What is Finasteride?

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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.

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.

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 to take Finasteride tablets

Take 1 tablet of Finasteride each day, with or without food.
Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
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.

Does Finasteride interact with foods or drinks?

According to the NHS, there is no need to change your diet while on Finasteride. You should be able to eat and drink normally while you are on this treatment.

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.

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.

Potential Finasteride results

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.

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.

Maximising the effects of Finasteride

For a majority of cases it will likely be three to six months before you start to see your hair affected by finasteride. However, to maintain your hair’s health and maximise the effects of finasteride it’s helpful to:

Eat a healthy diet
Consider using a DHT blocking shampoo
Maintain vitamin D and biotin levels
Combine usage with minoxidil
Take finasteride every day - stopping treatment can lead to losing your new hair

What are the side effects of Finasteride?

Side effects of Finasteride are uncommon and usually mild. If you begin to experience any side effects, please notify your GP. Known side effects of finasteride include:

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)	Unknown frequency
Impotence Lessened sexual desire Erection difficulties Problems with ejaculation	Breast swelling or tenderness Pain in testes Blood in semen Heart palpitations Persistent erection difficulties and sex drive decrease Changes to the way your liver works Anxiety and suicidal thoughts

“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

Managing Finasteride side effects

Any side effects you may get as a result of taking finasteride will vary from patient to patient. If you get any side effects or are worried about finasteride side effects please:

Contact your GP
Understand some side effects are temporary
Take finasteride at the same time every day
Make healthy lifestyle choices (outside of your hair loss treatment)
Stop using finasteride if you begin to experience severe or dangerous side effects

Finasteride FAQs

Name: Finasteride
Brand: Finasteride
Availability: InStock

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

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.

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.

It has been reported by the NHS and some clinical studies that using finasteride can reduce sperm count or lead to low quality sperm. However, sperm usually returned to normal once patients had stopped taking finasteride.

In rare cases Finasteride has been considered a potential risk of male breast cancer. Although clinical trials did not show a significant increase in breast cancer diagnoses, there is not enough data to rule this out as a risk. If you notice any changes in your breast tissue after taking finasteride (i.e. nipple discharge, lumps or pain), please talk to your GP.

In other trials it has been suggested that finasteride can actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer, though can increase the malignant degree of the cancer if it does appear. However, more testing is required before this information can be clarified. If you notice any of the symptoms of prostate cancer (needing to pee more frequently, changes in urine flow, blood in urine) then talk to your GP.

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.