Product features
One tablet taken daily
Stops hair loss for 9 out of 10 men
Can promote hair regrowth in some men
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a treatment for male hair loss. It’s only available with a prescription. Finasteride is taken daily to combat the symptoms of male pattern baldness, such as:
In studies, Finasteride has been shown to be up to 90% effective in slowing or even reversing hair loss.
How does Finasteride work?
The active ingredient in Finasteride (finasteride) blocks the action of an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that causes male hair loss.
By reducing the amount of DHT affecting follicles in the scalp, Finasteride helps to halt hair loss and, in some cases, reverse it.
How quickly does Finasteride work?
Finasteride doesn’t work instantly. Generally, you will need to take Finasteride daily for three to six months before you start to see any change in your hair loss.
Does Finasteride regrow hair?
Finasteride stops hair loss and can help hair to regrow too. In studies 66% of men taking part saw improved hair growth.
Finasteride only stimulates hair growth on the head and will not cause hair to grow elsewhere on the body.
How to take Finasteride
You should take one tablet of Finasteride each day. The tablet can be taken with or without food.
You should take Finasteride exactly how your doctor or pharmacist told you to. If you forget to take your daily tablet do not take a double dose.
You will need to continue with your treatment for as long as you would like to slow your hair loss. If you stop taking Finasteride you are likely to lose your hair again.
How effective is Finasteride?
For most men, Finasteride takes three to six months of daily use to show effects. Like with most medications, certain treatments may work for some people and not for others.
Studies have found that taking Finasteride:
- Halts hair loss for 83% of men
- Over two years means 66% of men will see regrowth
- Continuously over 5 years can help halt hair loss for as many as 90% of men
If you stop taking Finasteride, your hair loss will return. Finasteride will not work faster or better if you take more than one tablet a day.
What are the side effects of Finasteride?
Side effects of Finasteride are uncommon and usually mild. Sometimes Finasteride can cause:
- A rash
- Reduced sex drive
- Low mood
- Erection problems
- Tenderness on or around the nipples
Very rarely, sexual side effects can be permanent and remain after stopping the medication.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet included in your pack. If any side effects concern you, contact us through your Patient Record.
Does Finasteride cause depression?
There have been very rare reports of depression associated with Finasteride.
Depression may include feelings of low self-esteem, lacking interest in activities and hopelessness. There are also physical symptoms of depression like headaches, tiredness, disturbed sleep patterns.
If you experience any of these symptoms stop taking Finasteride and contact your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible.
What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?
Propecia is the branded version of Finasteride. The hair loss treatment contains the active ingredient Finasteride. They work in the same way and are taken as a daily tablet.
About Finasteride
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Does Finasteride work in women with hair loss?
Finasteride is for male hair loss only. It’s not safe for women with hair loss to take. Hair loss treatments, like minoxidil are available for women.
If you are taking finasteride and your partner is pregnant or likely to get pregnant you should wear a condom when having sex. As the medication can harm unborn babies.
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Can I order Finasteride online?
You can request and pay for a Finasteride prescription online. Finasteride is a prescription-only medication. Even when using an online doctor, you will need a prescription before you buy Finasteride. You should never buy Finasteride without a prescription.
When using our service, you’ll need to complete a hair loss consultation, and if suitable, one of our doctors will provide you with a prescription for the treatment. You can then collect the prescription from your chosen pharmacy and pay for the treatment there.
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Do you need to take Finasteride after a hair transplant?
Taking Finasteride after a hair transplant may be recommended to you. However, this will depend on the healthcare provider you have used. Make sure to ask about any medications you may need when considering a hair transplant.
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Alternative hair loss treatments
There are a lot of myths and facts surrounding hair loss and treatments that work. Other hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil (also sold branded as Regaine) are available from most pharmacies.
Other options include:
- Hair transplants
- Skin camouflage
- Tattooing
- Wigs
- Hairpieces
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7068.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-rare-reports-of-depression-and-suicidal-thoughts
How our service works
Step 1
Select a medication and complete a short questionnaire.
Step 2
A doctor will assess your answers and, if suitable, provide a prescription.
Step 3
Your prescription will be sent by our doctors to your chosen pharmacy and you can pay for your treatment in-store.
Hair loss advice
In-pharmacy collection
Same-day collection is usually available at your selected pharmacy when your order is approved before 4pm Monday-Friday.