Finasteride tablets (generic Propecia)

Propecia and Finasteride contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way to treat hair loss. Finasteride is simply the generic version of Propecia, meaning it can be a more cost effective alternative. 

Hair loss is relatively common and is usually nothing to worry about, but simply a part of ageing. Male or female pattern baldness is usually hereditary and permanent (although it can be slowed down with treatment). Other reasons for hair loss such as illness, stress, cancer treatment, weight loss or an iron deficiency are likely to cause temporary hair loss.

In most cases the begins, at first, to thin at the temples. At the same time as thi, the hair might become thin on the top of the head, developing a bald patch at the back of the head. The receding hair line and bald patches get bigger and join together, leaving a patch at the front. 

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

You should be able to take Finasteride alongside other medicines. However, it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Finasteride safely.

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

Other hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil (also sold branded as Regaine) are available from LloydsPharmacy either in store or online.

Other options include hair transplants, skin camouflage and wigs or hairpieces.

Finasteride can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a condition caused by an enlarged prostate and can cause problems with urination (e.g. waking up at night to urinate, slow start and slow flow when urinating). The dose of Finasteride for BPH is 5mg, whereas for hair loss it’s 1mg. 

If you forget to take Finasteride, take the next dose as soon as you remember. Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten tablet.

If you’d like to reorder Finasteride, you can go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’.

If you’d like regular treatment, you can choose a subscription and save 15% off your consultation. 

Free delivery of your treatment is included each month, or you can collect from your local LloydsPharmacy. And there’s no contract to worry about, you can cancel any time.