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.

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:

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:

• Halts hair loss for 83% of men
• Over 2 years 66% of men will see regrowth
• Over 5 years can help halt hair loss for as many as 90% of men 

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.