Compare Fincar (Finasteride) with Alternatives for Hair Loss and BPH

Finasteride is one of the most prescribed medications for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sold under the brand name Fincar in many countries, it’s been used by millions of men since the 1990s. But it’s not the only option. If you’re considering Fincar, you’re probably weighing its benefits against side effects, cost, and whether other treatments might work better for you. This guide breaks down exactly how Fincar stacks up against its closest alternatives-what works, what doesn’t, and who should choose what.

How Fincar (Finasteride) Actually Works

Fincar contains finasteride, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. That’s a fancy way of saying it blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that shrinks hair follicles in genetically prone men, leading to thinning and balding. In the prostate, DHT causes tissue growth, which leads to urinary symptoms in BPH.

For hair loss, studies show finasteride reduces DHT by about 70%. In clinical trials, 83% of men taking 1mg daily (the dose for hair loss) stopped further hair loss after two years. About 66% saw noticeable regrowth. For BPH, the 5mg dose reduces prostate size by up to 30% and improves urine flow in over 60% of men.

But it doesn’t work for everyone. And it takes time-most men don’t see results until 3 to 6 months. If you stop taking it, DHT levels bounce back, and hair loss resumes within 12 months. That’s a key point: it’s a maintenance drug, not a cure.

Propecia: The Brand-Name Twin

Propecia is the original brand-name version of finasteride, made by Merck. It’s the same 1mg tablet as Fincar, just with a different label and a much higher price tag. In Australia, Propecia can cost over $100 per month without a subsidy. Fincar, often imported from India or generic manufacturers, runs about $15-$30 for a 30-day supply.

Medically? No difference. Same active ingredient. Same dosage. Same side effect profile. The only real distinction is branding and cost. Many men switch from Propecia to Fincar to save money without losing effectiveness. If your doctor prescribed Propecia, ask if you can switch to generic finasteride. Most will agree-it’s the same medicine.

Dutasteride (Avodart, Duodart): The Stronger Alternative

Dutasteride is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, but it blocks both Type I and Type II enzymes, whereas finasteride only blocks Type II. That means dutasteride cuts DHT levels by over 90%, compared to finasteride’s 70%.

For hair loss, a 2023 meta-analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found dutasteride led to significantly greater hair density gains than finasteride after 12 months. Men on 0.5mg dutasteride saw 18% more hair growth than those on 1mg finasteride.

But stronger doesn’t always mean better. Dutasteride has a longer half-life-it stays in your system for weeks after you stop taking it. That means side effects, if they occur, can linger longer. Some men report persistent sexual side effects (low libido, erectile dysfunction) even after stopping. It’s also not officially approved for hair loss in Australia, so prescribing it for that use is off-label. Most doctors won’t start you on dutasteride unless finasteride failed or you have severe BPH.

Minoxidil: The Topical Option

Minoxidil (Rogaine, Regaine) is a topical solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. Unlike finasteride, it doesn’t touch hormones. Instead, it widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels in hair follicles, which may stimulate growth.

It’s less effective than finasteride alone. Studies show about 40% of men using 5% minoxidil twice daily see moderate regrowth after 6 months. But it works differently-so combining it with finasteride gives better results than either alone. A 2022 study in British Journal of Dermatology found the combo led to 85% of men reporting improved hair density, versus 60% with finasteride alone.

Downsides? You have to use it every day, forever. Miss a few days, and you’ll notice shedding. It can cause scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted facial hair growth in women. Also, the first few weeks of use often involve shedding-this is normal, but it scares people into quitting too soon.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): The Non-Drug Route

Devices like the iRestore helmet, Capillus cap, or LaserComb use red light to stimulate hair follicles. They’re FDA-cleared for hair loss and have no systemic side effects.

Results are modest. Most users see a 10-20% increase in hair count after 6-12 months of consistent use (3-4 times per week). It’s not going to regrow a full head of hair if you’re already balding severely. But for early-stage thinning, it’s a solid option-especially if you’re uncomfortable with pills or topical chemicals.

Cost is the biggest barrier. Devices range from $300 to over $1,000. Insurance doesn’t cover them. You’re paying upfront for a slow, incremental result. But if you’re looking for something completely drug-free, this is the most proven non-pharmaceutical method.

Natural Alternatives: Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil, and More

Many men turn to supplements like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, or biotin hoping for a “natural” fix. Saw palmetto is the most studied. It’s thought to mildly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, similar to finasteride but much weaker.

A 2021 review in Phytotherapy Research found saw palmetto improved hair density in about 38% of men over 6 months-compared to 70% with finasteride. Pumpkin seed oil showed similar but slightly lower results in a small 2020 trial. Biotin? It helps with brittle nails and hair only if you’re deficient. Most men aren’t deficient, so it does nothing for genetic hair loss.

These supplements are safe, but don’t expect them to match pharmaceutical results. They’re best as support tools-not replacements-for proven treatments. If you’re using them, take them alongside finasteride or minoxidil, not instead of.

What About Hair Transplants?

A hair transplant is the only permanent solution. It moves hair follicles from the back of your head (where they’re DHT-resistant) to thinning areas. It’s surgery, so it carries risks-infection, scarring, unnatural-looking results if done poorly.

But it’s not a standalone fix. Most men who get transplants still take finasteride afterward. Why? Because transplants don’t stop future hair loss. Without medication, the surrounding hair keeps thinning, leaving the transplanted patches looking isolated.

Costs in Australia range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of grafts. It’s not covered by Medicare. If you’re considering this, make sure you’ve tried medical treatments first. And choose a clinic with before-and-after photos of real patients-not stock images.

Side Effects: What You Might Experience

All finasteride alternatives carry some risk. Finasteride’s most common side effects are sexual: lowered libido (1.8%), erectile dysfunction (1.3%), and reduced semen volume (0.8%). These usually go away after stopping. But a small percentage of men report persistent issues-this is rare, but real.

Dutasteride has similar risks, but longer-lasting. Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation or facial hair. LLLT is safe but expensive. Supplements are low-risk but mostly ineffective.

One thing to know: side effects are more common in younger men (under 35) and those who are anxious about them. If you’re worried, start with minoxidil or LLLT. If you need stronger results, finasteride is still the most balanced option.

Who Should Choose What?

• Best for most men with early hair loss: Fincar (finasteride) 1mg daily. Proven, affordable, and effective.
• If finasteride didn’t work: Add minoxidil. If still no result, talk to a dermatologist about dutasteride.
• If you hate pills: Try LLLT + minoxidil. It’s slower, but drug-free.
• If you have BPH symptoms: Finasteride 5mg or dutasteride. Both reduce prostate size and improve urination.
• If you want a permanent fix: Hair transplant-but only after stabilizing hair loss with medication.
• If you’re skeptical of drugs: Saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil can help slightly, but don’t expect miracles.

Final Thoughts: The Real Winner

There’s no magic bullet. But if you’re looking for the best balance of effectiveness, safety, and cost, finasteride still wins. Fincar gives you the same drug as Propecia at a fraction of the price. It’s backed by decades of data. For most men, it’s the smartest first step.

Don’t rush into surgery or expensive devices. Don’t waste money on supplements that don’t work. Start with what science says works. If it doesn’t suit you, then explore alternatives. But don’t skip the proven path just because it’s not flashy.

Next Steps: What to Do Now

If you’re thinking about starting treatment, get a proper diagnosis first. Not all hair loss is genetic. Thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or stress can cause shedding that looks like male pattern baldness. A dermatologist can do a scalp exam and blood tests to rule out other causes.

Once you know it’s androgenetic alopecia, start with Fincar. Buy it from a reputable pharmacy-online or local. Don’t risk counterfeit pills from unverified websites. If you’re unsure, ask your GP for a prescription. Most will support you using generic finasteride.

Track your progress. Take monthly photos in the same lighting, from the same angle. Don’t judge based on daily hair loss in the shower. Give it 6 months. If you’re not seeing improvement, talk to your doctor about adding minoxidil or switching to dutasteride.

There’s no shame in needing help. Hair loss affects confidence, relationships, and self-image. The right treatment can change that. But don’t chase quick fixes. Stick with what works. And remember-you’re not alone. Millions of men have walked this path before you.