplement similar (i think) to T Bomb II called Jungle Warfare. It’s different than T Bomb, but I’m guessing the same rules apply: boost your testosterone and you boost your chances of going bald. My question is, what if I’m already on Proscar, will that be enough to offset any increase in testosterone? If I take Jungle Warfare, should I increase my Proscar dosage?

A rise in your testosterone level will increase your hair loss and it might not be helped by finasteride (which is only about 80% effective as a blocking agent for DHT).

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My doctor has recommended me to use Rogaine instead of propecia cuz he believes it affects the prostate tissue and so the side effects of this drug could persist even if I stop it (that’s if I got some), do you think this might be true since you doctors prescribe it to your patients!?

what do you think of the effectiveness of rogaine?? it must be sure that you have prescribed this drug to many patients since it was the only drug approved to treat the hair loss and before propeica was available on the market, do you think its really effective?? did you see patients that could restore their hair using this drug??

please let me know the answers to these questions

Thanks

Propecia (finasteride) does impact the prostate when it is swollen. What your doctor is saying, or at the least the way you are telling it, makes no sense to me. The two drugs work differently. Propecia is more predictable than minoxidil, but they could work together. I have seen hair come back with minoxidil, however I have seen more patients show great benefits from Propecia.

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Dr. Rassman

I have been on propecia for about 6 moths with some moderate improvement. I was thinking about starting minoxidil as well. What I was wondering is what is the most effective 2% or 5%. I have heard different opinions on this and would really appreciate your advice. I also heard that you cant get 5% minoxidil in Canada…Is that true?

Thanks for all the help Dr.Rassman

I generally recommend 5% minoxidil. You can get generic minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) just about anywhere. Furthermore, the brand name Rogaine comes in a different formulation of a foam which is reportedly much easier to apply and use, and may be more effective at the same strength based on absorption.

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I’ve been on Propecia for a year now, and have just started on Avodart, taking it once a week.

I know that research is very limited in terms of the optimal frequency and dosage for Avodart…but roughly speaking, do you think it would also take 6-12 months to see any benefits from Avodart, just like with Propecia? And a second question, if the answer is yes, since i’ve been on Propecia for so long do you think the time required to see results would be much shorter?

I know you can’t give me an exact answer but I’d be happy with an educated guess so I know roughly what to expect.

Thanks

If there is an incremental value between Propecia and Avodart, it will take 6-12 months to see it (educated guess). I do not know the answer to your next question.

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