Based on over 30,000 reviews collected on Google and Reviews.io.
Finasteride is a prescription-only treatment for male pattern baldness that prevents further hair loss in 90% of cases and helps to promote regrowth. Many patients notice visible results in six to 13 months, however, some see results within the first four-to-six months.
Finasteride is suitable for all men aged 18 or over. While men experiencing the first signs of male pattern hair loss are likely to see the best results, Finasteride is suitable for any stage of hair loss.
By preventing the hormones responsible for hair loss from shrinking the hair follicles, Finasteride helps to limit, prevent and in some cases reverse bale pattern hair loss (male androgenetic alopecia).
Who says hair loss has to be hereditary?
Finasteride (1mg) is the active ingredient in these tablets. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is used primarily in the treatment of male pattern baldness.
Finasteride works by blocking the androgenic hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone, made in the testes and prostate, is the cause of male pattern hair loss. When it accumulates in hair follicles, it can have a miniaturising effect, making the hair thinner and eventually preventing hair growth.
By stopping DHT from reaching the follicle, Finasteride allows the hair follicle to grow normally, preventing further loss and promoting regrowth.
Finasteride treatment is simple. Take one tablet daily with or without food. Be sure to take your tablet at the same time, every day. Consistent long-term use is essential for best results.
If you miss a dose and it has been more than six hours since it was due, skip this dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
The tablet core contains: active ingredient (Finasteride 1mg)
Finasteride has several possible side effects.
In the last 12 months, the MHRA has asked men to be aware that a link between taking Finasteride and sexual side effects has been discovered. Some men who take this medication may experience a loss of sex drive, and/or problems with getting or maintaining an erection (known as erectile dysfunction or ED). If you experience any issues with sexual function while taking Finasteride, it’s important to speak to your doctor right away. You should also be aware that sexual side effects may persist, even if you stop taking Finasteride.
Similarly, psychiatric side effects such as depression, low mood, anxiety and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts, can occur. For this reason, you may be asked questions about your mental health as part of the consultation process. And as people taking Finasteride may not necessarily realise that they are experiencing low mood, it’s advised to let friends and family know about this side effect and ask them to stay vigilant for it too. And if you have any concerns, please contact your GP.
Another rare side effect is tenderness of the breast tissue. Although instances of breast cancer among Finasteride users are rare, you should tell your doctor if you experience any changes in your breast tissue (including lumps, pain or discharge from the nipple).
Finasteride should only be taken by men.
There is some evidence to suggest that Finasteride may affect foetal development in pregnant women. Therefore, it should be avoided if you and your partner are trying to conceive.
Tell your doctor if you are taking Finasteride and you intend to have a blood test for prostate cancer called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) as it may affect the results.
Yes, Finasteride is the generic drug whereas Propecia is the branded drug. However, the ingredients and effects are exactly the same. By purchasing the generic version, you get the same results at a lower price.
Finasteride is effective for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). It is not, however, suitable for hair loss caused by stress, chemotherapy or fungal infections like tinea capitis (scalp ringworm).
The best results will be experienced in younger men or those whose hair loss is less advanced. However, studies show that older men over the age of 40 have experienced an improvement in scalp hair growth when compared to patients who took a placebo.
Consistent use is essential in maintaining the best possible results with Finasteride. If you stop taking it, DHT will eventually continue to collect in the hair follicles and hair loss will resume.
Many patients experience success with combination therapies where an oral medication like Finasteride is combined with a topical medication like Minoxidil.
Minoxidil works by improving blood flow to the scalp, allowing the follicle to get more oxygen and nutrients and promoting healthy hair growth.
Finasteride is not recommended for those planning to conceive. As well as presenting a potential risk to foetal development, studies suggest that Finasteride can negatively impact sperm counts in some men. However, the impact on fertility is typically reversed when treatment is discontinued.
It takes time for Finasteride to effectively prevent DHT from reaching the hair follicles of the scalp and allow healthy hair growth. Many patients experience a reduction in hair loss after four to six months, with most seeing the maximum benefit after one or two years.
Finasteride tends to be most effective in cases where hair loss is less advanced. Therefore, younger men tend to see the most benefit. The earlier treatment starts, the less of a chance hair loss has to advance and the better the chances of regrowth.
Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest that older men (between 40 and 60) can still see some benefit from using Finasteride.
Finasteride is not recommended for women experiencing hair loss due to the risk it presents to foetal development when pregnant. Women may benefit more from the use of topical Minoxidil to treat hair loss.
Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can ensure that you are getting the most out of Finasteride and are able to mitigate against the risk of side effects.
You should always contact your doctor if you experience any of the following while taking Finasteride:
Tell your doctor that you are taking Finasteride if you are over the age of 50 and subject to PSA testing for cancer.
First you’ll need to have a short online consultation to make sure that this medication is right for you. However, this process is quick, easy and totally discreet. Once we have determined that this is a safe and appropriate medication for your needs, the product can be made available.
Always consult with a licensed medical professional before starting any new treatment.
We think accessing healthcare should be easy. Whether we’re fulfilling NHS prescriptions or helping people find the right treatments, we aim to offer our customers dependable, economical and convenient access to medicines with a personal and discreet service.
View all the available prices for Finasteride 1mg Tablets For Hair Loss from The Independent Pharmacy
Visit our Hair Loss page for treatments, advice and FAQs.
Our expert clinical team have published a range of reviewed and clinically-sourced information on Finasteride to ensure our patients have all the information they need on their treatment journey.
