What is Propecia?

Propecia is a prescription tablet taken once a day by men with male pattern baldness. It’s only available in the UK by private prescription. Propecia is the well-known branded version of the active ingredient “finasteride” which has been used to treat hair loss since the 1990s.

Propecia reduces the effect of hormones on hair follicles, which can prevent and even reverse hair loss. It is effective in 90% of men and its effects are often seen after three to six months.

How does Propecia work?

The active ingredient in Propecia (finasteride) blocks the action of an enzyme in the body 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, Propecia helps to halt hair loss and, in some cases, reverse it. It allows hair follicles to get the nutrients they need to grow. Find out more about how Propecia works.  

How quickly does Propecia work?

When taken correctly (one tablet every day) Propecia should begin to show results after three to six months. In some men, however, positive effects may take longer to develop. For this reason, it is important not to become discouraged too early in your treatment.

However, if you have been taking Propecia for longer than 12 months and are yet to see a difference, it is unlikely that the treatment will begin to work after this point. In this case you should speak to your GP about how to proceed.

Does Propecia treat the underlying causes of hair loss?

Propecia won’t treat the underlying cause of hair loss in the long run. Although it does temporarily treat the underlying causes by reducing levels of DHT. It’s not a cure for hair loss.

Male pattern baldness is genetic. If you stop taking hair loss treatment its effects will wear off and hair loss will start again within 6-12 months.

Dr. Neel Patel “It is important to speak with a GP if you’re concerned about hair loss in order to choose the safest and most effective treatment for you.” 

How to take Propecia

Take 1 tablet of Propecia each day. The tablet can be taken with or without food.

Propecia will not work faster or better if you take more than 1 tablet a day. You must continue to take Propecia for the treatment to work. If you stop taking Propecia, your hair loss will return.

How effective is Propecia?

Propecia is considered the most effective hair loss medicine available. Clinical research has shown when men aged 18-41 with mild or moderate hair loss took Propecia it was effective at slowing or reversing hair loss in 9 out of 10 men. In some cases stimulating regrowth.

It is unlikely that Propecia will be effective when taken by men who:

• have severe hair loss (very little hair left)
• are not suffering from male pattern baldness (i.e. other types of hair loss)
• have a receding hairline
• do not take Propecia every day 

For most men, Propecia takes 3-6 months of daily use to show effects. Propecia isn’t a permanent cure for male pattern baldness. If you stop treatment hair loss can resume within six months.

What are the side effects of Propecia?

Propecia side effects are uncommon and usually mild. Sometimes Propecia can cause:

• a rash
• reduced sex drive
• low mood
• erection problems
• tenderness on or around the nipples 

Finasteride (generic Propecia) has also been associated with depression and suicidal thoughts. Very rarely sexual dysfunction including low sex drive and erectile dysfunction have persisted even after a person has stopped taking finasteride.

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