Finasteride
Finasteride is a prescription medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness and diffuse thinning. It’s also prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and as part of hormone therapy for transgender women.
Key facts
- Classification: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK
- Treatment category: Hair
- Price (if prescribed): from £11.24
- Typical supply: 28 days
- Availability: Available following an online consultation
- Prescriber review: every order is assessed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist
Finasteride prices by dose and pack size
| Strength | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1mg | 28 pack | £11.24 |
| 1mg | 84 pack | £29.99 |
| 1mg | 168 pack | £44.99 |
Finasteride: Effective Hair Loss Treatment for Men
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness and diffuse thinning. It’s also prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and as part of hormone therapy for transgender women.
Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia, containing the same active ingredient but at a more affordable price. It is highly effective, with over 80% of men experiencing hair regrowth or reduced hair loss.
Medihealth Direct offers Finasteride specifically for the treatment of hair loss. If you require it for other conditions, please consult your GP.
How Does Finasteride Work for Hair Loss?
Finasteride targets the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a by-product of testosterone. Elevated levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
As a 5α-reductase inhibitor, Finasteride prevents the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. This helps halt hair loss and encourages regrowth.
How Does Finasteride Work for Prostate Enlargement (BPH)?
For BPH, Finasteride reduces prostate size by lowering DHT levels, which can ease symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Weak urine flow
Finasteride for BPH is sold under the brand name Proscar. Medihealth Direct recommends consulting your GP for BPH-specific treatments.
How Quickly Will I See Results?
Visible improvements typically appear within 3 to 6 months of consistent use. Some users may need up to 12 months to notice significant changes.
Clinical trials show:
- 83% of men experienced no further hair loss
- 66% of men saw noticeable hair regrowth
How to Take Finasteride
Recommended Dosage:
- Take 1mg of Finasteride daily for hair loss.
- Tablets can be taken with or without food.
What If You Miss a Dose?
- Skip the missed dose and continue as normal.
- Do not double up on doses, as this will not increase effectiveness.
Stopping Finasteride:
If you stop taking Finasteride, hair loss may resume within 9–12 months. Prolonged discontinuation may also lead to a condition called Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), which can cause side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Sexual dysfunction
- Mood changes
Potential Side Effects of Finasteride
Common Side Effects:
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation issues
- Mood swings or depression
Rare but Serious Side Effects:
- Breast tissue changes (seek immediate medical attention)
- Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling)
- Vision changes
Who Can Take Finasteride?
Finasteride is generally safe for adult men over 18. However, it is not suitable for:
- Women or children
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (contact with crushed tablets can harm the fetus)
- Those with known allergies to Finasteride or its ingredients
Precautions When Taking Finasteride
Pre-Existing Conditions:
Inform your healthcare professional if you have:
- Liver or heart disease
- Metabolic conditions
- Prostate cancer (Finasteride can affect PSA levels in blood tests)
Fertility Concerns:
Prolonged use may affect fertility, especially if combined with other risk factors.
Drug Interactions:
- Safe to combine with Minoxidil (topical treatment)
- Always disclose other medications to avoid adverse interactions
Can I Buy Finasteride Online?
Yes, you can purchase Finasteride tablets from Medihealth Direct. Simply:
- Complete a free consultation: Answer questions about your health history.
- Healthcare Professional review: Our UK-registered healthcare professionals will assess your suitability.
- Fast delivery: If approved, your medication will be dispatched with free next-day delivery in discreet packaging.
Finasteride FAQs
What is Finasteride used for?
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
How long does Finasteride take to work?
You may see results within 3–6 months, but it can take up to a year.
Can Finasteride be used with Minoxidil?
Yes, Finasteride and Minoxidil can be used together for improved results.
Can women use Finasteride?
No, Finasteride is not recommended for women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Does Finasteride stop working after a while?
No, but if you stop taking it, hair loss may resume within a year.
Is Finasteride available over the counter?
No, it requires a prescription.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Finasteride?
Yes, but excessive alcohol consumption may exacerbate side effects like dizziness.
How does the online consultation for Finasteride work?
- Complete a confidential online health questionnaire.
- A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews your answers and confirms whether the treatment is clinically appropriate.
- If approved, your medication is dispensed by the pharmacy and delivered in discreet packaging by tracked UK delivery.
See how the service works or browse all treatments.