Finasteride Tablets 1mg

What Are Finasteride Tablets?

Finasteride tablets are a prescription-only medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men. They are the generic form of Propecia. It works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and stop producing hair over time. By lowering DHT levels, it can help slow further hair loss and encourage regrowth in some men.

The tablets are taken once daily and should be used continuously for several months before noticeable results are seen. Hair regrowth and improvement usually appear after 3 to 6 months of regular use. If treatment is stopped, any hair regrown is likely to be lost within 9 to 12 months.

Finasteride for hair loss is not available on the NHS and can only be obtained through private prescription services.

How to buy Finasteride tablets

You can use our online prescription service to buy Finasteride tablets online in the UK. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. Any website that claims to sell these tablets without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake tablets.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.

How it works

Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. This medicine works by blocking the action of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles on the scalp, leading to thinning hair and eventually hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, it helps to slow down further hair loss and may support regrowth in areas where hair is still present.

Clinical studies show that most men who take finasteride experience a slowing or stopping of hair loss, and many notice some regrowth over time. The effects usually become noticeable after three to six months of continuous daily use, with maximum benefit seen after about one year.

It will work best for men whose hair is thinning but not completely lost. It is less effective once baldness has become advanced, so starting treatment early (when you first notice hair thinning) can lead to better results.

How to take Finasteride

Take one 1mg tablet, with or without food, ideally at the same time each day. It begins working straight away to lower levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), but visible improvements in hair growth may take 3 to 6 months of continuous use.

It helps to prevent further hair loss rather than acting as a permanent cure, so it must be taken continuously to maintain its effects. If treatment is stopped, any benefit usually reverses within 6 to 12 months. If you have taken the tablets for 12 months without improvement, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about other possible treatments.

Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not handle these tablets, as the active ingredient can cause harm to an unborn baby. Intact tablets are film-coated to prevent contact, but broken or crushed tablets should be avoided.

Is it safe?

Finasteride is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for long-term use when taken as prescribed. Many men use it for months or years without experiencing serious problems. Routine safety monitoring by health authorities such as the MHRA supports its continued use for male pattern hair loss.

Rarely, some men have reported changes in their chest area, including tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge. These symptoms may indicate a rare side effect such as male breast tissue changes or, in extremely rare cases, breast cancer. If you notice any of these signs, stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice immediately.

Finasteride side effects

Like all medicines, it can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most commonly reported side effects affect around 1 in 100 men and include a reduced sex drive (low libido), difficulty achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction), or problems with ejaculation. Some men have also reported low mood or depression.

Less common or serious side effects can include breast tenderness, swelling, or lumps, allergic reactions such as rash or itching, and testicular pain. Rarely, persistent sexual side effects or mood changes may continue after stopping treatment. If you develop suicidal thoughts, chest changes, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing fatigue, stop taking the medicine and speak to your doctor immediately.

For most men, any side effects improve with time or after stopping use. Always read the patient information leaflet and refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for a full list of possible side effects.

Finasteride vs Propecia

Propecia is the original brand name for Finasteride 1mg tablets, first developed by Merck & Co. It is now available as a generic medicine made by other manufacturers after the original patent expired. Both contain the same active ingredient, in the same strength and are equally effective. The main difference is cost and the generic version is usually available at a lower price.

Who cannot take it?

It is suitable for most adult men, but it may not be appropriate if any of the following apply:

1. You have ever had an allergic reaction to Finasteride or any of its ingredients.
2. You have a history of liver problems, as it is processed by the liver.
3. You have severe bladder problems or urinary difficulties.
4. You are trying for a baby or have a pregnant partner, as small amounts can pass into semen and may affect an unborn child.
5. You are under 18 years old or a woman, as its use is not licensed for use in these groups.

If you are unsure whether this medication is suitable for you, you can email us at [email protected].

Finasteride Results

Most men who take 1 mg daily notice a gradual improvement in hair coverage and a slowing down of further hair loss. Visible changes usually begin after around 3 to 6 months, with the best results seen after 9 to 12 months of continuous use. In some men, hair regrowth continues to improve for up to two years.

The effect is maintained only while treatment continues. If you stop taking it, any hair that has regrown will generally be lost again within 6 to 12 months. Regular use and patience are key, as results vary between individuals and depend on the extent of hair thinning before starting treatment.

Will it work?

Finasteride can be effective for many men with male pattern baldness, particularly those in the early or moderate stages of hair loss. Clinical studies show that the majority of men experience either a reduction in hair loss or some regrowth after consistent daily use for several months. However, response differs from person to person, and not everyone will see visible regrowth.

It works best on the crown (top) and mid-scalp areas, and is less effective for receding hairlines or complete baldness. Combining with other treatments such as topical minoxidil solution may help enhance results for some men. Always discuss combination use with your pharmacist or prescriber before starting.

Finasteride vs Dutasteride comparison

Both medicines lower DHT levels, but only Finasteride 1 mg is licensed in the UK for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride may be considered off-label under medical supervision for certain patients.

Using Finasteride and Minoxidil together

Finasteride and Minoxidil can be used together safely and are often recommended as a combination treatment for male pattern hair loss. Finasteride works internally by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, while Minoxidil helps to stimulate hair growth and improve blood flow to the scalp.

Using both medicines at the same time may enhance results, especially in men with early to moderate thinning. Finasteride helps to prevent further hair loss, while Minoxidil supports new hair growth and thicker strands.

Minoxidil is available in two forms:
As a topical scalp solution, such as Regaine for Men Extra Strength Solution
As an oral medicine available by private prescription through our pharmacy - Minoxidil Tablets.

Consistent, long-term use is key to maintaining results. If either medicine is stopped, any regrown hair may gradually be lost again within several months.

Warnings & Precautions

It is only for use by adult men only and should never be taken by women or children. Pregnant women must not handle crushed or broken tablets, as absorption of the active ingredient can harm an unborn baby. Intact tablets have a protective coating to prevent this risk.

please inform us if you have liver disease, bladder problems, or difficulty passing urine and on the form also include any other medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements, although significant interactions are uncommon.

If you experience any signs of breast tenderness, lumps, nipple discharge, mood changes, or signs of depression to your doctor immediately. Continue with regular self-checks and follow-up reviews if advised. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and do not share this medicine with anyone else.

Finasteride and mental health

Some men have reported mood changes, including low mood, depression, anxiety, or in rare cases, suicidal thoughts. These effects can occur during treatment or after stopping the medicine. Although such side effects are uncommon, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises that patients and prescribers should be aware of this possible risk.

If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition, you should speak to your doctor. They can help assess whether this treatment is appropriate and discuss alternative options if needed.

Monitor your mood closely and let a healthcare professional know straight away if you experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or any thoughts of self-harm. Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical help if these symptoms occur.

If you ever feel in crisis or think you might harm yourself, contact your GP, call 111 for urgent advice, or call 999 in an emergency. You can also speak to the Samaritans for free at 116 123 any time.

Other hair loss treatments

Other hair loss treatments we offer include:

• Dutasteride capsules - These contain 0.5mg of Dutasteride, which is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used to treat hair loss and can be a good alternative if Finasteride does not work for you.
• Minoxidil tablets - These are used to stimulate hair growth and can be used alongside Finasteride.
• Regaine - this is a topical treatment that contains Minoxidil and can be used alongside Finasteride.

More information

For full prescribing details, including dosing, side effects, and clinical data, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) on the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) website.

You can also visit the NHS page on Finasteride and the NHS overview of hair loss for advice on causes and available treatments.