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What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is the generic alternative to Propecia. Both contain 1 mg of the same active ingredient and work by lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp. By reducing DHT, finasteride protects hair follicles from progressive miniaturisation — the hallmark of male pattern baldness. Because it targets the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness, finasteride for hair loss is considered one of the most effective long-term treatment options.
Generic versions are equally effective but typically much more affordable, and the lower finasteride cost makes this hair loss treatment a popular choice for men seeking a reliable and cost-effective long-term therapy.
Finasteride in focus
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Dosage |
One 1 mg tablet taken daily |
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Onset of action |
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Effect |
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Duration |
Benefits last only with continuous, regular use |
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Who it is for |
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How does Finasteride work?
Androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness, is caused by a genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgenic hormone that is a by-product of testosterone.
Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, reducing DHT levels in the scalp by approximately 60% to 70%, according to clinical studies.
Lower DHT slows follicular miniaturisation, reduces shedding, and gradually increases hair thickness and overall density.
Most men using finasteride for hair loss see clear benefits when taken daily and consistently.
How to buy Finasteride in the UK
Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. You cannot legally buy Finasteride 1mg over the counter.
To buy Finasteride in the UK safely:
- visit a doctor or complete an online consultation to get a proper Finasteride prescription
- with a prescription, you can buy Finasteride online from a reliable provider
- your medication is then dispensed and delivered discreetly
You may see low-priced offers to order Finasteride online without a prescription—these should be avoided, as they often involve unregulated or counterfeit products that can pose health risks.
How to take Finasteride correctly
Take one finasteride 1 mg tablet daily as follows:
- Take at the same time each day
- With or without food
- Do not crush or split the tablet
- If you miss a dose, skip it and continue as normal the next day — do not double the dose
Who is Finasteride not suitable for?
Do not take finasteride if you:
- are a woman (especially pregnant or breastfeeding)
- have a known allergy to finasteride
- are under 18
- have liver disease (seek medical advice)
- are planning fatherhood imminently (discuss first with your doctor)
What are the Finasteride side effects in men?
Most men tolerate the treatment well, but some may experience side effects of Finasteride.
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Common (up to 1%) |
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Less common |
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Rare |
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Is Finasteride safe?
Yes, most men tolerate finasteride well. Side effects of finasteride in males occur rarely and are usually mild. Safety is optimised through regular use of the correct dose and routine medical follow-up.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS)
A small number of men report long-lasting effects after stopping finasteride, known as post-finasteride syndrome. Symptoms may include sexual dysfunction, fatigue or mood changes. Evidence remains limited and controversial, but any persistent symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Taking Finasteride with other medications
Tell your GP if you take:
- antidepressants or mood medications
- testosterone or hormone therapies
- alpha-blockers for prostate conditions
- finasteride 5 mg for BPH
- medicines affecting liver function
- supplements that influence hormones
While Finasteride does not interact with alcohol, moderate consumption is still advised.
Precautions when taking Finasteride
Before ordering finasteride, consider the following:
Handling precautions: Women who are pregnant should not handle broken tablets.
Mental health: Report mood changes or depressive symptoms promptly.
Prostate monitoring: Finasteride lowers PSA levels—alert your clinician before prostate testing.
Fertility considerations: Very rarely, finasteride may reduce sperm count; usually reversible after stopping.
Consistency: Stopping treatment will reverse benefits after several months.
Finasteride 1 mg vs Finasteride 5 mg
Both strengths of oral medication contain finasteride but serve different purposes:
- Finasteride 1 mg – indicated for male pattern hair loss
- Finasteride 5 mg – indicated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
They are not interchangeable. Only the 1 mg dose is licensed for treating hair loss.
Topical Finasteride as an alternative to oral Finasteride medication
Some men prefer topical finasteride (solution or foam) as an alternative to oral tablets. It may reduce systemic absorption while still lowering scalp DHT.
However, oral finasteride for hair loss remains the gold-standard treatment supported by the strongest clinical evidence for halting hair loss and improving density.
Further information
Package leaflet for Finasteride for download.