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Finasteride - Hair loss treatment
  • 1 tablet taken daily
  • Halts hair loss for 9 out of 10 men 
  • Can promote hair regrowth in some men

Finasteride tablets (generic Propecia)

Finasteride - Hair loss treatment

Generic treatment

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Alternative treatment: Propecia

  • 1 tablet taken daily
  • Halts hair loss for 9 out of 10 men 
  • Can promote hair regrowth in some men
On this page

    What is Finasteride?

    On this page
    1. How does Finasteride work?
    2. How quickly does Finasteride work?
    3. Finasteride results after six months
    4. Finasteride results after one year
    5. If you stop taking Finasteride
    6. Does Finasteride regrow hair?
    7. How to take Finasteride
    8. How effective is Finasteride?
    9. What are the side effects of Finasteride?
    10. Does Finasteride cause depression?
    11. What’s the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?

    Finasteride is a generic treatment for hair loss, containing the same active ingredient as the popular branded treatment, Propecia. It is taken daily as a tablet and halts hair loss for as many as 9 out of 10 men. Finasteride only stimulates hair growth on the head and will not cause hair to grow elsewhere on the body.

    Finasteride works by preventing the enzyme that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from doing so. A reduced amount of DHT in the hair follicles reduces the rate at which hair is lost, and in some cases causes new hair to grow again.

    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 hair loss.

    DHT and hair loss - Does propecia work

    How quickly does Finasteride work?

    Results won’t be instant. Generally, you will need to take Finasteride daily for 3-6 months before you start to see any change in your hair loss. For the majority of men, it will take a few months of daily use, before they start to see the impact. Results won’t appear any quicker if you take more than one tablet a day.

    You should continue taking Finasteride for at least a year to confirm whether it is effective for you.

    Finasteride results after six months

    Six months into your treatment, you might be starting to see the impact of Finasteride. Your hair loss may have slowed and improved.

    Finasteride results after one year

    Hopefully, after one year of taking Finasteride, you will see your hair loss improve, and your hairline might look thicker and fuller.

    After five years of treatment, studies have shown that most men will have an improved hair line, and some will have new growth.

    If you stop taking Finasteride

    Hair loss will return if you stop taking Finasteride, so you will need to continue with the treatment for as long as you would like to halt your hair loss. Even if you have positive results from taking Finasteride, this will be reversed once treatment is stopped.

    Find out more about Finasteride results below:

    Potential Finasteride results

    Does Finasteride regrow hair?

    While there isn’t a cure for hair loss, Finasteride can help regrow hair and stops hair loss. Around 1 in 3 men taking Finasteride will experience hair regrowth. This can take months and varies from person to person. Find out more about how to stop hair loss.

    How to take Finasteride

    1. Take 1 tablet of Finasteride each day, with or without food.
    2. Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
    3. You must continue to take Finasteride for the treatment to work. 

    You will need to continue with your treatment for as long as you would like to slow your hair loss. Once you stop taking Finasteride your hair loss will continue.

    If you forget to take Finasteride, take the next dose as soon as you remember.  Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten tablet.

    How effective is Finasteride?

    For most men, Finasteride takes 3-6 months of daily use to show effects. The active ingredient (finasteride) has been shown to be effective in preventing hair loss in men in 9 out of 10 cases. In some cases, men experience hair regrowth.

    Like with most medications, certain treatments may work for some people and not for others. Studies have found that taking Finasteride:

    Finasteride is most effective in men with mild to moderate hair loss on the top of their head caused by male pattern baldness. There is little evidence that it is effective in reversing a receding hairline.

    What are the side effects of Finasteride?

    Side effects of Finasteride are uncommon and usually mild. Side effects include:

    • A rash
    • Sexual dysfunction
    • Low mood
    • Erection problems
    • Tenderness on or around the nipples 

    “Very rarely, sexual side effects can be permanent and remain after stopping the medication. If you are experiencing side effects speak to your doctor.” - Dr Bhavini Shah 

    For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.

    Does Finasteride cause depression?

    Finasteride has been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.

    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 develop any suicidal thoughts, stop finasteride immediately and seek urgent help from your GP. If you require urgent help call 111/999 or go to A&E” - Dr Bhavini Shah 

    What’s the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?

    The only real difference between Finasteride and Propecia is that Finasteride is the generic version of the treatment branded Propecia. Both contain the same dose of the same active ingredient (finasteride), meaning they work the same way to treat hair loss.

    On this page

      Finasteride FAQs

      On this page

      Does Finasteride work in women with hair loss?

      Finasteride is for male hair loss only and is not suitable for women. Find out more about hair loss treatment for women.

      Can I order Finasteride online?

      You can request and pay for a Finasteride prescription online. As 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 from a regulated online doctor service with professionally qualified and registered clinicians.

      When using our service you will need to complete a hair loss consultation, and if suitable, one of our clinicians will prescribe the treatment. You can then pay for your prescription online.

      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.  

      Alternative hair loss treatments

      We also offer Propecia in our hair loss clinic. However, this hair loss treatment contains the same dose of the same active ingredient (finasteride) as generic Finasteride. This means they work in the same way.

      Another hair loss treatment option is minoxidil (also sold branded as Regaine) which we also offer. A Finasteride alternative, you can buy Regaine on its own, or you can request it as part of a bundle with Finasteride. We also offer an over-the-counter hair loss treatment bundle which contains Sons minoxidil 5% solution, a DHT blocking shampoo and biotin capsules.

      Other alternative hair loss treatment includes a hair transplant, skin camouflage, makeup for hair loss and wigs or hairpieces. 

      What our patients say

      How our service works

      1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

        5 mins

      2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

        About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

      3. Choose delivery or collection

        Next day delivery

        Same-day pharmacy collection

        Collect in your local ParcelShop​​​​​​​

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      Delivery & collection information

      • Standard delivery

        Free

        Delivered within 5-7 working days.

      • Next-day delivery

        £4.95

        Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

      • Standard ParcelShop collection

        Free

        Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

      • Next day ParcelShop collection

        £2.95

        Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

      • Same-day collection

        Free

        Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in selected pharmacies the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected pharmacy.

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          Our clinicians

          Based in our London office, our doctors and independent pharmacists have years of experience caring for patients in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or in community pharmacies. Any one of the team may provide you with advice, your prescription or aftercare via private message.

          Meet the whole team
          • Dr Kieran Seyan  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

            Dr Kieran Seyan

            GMC: 6104204

          • Dr Gigi Taguri  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

            Dr Gigi Taguri

            GMC: 6129350

          • Dr Mitra Dutt- Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

            Dr Mitra Dutt

            GMC: 6077868

          • Dr Neel Patel

            Dr Neel Patel

            GMC: 7085151

          Meet the whole team
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