Currently on 5 mg finasteride. Should I switch to brand name 1 mg?

[westcoast85]

Hi all,

I'm currently 25 and have been on 5 mg finasteride (Aurobindo and Teva) for 3 years now. I started it at age 22, before I had any noticeable hair loss (just a little thinning at the crown). I also started 1% nizoral at the same time (every other day). Since then, I've had 1 shed/year, usually in the summer, mostly near the front (hair at the crown has stayed the same). I'm currently having a minor shed, though I wonder if it's from the pomade I've started using. I was wondering if I should switch to the brand name 1 mg Propecia? I've read here that some have had issues with the new generics.

I was specifically told by both my doctor and pharmacist not to cut the 5 mg tablet into fourths, but to take it whole. Could the shedding be caused by the high dosage? Has anyone switched from generic to brand name without issue? It would cost a lot more, but I can shoulder it (so long as the switch doesn't increase shedding).

BTW, I've had no sexual/urinary side effects. Only the shedding.

Thanks

 

[Quantum Cat]

I was specifically told by both my doctor and pharmacist not to cut the 5 mg tablet into fourths, but to take it whole.

That's pretty irresponsible of them to say that to be honest. I mean I get that using the 5mg for male pattern baldness is technically off-label use, and there's a minor risk should any pregnant women come into contact with cut pills - but taking 5mg per day is excessive, won't be any more effective, and could potentially raise the risk of side effects.

 

[Valiant]

I agree with QC. 5mg is a dose for men with serious BPH. Where guy's prostates are so enlarged that they are unable to go for more than 30 minutes without having to take a p*ss and then when they do, only a trickle comes out. If they didn't want you to cut it up, why didn't they just prescribe 1mg Propecia?

 

[westcoast85]

Yeah I was thinking that it's not typical to take that much for male pattern baldness. At the time I was originally prescribed it, the 5 mg was the only generic available, so that's why I'm on it. I just really want to stop this shedding and it seems like guys taking the brand name propecia have fewer problems with shedding than those taking a generic.

Reading the Dr Reddy thread, could the shedding be from the switching of medication, not necessarily the brand of the new medication? I'm worried that switching anything about my current medication (dose and/or brand) could cause a major shed.

Thanks