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Propecia vs. Rogaine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Finasteride

(Propecia)

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Minoxidil

(Rogaine)

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Summary for Propecia

Prescription only

Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness in adult men. It works by lowering levels of a hormone in your body that's linked to hair loss. You take it by mouth once a day, with or without food. Common side effects can include sexual problems, such as a lower sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or less semen during ejaculation.

Note: Finasteride (Propecia) is different from finasteride (Proscar) used to treat enlarged prostate.

Indications for Propecia

Pros and Cons for Propecia

Pros

  • FDA approved specifically for male pattern hair loss
  • Taken by mouth once per day
  • Can slow hair loss and support regrowth

Cons

  • Takes 3 months or longer to see the full benefits
  • Hair loss typically returns if stopped
  • Might cause sexual side effects

Common Side Effects for Propecia

  • Lower sex drive (2%)
  • Erectile dysfunction (1%)
  • Ejaculation problems (1%)

Warnings for Propecia

  • Harm to unborn baby boy
  • Changes to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
  • Risk of prostate cancer

Summary for Rogaine

Over-the-counter

Topical minoxidil, also known as brand name Men's Rogaine and Women's Rogaine, is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat hair loss in people with a family history. It comes as a topical solution, foam, or spray. You apply it to your scalp once or twice a day, depending on the product. Common side effects include scalp irritation and temporary hair shedding when you first start using it.

Indications for Rogaine

Pros and Cons for Rogaine

Pros

  • Available over-the-counter (OTC)
  • Works for both men and women
  • Comes as a foam, topical solution, or spray
  • Applied once or twice a day

Cons

  • Takes several months to see improvement
  • Must be used daily to maintain results
  • Can cause scalp irritation
  • Doesn't work for all types of hair loss

Common Side Effects for Rogaine

  • Hair shedding (during the first few weeks)
  • Scalp irritation
  • Dry, flaky scalp

Warnings for Rogaine

  • Possible risk of heart problems
  • Harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Flammable
  • Keep out of reach of children

Prices with our coupons for Propecia vs. Rogaine

Price Card Drug Icon
Finasteride30 tablets / 1mg
$10.12$68.82
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Price Card Drug Icon
Minoxidil Non-Prescription1 can / 60g of 5%
$10.75$23.26
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