Finasteride
- Once-daily treatment for male pattern hair loss
- Helps slow further hair loss
- May support hair regrowth in some men
- UK-licensed prescription medicine
From £12.99
Finasteride is a prescription medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. It works by reducing DHT, a hormone involved in hair follicle shrinkage. With continued use, it may help maintain existing hair and encourage regrowth in some men.
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This page is written for general information. It does not replace advice from your own prescriber or GP, and it is not a recommendation that this medicine is right for you.
How do I take finasteride?
Take one 1 mg tablet once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water and try to take it at around the same time each day.
Finasteride works gradually. It usually takes three to six months of consistent treatment before you can properly assess the results.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed tablet and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Always follow your prescriber's instructions and read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.
What side effects should I know about?
Like all medicines, finasteride can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. These may include reduced sex drive, difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, and ejaculation problems. Some sexual side effects have continued after stopping treatment.
Mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts, have also been reported. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine for a full list of possible side effects.
Important safety information
Depression and suicidal thoughts
If you develop depression or suicidal thoughts while taking finasteride 1 mg, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you experience sexual side effects, speak to your prescriber or doctor. If you have suicidal thoughts and are at immediate risk of harming yourself, call 999 or attend A&E.
Please read the Finasteride Patient Card and Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Is finasteride safe for me?
Finasteride isn't suitable for everyone. It is intended for adult men with male pattern hair loss and must not be taken by women or children.
Before starting treatment, tell your prescriber about any medical conditions, current medicines or history of depression or suicidal thoughts. You should also mention any planned PSA blood tests, as finasteride can affect the results.
Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets.
A qualified UK prescriber will review your medical history and assessment to determine whether finasteride is suitable for you.
Finasteride questions, answered
What is finasteride used for?
Finasteride is a prescription medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. It works by reducing DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair follicle shrinkage and thinning.
How effective is finasteride for hair loss?
Finasteride can help slow or stabilise hair loss in many men, and some may experience regrowth. Results vary depending on factors such as the extent of hair loss and response to treatment.
How long does finasteride take to work?
It usually takes three to six months of consistent use to begin assessing results. Some men may need up to 12 months to see the full benefit. Taking photographs every few months can help you track changes.
Can finasteride help with a receding hairline?
Finasteride may help slow further recession, but regrowth around the temples and frontal hairline is less predictable. Results vary, and restoring a receding hairline cannot be guaranteed.
Can I use finasteride and minoxidil together?
Yes, they may be used together when clinically appropriate. Finasteride reduces DHT, while topical minoxidil helps encourage hair growth. A prescriber can advise whether combining treatments is suitable for you.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
The benefits generally last only while treatment continues. If you stop taking finasteride, hair loss may gradually resume, and hair maintained or regrown through treatment may be lost over the following months.
Can finasteride cause sexual side effects?
Yes. Possible side effects include reduced sex drive, erection difficulties and ejaculation problems. Some sexual side effects have continued after stopping treatment. If you experience these effects, speak to your prescriber or doctor.
Can I get finasteride through PillSuite?
You can complete a confidential online assessment, which a qualified UK prescriber will review alongside your medical history and current medicines. Finasteride may be supplied if the prescriber determines that it is clinically appropriate.
Further information
Always read the information supplied with your medicine.
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