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At a glance

QUICK SUMMARY

01 Type of medicine

Prescription medication for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)

02 Generic

Yes

03 Active ingredient

Finasteride

04 Effective within

Results may be noticeable within 3 to 6 months of continuous use

05 Works by

Treat male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia)

06 Side effects

Changes in sexual function, mood alterations, allergic reactions, breast tissue changes

MEDICATION DETAILS

Description

Finasteride 1mg Tablets

Finasteride 1mg is used for male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. It is taken as a daily tablet and is intended for men. It is a medicine that requires a clinician to assess whether it is suitable for you.

How it works

Male pattern hair loss is driven by dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone converted from testosterone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. DHT gradually shrinks the hair follicles on the scalp so that each growth cycle produces a finer, shorter hair. Finasteride blocks that enzyme, lowering DHT levels at the scalp, which slows the miniaturisation process and allows some follicles to recover.

How to use it

Take one tablet daily at the same time, with or without food, exactly as directed. It works while you keep taking it, and the effect is gradual: three to six months of continuous use is generally needed before any change is assessed. Stopping means DHT levels return to where they were, and any benefit is usually lost over the following months.

Who it is for

It is for adult men with male pattern hair loss where a clinician has confirmed it is appropriate. It must not be used by women who are or may become pregnant, and crushed or broken tablets should not be handled by them, since finasteride can harm a developing male fetus. It is not for use in children.

Safety and when to get advice

A small proportion of men report sexual side effects including reduced libido, erectile difficulties or reduced ejaculate volume, and in some cases these are reported as persisting after stopping. Mood changes including low mood have also been reported. Contact a clinician about any of these, and seek prompt advice for breast lumps, pain or discharge, or any testicular change. Finasteride affects PSA readings, so tell any clinician arranging a prostate test that you take it. Our UK pharmacy team can answer questions about this product before you buy.

Common questions

How long before I can judge it?
Three to six months of daily use, since hair cycles are slow.

What happens if I stop?
DHT returns to previous levels and any gains are generally lost over the following months.

Can women take it?
No. This product is for men, and women who are or may become pregnant must not handle broken tablets.

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the pack before use.

Directions

Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions precisely. The recommended dosage is one tablet per day, which can be taken with or without food. Consistency is key – the effectiveness of Finasteride is best observed over time. If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, contact your doctor promptly. Should you forget a dose, avoid doubling up on tablets; simply continue with your regular regimen the following day.

Ingredients

Each film-coated tablet of Finasteride contains 1 mg of finasteride as its active ingredient. Other components include lactose monohydrate, cellulose microcrystalline, sodium starch glycolate, starch pregelatinized (maize starch), docusate sodium, magnesium stearate, and the tablet's coating.

Side Effects

As with any medication, Finasteride may cause side effects in some individuals. Notable side effects include mood alterations (such as depression), changes in sexual function (reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues), and allergic reactions like rash and itching. While most side effects are temporary or diminish with continued use, it's important to seek medical guidance if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Warnings

Women and Children: Finasteride is for men only and should not be used by women or children under 18 years old.

Mood Alterations: Instances of depressed mood, depression, and even suicidal thoughts have been reported. If you encounter these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.
Prostate Cancer

Screening: Finasteride can affect PSA levels, which are used for prostate cancer screening. Inform your doctor if you're taking Finasteride before undergoing a PSA test.

Fertility: Long-term use of Finasteride, in conjunction with other risk factors, has been associated with infertility in men. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance.
Breast Cancer: Report any breast tissue changes, such as lumps or pain, to your doctor, as these could be signs of breast cancer.

Medically reviewed and published

  • This page was medically reviewed by Dr Sohaib Imtiaz, Clinical Lead on Aug 24, 2023, 3:30 pm

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can women use Finasteride for hair loss?

No, Finasteride is intended for use by men only. Women should not use this medication, particularly if pregnant or planning to become pregnant, due to potential risks to the developing fetus.

How long does it take to see results with Finasteride?

Results may vary, but it usually takes 3 to 6 months of continuous use to observe noticeable improvements in hair growth and reduction in hair loss.

Can I stop taking Finasteride once I see results?

It's essential to continue taking Finasteride as prescribed to maintain the benefits. Discontinuing the medication may lead to a reversal of the positive effects.

Is Finasteride safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety studies have shown that Finasteride is generally well-tolerated and effective for men with male pattern hair loss. However, consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on your health profile.

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