{"id":54793,"date":"2022-10-28T22:12:57","date_gmt":"2022-10-29T02:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54793"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:44:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T20:44:34","slug":"finasteride-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finasteride-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"What can I take instead of finasteride?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finasteride<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) that blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone. Healthcare providers use low-dose finasteride to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hair-loss-causes\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male pattern baldness<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (androgenetic alopecia or AGA) and promote hair regrowth. They use high-dose finasteride to relieve the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of an enlarged prostate (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/bph-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benign prostatic hyperplasia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or BPH). Men may look for an alternative to finasteride because it may not work or it may be hard to live with the side effects, like sexual dysfunction. However, healthcare professionals have limited options for treating either condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-is-my-hair-falling-out\/\"><b>Why is my hair falling out? Learn the causes of hair loss<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Finasteride with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tFinasteride 1 mg (90 tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.57<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.57<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/finasteride#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Finasteride prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"what-can-i-take-instead-of-finasteride\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What can I take instead of finasteride?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If finasteride is ineffective or causes unbearable side effects, healthcare providers have a limited number of drugs to choose from. For hair thinning, a treatment alternative is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rogaine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rogaine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">minoxidil<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), a topical vasodilator that improves blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For BPH, doctors may try another 5-ARI, dutasteride. It\u2019s also an option for hair regrowth, but it\u2019s not FDA-approved for that condition. However, the most common treatments for BPH are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/alpha-blockers\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (alpha blockers), like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tamsulosin-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tamsulosin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/doxazosin-mesylate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">doxazosin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and the prostate, making it easier to pass urine. Finally, healthcare providers may use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/pde5-inhibitors\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cialis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cialis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tadalafil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tadalafil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It\u2019s better known as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/erectile-dysfunction-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drug, but it is also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC4054509\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">effective at reducing BPH symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> without the sexual side effects that finasteride, dutasteride, and alpha blockers can cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finasteride-for-women\/\"><b>Does finasteride work for women?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<table class=\" singlecare-table\" role=\"table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"4\">\n<h3 id=\"finasteride-alternatives-cost-comparison\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finasteride alternatives cost comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr class=\"header-row\">\n<td><b>Drug name<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Price without insurance<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>SingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Savings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Propecia <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(finasteride 1 mg)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$462 per<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90, 1 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$13 per 90, 1 mg tablets for generic finasteride at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/propecia\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proscar <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(finasteride 5 mg)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$629 per<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$12 per 90, 5 mg tablets of generic finasteride at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/proscar\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rogaine <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(minoxidil)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$68 per<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">180 mL of 2% solution<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$29 per 180 mL of 2% solution of generic minoxidil at Walgreens<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rogaine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avodart (dutasteride)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$5,536 per 90, 0.5 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$31 per 90, 0.5 mg capsules of generic dutasteride at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/avodart\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flomax <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(tamsulosin)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$110 per 30, 0.4 mg capsules of generic tamsulosin<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$9 per 30, 0.4 mg capsules of generic tamsulosin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/tamsulosin-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapaflo <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(silodosin)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$335 per 30, 8 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$22 per 30, 8 mg capsules of generic silodosin at Walgreens<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rapaflo\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cialis <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(tadalafil)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$435 per 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$11 per 30, 5 mg tablets of generic tadalafil at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<td><a class=\"cta-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cialis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 3\/11\/2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under \u201csee latest prices\u201d to see the latest drug prices.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"top-finasteride-alternative-for-hair-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top finasteride alternative for hair loss<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"rogaine\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rogaine<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One reason you may be looking for alternatives to finasteride for hair loss is its potential for sexual side effects. Topical Rogaine avoids this risk and is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) hair loss treatment. For men suffering from erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, or ejaculatory dysfunction with Propecia, switching to Rogaine could be helpful. However, Rogaine may not be quite as effective as Propecia, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15316165\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you decide to try Rogaine but experience skin irritation, there is a 5% foam formulation that may be less irritating.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"top-finasteride-alternatives-for-bph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top finasteride alternatives for BPH<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"1-avodart\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Avodart<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avodart (dutasteride) and Proscar (finasteride) have a lot in common. They are both DHT blockers that reduce DHT levels and shrink the prostate gland. A smaller prostate takes months to achieve, with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJM199210223271701\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maximum results occurring six to 12 months into treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, there is a slightly increased risk of sexual dysfunction with these medications. More importantly, they both can suppress prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a blood test used for prostate cancer screening. This might delay a diagnosis and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJMoa030660\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase the risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of prostate cancer reaching an advanced level before it\u2019s detected.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-flomax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Flomax<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alpha blockers are the foundation of BPH medical treatment. Blocking alpha-1 receptors causes the bladder outlet to relax, allowing a stronger urine stream and more complete bladder emptying. The mechanism has a quick onset of action, which is a significant advantage over finasteride. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/flomax\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flomax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (tamsulosin) is a popular choice because it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10676828\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less likely to cause low blood pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (hypotension) than other alpha blockers. There\u2019s still a potential for side effects, such as dizziness, a runny nose, and ejaculation problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If ineffectiveness is the problem with finasteride, the healthcare provider may add an alpha-1 blocker rather than switch to one. Combination therapy has proven <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJMoa030656\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">superior in some<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/10.1056\/NEJM199608223350801\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not all<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, studies. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/jalyn\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jalyn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> combines a 5-ARI and alpha-1 blocker.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-rapaflo\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Rapaflo<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rapaflo\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapaflo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (silodosin) is another alpha-1 blocker. Like Flomax, its effects are more selective to the prostate than the alpha blockers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cardura\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardura<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (doxazosin) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/terazosin-hcl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">terazosin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so it is less likely to cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/low-blood-pressure\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypotension<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also beats finasteride in terms of a rapid response to therapy for BPH.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-cialis\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Cialis<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Erectile dysfunction (ED) and BPH are commonly experienced together. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cialis\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cialis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can treat the symptoms of both with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cialis\/dosage\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">once-daily pill<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Curiously, Cialis improved BPH symptoms significantly, but it did not improve measured urinary flow or bladder emptying in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21871706\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clinical study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It might make sense to try Cialis instead of finasteride if you are experiencing both ED and BPH. If you do, keep in mind that headache, flushing, and upset stomach are some of the potential <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/cialis-side-effects\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"over-the-counter-alternatives-to-finasteride\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-the-counter alternatives to finasteride<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OTC Rogaine (minoxidil) is an effective treatment for male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical finasteride is an OTC substitute for oral finasteride, but it is not FDA-approved for the treatment of hair loss. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/jdv.17738\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In one study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, topical finasteride was shown to increase hair density over a period of months without producing significant side effects. Because of safety concerns with absorbing it through the skin, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/human-drug-compounding\/fda-alerts-health-care-providers-compounders-and-consumers-potential-risks-associated-compounded\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> warns people to talk to a healthcare professional before using these products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dietary supplements are marketed as treatments for either male pattern baldness or BPH. These are not necessarily \u201cnatural\u201d products; they are manufactured. The supplement saw palmetto has probably generated the most interest as a natural treatment for both BPH and androgenetic alopecia, but it\u2019s uncertain what it actually does. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that it works for either <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8421998\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BPH<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7706486\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male pattern hair loss<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Rye grass pollen, stinging nettle, and antioxidant supplements might improve BPH, but quality evidence is lacking.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"natural-alternatives-to-finasteride\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural alternatives to finasteride<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From a medical point of view, the most effective natural treatments for both BPH and male pattern hair loss are managing stress, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of diet, healthy hair and hair growth primarily require protein, biotin, zinc, and iron. People with BPH should avoid bladder irritants like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various topical treatments\u2014coconut oil, pumpkin seed oil, rosemary oil, peppermint oil, red ginseng oil, onion juice, and bhringraj oil\u2014have been proposed as natural ways to slow male pattern hair loss or increase hair count on the scalp. The evidence for their effectiveness is limited, but these products are considered low-risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/biotin-for-hair-growth\/\"><b>How to take biotin for hair growth<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-switch-to-a-finasteride-alternative\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to switch to a finasteride alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have the knowledge now to get a conversation started with the healthcare professional prescribing finasteride. Discuss your concerns, whether they are based on adverse effects or a lack of benefit. Bring up your ideas about alternatives while pursuing medical advice. Review your list of prescription drugs, OTC medications, and dietary supplements so you can avoid drug interactions. A realistic goal of the appointment is that a decision is made that you are comfortable with, whether that means continuing finasteride or starting an alternative medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"choosing-the-right-path-for-hair-loss-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right path for hair loss treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no cure for a receding hairline, but drugs like finasteride and minoxidil can slow the progress of male pattern baldness and sometimes produce noticeable hair growth. If they don\u2019t work, the first step is to talk to a dermatologist. For hair restoration, the only proven treatment is a hair transplant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"choosing-the-right-path-for-bph-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right path for BPH treatment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An enlarged prostate is a chronic and progressive condition, but symptoms can be managed and, in many cases, improved. Drug treatment is the most effective way to treat BPH symptoms. If symptoms do not improve or side effects are a problem, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auanet.org\/guidelines-and-quality\/guidelines\/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)-guideline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment options are limited<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The first step is to get medical advice from a urologist about switching to another drug, taking more than one drug, or undergoing surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) that blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone. Healthcare providers use low-dose finasteride to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia or AGA) and promote hair regrowth. They use high-dose finasteride to relieve the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":54796,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[17777],"coauthors":[20732],"class_list":["post-54793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-mens-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Top finasteride alternatives and how to switch your Rx<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rogaine, Avodart, Flomax, Rapaflo, and Cialis are some finasteride alternatives. Get the full list here, including natural and OTC alternatives.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/finasteride-alternatives\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What can I take instead of finasteride?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Rogaine, Avodart, Flomax, Rapaflo, and Cialis are some finasteride alternatives. 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