Finasteride Tablets (1mg)

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is often sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia. It is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that is prescribed as a treatment for hair loss in men.

It is beneficial for men who are suffering from mild to moderate, but not complete hair loss. You need a prescription to buy Finasteride.

You can only buy Finasteride on prescription. 

What is Finasteride used for?

Finasteride is prescribed to treat male pattern baldness. It contains the active ingredient finasteride 1mg and works by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by about 70%. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) causes your hair follicles to shrink, which can result in hair loss.

Male pattern baldness can massively impact self-esteem and confidence. It is estimated that more than 50% of men will be affected by male pattern baldness within their lifetime. The signs of hair loss can be identified as early as your teenage years, but it is most common in adulthood.

Finasteride is also sold under the brand name Propecia, but buying generic Finasteride is a cheaper alternative to the branded version.

This medication can start to show noticeable results after just three to six months of taking it.

Why is Finasteride recommended to treat hair loss?

Clinical trials have concluded that finasteride will effectively promote hair growth and prevent future hair loss in "a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss."

Furthermore, finasteride is generally well tolerated, meaning it is unlikely to cause side effects in users. 

How does Finasteride treat hair loss?

Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a powerful form of testosterone. DHT is believed to contribute towards male pattern baldness by causing the hair follicles to miniaturise, so by slowing down how quickly testosterone is converted into DHT, thick and healthy hair is able to grow much easier.

You must take Finasteride consistently each day for it to provide the best results.

Who can take Finasteride?

Finasteride is an effective treatment for hair loss in men, but it is not a suitable medication for everyone.

Do not take Finasteride if:

• You are already taking any other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor medicines
• You are allergic to finasteride or any other ingredients in this medication
• You are a woman

This medicine is only suitable for adults over the age of 18. It is not a suitable hair loss treatment for children or adolescents.

It should be noted that Finasteride may increase the risk of certain types of prostate cancer in men.

Can you buy Finasteride over the counter?

Finasteride is not for sale over the counter. It can only be bought if you have been prescribed it by a doctor.

Can you buy Finasteride 1mg online in the UK?

You can buy Finasteride online from Medicine Direct after you have filled out an online consultation questionnaire. Finasteride is only available on prescription, so before we can sell you this medication, we must first make sure it is suitable for you.

One of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers will assess your medical history and condition in order to confirm this. If your order is placed by 2pm, we can offer you next day delivery.

Other treatments for male hair loss

Propecia is the branded version of Finasteride and can also be bought from Medicine Direct after an online consultation. Propecia is usually more expensive as it is a branded medicine and will work in the same way as generic Finasteride to restore hair.

Another treatment available to buy from Medicine Direct is Avodart dutasteride for male hair loss. Avodart contains the active ingredient dutasteride, which also inhibits the production of DHT. You may need to take this medicine for at least 6 months before you notice any improvement.

Finasteride 1mg tablets indication and dose

All of our Doctors and Pharmacists follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Finasteride for hair loss.

How to take Finasteride

Always take Finasteride as your doctor has instructed you. Read the patient information leaflet before you start taking it for full instructions.

• The usual recommended dose is 1mg tablet each day.
• Swallow Finasteride tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.
• You can take Finasteride with or without food, but you should take it at the same time each day.
• Do not exceed the prescribed dose, this will not make your hair grow back any faster.
• You will likely need to take Finasteride each day for between 3 and 6 months before you start to notice an improvement in your hair loss.
• Keep taking this medication for as long as your doctor tells you to. They will be able to help you in assessing whether it is effective in restoring hair.

Finasteride Side Effects

As with all medicines, Finasteride comes with the risk of certain side effects.

• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty in keeping or achieving an erection
• Increase in breast size and tenderness in men
• Skin rash

Tell your doctor if these side effects concern you or do not go away.

Serious Side Effects

In some rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to Finasteride. You may require urgent treatment in hospital if you exhibit any of the below symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• A rash that is swollen, red, itchy, blistering or peeling
• Swelling of the mouth, throat, face, lips or tongue
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest or throat

This list may not be exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet, which will accompany your medicine, to see the full list of reactions.

Finasteride Warnings and Drug Interactions

No significant drug interactions have been linked between Finasteride and other medicines. However, there are 22 drugs that have mild-moderate interaction with Finasteride.

You should always ensure you inform your doctor of any medicines you are currently taking before you start to use Finasteride. This includes prescription and non-prescription medication, supplements, vitamins and herbal remedies, particularly those which include St. John’s Wort.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings and interactions. 

Finasteride Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Finasteride 1mg

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Finasteride online in the UK?