Propecia vs. Rogaine for Hair Loss: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Finasteride

(Propecia)

Minoxidil

(Rogaine)

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

Male pattern baldness

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

Finasteride30 tablets / 1mg

$10.20$13.44

Get free coupons

More Information

Minoxidil Non-Prescription1 can / 60g of 5%

$10.75$23.27

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Propecia vs. Rogaine

Finasteride

Minoxidil

Summary for Propecia

Indications for Propecia

Pros and Cons for Propecia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Propecia

Warnings for Propecia

Summary for Rogaine

Indications for Rogaine

Pros and Cons for Rogaine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Rogaine

Warnings for Rogaine

Prices with our coupons for Propecia vs. Rogaine

Compare other Hair Loss drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Finasteride

Minoxidil

Summary for Propecia

Indications for Propecia

Pros and Cons for Propecia

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Propecia

Warnings for Propecia

Summary for Rogaine

Indications for Rogaine

Pros and Cons for Rogaine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Rogaine

Warnings for Rogaine