Brand name versus Generic finasteride

[kehcorpz]

I just wanted to do a poll on peoples' experiences with Finasteride. The reason for this is that recently I came across a situation where my brand name antidepressant was inadvertently changed to a generic. I did notice the pill was different but I didn't really care until about a week later when I noticed really bad side effects. I did not realize it was the brand until I did some research and pin pointed it. After going back to the brand name I had full remission of these side effects.

When it comes to hair loss we may not really notice a difference between generics and brand due to the nature of the disease but when it comes to psychiatric medicine anything can make the difference as you are messing with your mind.

Here is an article about FDA regulations on generics. Brand name drugs usually go through a very complicated screening versus generics which are just compared to the brand using quick tests.

http://www.crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.p ... edications

I have always taken brand name propecia, now proscar(divided into 4 pieces). I didn't mind paying the extra money to know that I'm getting the right stuff. I never experienced any side effects on it except for minor ball aching and libido decrease which disappeared. My sex drive has increased since and my performance in the gym has also increased.

I'm wondering if there is a relationship between people who experience significant side effects and generics.

 

[TheGrayMan2001]

I had sides on both types of generic finasteride (Fincar and Finpecia, by Cipla). I did notice it was dose dependant to some degree. 0.25mg vs 1.25mg.

 

[kehcorpz]

This is why I want to do this poll. Generics can have a degree of different active compound as well as release it differently in the blood. They can also work differently in the blood.

Here's an LA times article that questions FDA and generics:

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/mar/17 ... ericside17

One particular mention is:

"In almost all cases, the FDA permits a generic drug to release 80% to 125% of an active ingredient into the bloodstream, compared to that released in a single dose of the original medication."

Now if there are people out there that do not get side effects at 1mg but do exhibit side effects at 1.25mg this can make the difference.

I had sides on both types of generic finasteride (Fincar and Finpecia, by Cipla). I did notice it was dose dependant to some degree. 0.25mg vs 1.25mg.