Health Guides
Generic Propecia: Finpecia, Finax and Finalo 1 mg Compared
Generic Propecia explained: how Finpecia, Finax and Finalo 1 mg compare, why Fincar 5 mg is different, plus results, side effects and how to order safely.
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Generic Propecia is the name most people use for finasteride 1 mg tablets, the same medicine found in branded Propecia, sold at a lower price under other brand names. If you have been prescribed finasteride for male pattern hair loss, a generic version gives you the same active ingredient at the same licensed dose. This guide explains how Finpecia 1 mg, Finax 1 and Finalo 1 compare, why Fincar 5 mg is a different product, what results and side effects to expect, and how to order safely.
Finasteride is a prescription medicine. It is licensed for men with mild to moderate hair loss at the crown and the front of the scalp, and it works best when started early and taken every day. Your prescriber is the right person to decide whether it suits you.
Key takeaways
- Generic Propecia contains finasteride 1 mg, the same active ingredient and dose as the branded tablet.
- Finpecia 1 mg, Finax 1 and Finalo 1 differ mainly in maker, packaging and inactive ingredients, not in how the medicine works.
- Fincar 5 mg is a prostate medicine and is not the licensed dose for hair loss.
- Most men need 3 to 6 months of daily use before they see a change, and up to 12 months to judge the full effect.
- Finasteride is for men only. Women that are or may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
What is generic Propecia?
Propecia is the original brand of finasteride 1 mg. Once the patent on a medicine ends, other manufacturers can make the same molecule at the same strength. These versions are called generics. Generic Propecia tablets contain finasteride 1 mg and are taken once a day, with or without food, exactly like the branded product.
Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It lowers the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT is the hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles in men with a genetic tendency to pattern hair loss. By reducing DHT, finasteride can slow further thinning and, in many men, allow some regrowth. For a deeper look at how it works and what the research shows, read our guide to finasteride for hair loss.
The main reason people look for generic finasteride is cost. Branded tablets can be expensive over the long term, and finasteride is a medicine you take for as long as you want to keep the benefit. A generic version at the same dose can make long-term treatment more affordable.
Generic Propecia brands compared: Finpecia, Finax and Finalo
Several generic finasteride 1 mg brands are available in our hair loss range. They all contain the same active ingredient at the same strength. The differences are in the company that makes them, the pack size and the inactive ingredients (the fillers, binders and film coating that hold the tablet together).
| Product | Active ingredient | Strength | Used for | Main differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finpecia 1 mg | Finasteride | 1 mg | Male pattern hair loss | Long-established generic; film-coated tablet in strip packs |
| Finax 1 | Finasteride | 1 mg | Male pattern hair loss | Different maker; own tablet coating and pack format |
| Finalo 1 | Finasteride | 1 mg | Male pattern hair loss | Different maker; own inactive ingredients and packaging |
| Fincar 5 mg | Finasteride | 5 mg | Enlarged prostate | Five times the hair loss dose; not licensed for hair loss |
Does the brand matter?
For most men, no. Finpecia 1 mg, Finax 1 and Finalo 1 deliver the same 1 mg of finasteride, so you should expect similar results and a similar side effect profile. Inactive ingredients can matter if you have an allergy or intolerance, for example to lactose, which is a common filler in tablets. Check the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Many people find it easier to stay with one brand once they have started, simply because the tablet looks and feels familiar. If you do switch between generic finasteride brands, the dose stays the same: one 1 mg tablet a day.
Fincar 5 mg is not for hair loss
Fincar 5 mg contains finasteride at five times the hair loss dose. It is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which causes urinary symptoms in older men. It is not the licensed dose for male pattern hair loss.
Some people try to cut 5 mg tablets into smaller pieces to save money. This is not a licensed approach. Splitting a small tablet into five equal parts is not accurate, and broken tablets release finasteride dust that should not be handled by women that are or may become pregnant. If your prescription is for hair loss, choose a 1 mg product such as Finpecia 1 mg, Finax 1 or Finalo 1, and only take the dose your prescriber has set.
Generic Propecia results timeline
Finasteride works slowly because hair grows in long cycles. A rough guide:
- First 3 months: little visible change. Some men notice extra shedding early on as weaker hairs are replaced.
- 3 to 6 months: hair loss usually slows, and some men see early thickening.
- 6 to 12 months: the clearest time to judge whether the medicine is working for you.
- After stopping: the benefit fades, and hair gained or kept is usually lost over the following year.
Results vary from person to person, and no hair loss medicine works for everyone. Taking a photo of your scalp in the same light every few months can help you and your prescriber judge progress. Our finasteride for hair loss guide covers the timeline in more detail.
Side effects of finasteride 1 mg
Most men take finasteride 1 mg without problems, but side effects can happen. Read the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine before you start.
Sexual side effects
The most talked-about side effects are sexual. A small proportion of men notice lower sex drive, difficulty getting or keeping an erection, or less semen during ejaculation. These effects often settle with time or after stopping the medicine, but some men have reported that they continue after treatment ends. Tell your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
Mood changes
Low mood, depression and, rarely, thoughts of self-harm have been reported in men taking finasteride. Stop taking the tablets and speak to a doctor straight away if you notice changes in your mood, or if family and friends notice them in you.
Other side effects
- Breast tenderness or enlargement. Report any lump, pain or nipple discharge to your doctor promptly.
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling of the lips, face or throat. Swelling of the face or throat needs urgent medical help.
- Testicular pain, which is uncommon.
Important safety points before you start
Not for women
Finasteride is licensed for men only. It is not used for hair loss in women and must not be taken by women that are pregnant or may become pregnant, because it can affect the development of a male baby.
Handling broken tablets during pregnancy
Finasteride tablets have a coating that stops the active ingredient being touched during normal handling. Women that are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. If contact happens, wash the area with soap and water and mention it to a doctor. Keep tablets in their original pack and out of the reach of children.
PSA blood test
Finasteride lowers the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, typically by around half. PSA is used to check prostate health. If you are due a PSA test, tell the doctor or nurse that you take finasteride so they can read the result correctly. Do not stop the medicine before a test unless your doctor asks you to.
Blood donation and fertility
Men taking finasteride are usually asked not to donate blood while on treatment and for a period after stopping, so that the medicine does not reach a pregnant recipient. If you are planning a family, talk to your doctor, as finasteride may affect semen quality in some men.
Using finasteride with minoxidil
Finasteride and minoxidil work in different ways. Finasteride lowers DHT from the inside, while minoxidil is applied to the scalp and is thought to prolong the growth phase of hair and improve blood flow to the follicles. Many prescribers suggest using both together for a stronger overall effect than either alone.
If you are interested in combining the two, read our guide to minoxidil 5% for hair loss, and ask your prescriber whether the combination is right for you. Products such as Minoxyqure 5% topical solution are available in the same hair loss section.
How to buy generic Propecia online safely
If you buy medicine online, take the same care you would at a local pharmacy. To buy generic Propecia online safely:
- Get a prescription. See your doctor about your hair loss. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
- Check the strength. Make sure the product is finasteride 1 mg for hair loss, not Fincar 5 mg, which is a prostate medicine.
- Check the pack. Confirm the brand, pack size and number of tablets, and plan for continuous daily use so you do not run out.
- Arrange delivery. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging, with delivery to the US, UK, Europe and Canada. Allow for delivery time when reordering.
- Tell your doctor. Let your doctor know which generic finasteride brand you are taking, and report any side effects or mood changes.
At RxPillTab, our how to order page explains the steps, including how to upload your prescription. For more general tips on choosing a supplier when you buy medicines online, see our guide to buying generic medicines online.
Frequently asked questions
Is generic Propecia the same as Propecia?
Generic Propecia contains the same active ingredient, finasteride, at the same 1 mg dose. The maker, packaging and inactive ingredients differ, but the medicine works in the same way.
Which is better: Finpecia, Finax or Finalo?
All three are finasteride 1 mg tablets, so none is stronger than the others. Choice usually comes down to price, availability and any inactive ingredients you need to avoid. Check the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Can I use Fincar 5 mg for hair loss?
Fincar 5 mg is for an enlarged prostate. It is five times the hair loss dose and is not licensed for male pattern hair loss. Use a 1 mg product and only the dose your prescriber sets.
How long does generic finasteride take to work?
Most men see hair loss slow within 3 to 6 months of daily use, with the full effect judged at around 12 months. If you stop, the benefit is usually lost within a year.
Can women take generic Propecia?
No. Finasteride is for men only. Women that are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take it or handle crushed or broken tablets.
Do I need a prescription to buy finasteride online?
Yes. Finasteride is a prescription medicine, and a valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .