Generic Propecia

Generic Propecia, which is known as finasteride, is licensed for sale but is not yet available in pharmacies. The generic version will be available in one strength: 1 mg. It is important to keep in mind that although finasteride 5 mg tablets are currently available, this dosage is actually the generic version of a different medication that does not treat hair loss.

 

Generic Propecia: An Overview

Propecia® (finasteride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thereby decreasing the amount of DHT in the body. Since DHT is important for male pattern baldness, using Propecia to decrease DHT levels can help to stop hair loss and regrow hair.
 
Propecia was originally developed by Merck & Co., Inc. It has since come off patent, making it available as a generic. There is currently a generic version of Propecia licensed for sale, but it is not yet available in pharmacies.
 

Generic Propecia: Strengths

Generic Propecia should be available in pharmacies very soon. It will be sold under the name finasteride and is available in one strength -- finasteride 1 mg tablets.
 
Finasteride 5 mg tablets are currently available, but this strength is the generic version of Proscar®, a medication used for treating an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short). The 5 mg strength is not the correct dose for hair loss treatment.
 

Who Makes Generic Propecia?

The generic for Propecia is currently manufactured by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Inc.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;