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Finasteride information
Finasteride is a prescription medication for male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia. That's the thinning, receding hairline or bald patch on the crown of the head that many men get as they get older. Finasteride is the same active ingredient that's found in the brand Propecia. It's only licensed for male pattern hair loss, not other types of hair loss.
Male pattern hair loss (also called androgenetic alopecia) is a common type of hair loss in men. It often shows up as a receding hairline, thinning on top, or a bald patch on the crown.
Male pattern hair loss is caused by a hormone called DHT. Normally, each hair follicle grows a hair for several years. Then that hair falls out and a new one grows in its place. In male pattern hair loss, DHT makes your follicles shrink over time. Each new hair grows thinner and falls out sooner. In the end, the follicle can become so small that the hair no longer grows through the skin.
Male pattern hair loss isn't caused by anything you've done. It's also not the only type of hair loss. Other types have different causes, and finasteride is only licensed for male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride lowers a hormone that shrinks your hair follicles. In male pattern hair loss, a hormone called DHT makes hair follicles smaller over time. Hairs can therefore get thinner, fall out sooner and eventually stop growing. Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. With less DHT, your follicles can stay healthier and hold on to your hair for longer.
In two large 5-year studies, men took either finasteride or a dummy tablet (placebo). A panel of skin specialists (dermatologists) then judged their photos. After 5 years:
- 9 in 10 men taking finasteride (90%) had more hair (48%) or no further hair loss (42%).
- Only 1 in 4 men taking placebo (25%) had more hair or no further hair loss.
Not everyone sees regrowth, and results vary from person to person.
You need to take finasteride for 3 to 6 months before there's any sign that hair loss is slowing. Hair grows slowly, so it's normal not to see a change straight away. Keep taking finasteride every day.
Take one tablet once a day, at about the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. A routine helps, for example, taking it with your morning coffee. Taking more won't work better, so stick to the dose you've been prescribed.
Any hair regrowth will usually start to reverse within about 6 months, and your hair thickness will return to where it would have been without treatment by 9 to 12 months.
Like all medications, finasteride may cause side effects. It's important to know what to look out for.
Sexual side effects. These can include less interest in sex, trouble getting or keeping an erection, and less semen. In studies, about 4 in 100 men taking finasteride experienced sexual side effects in the first year, compared with about 2 in 100 on placebo. For most men these got better over time, even while still taking finasteride. For some men, the side effects carried on after stopping.
Mood changes. Some men have reported low mood or depression while taking finasteride, and less often, thoughts of harming themselves. Sexual side effects can also impact your mood. It can help to tell a family member or friend you're taking finasteride so they can help you spot any changes.
- If you notice a low mood, stop taking finasteride and speak to your clinician straight away.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 999 or go to A&E now.
Breast changes. Speak to your GP or call 111 straight away if you notice a lump, pain or swelling in your chest area, or fluid from your nipples.
Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). This is rare. Call 999 or go to A&E if your lips, mouth, tongue or throat swell, or you are struggling to breathe.
This isn't every possible side effect. Check the patient information leaflet for the full list.
Whole tablets are fine to touch. They have a coating that stops the medicine getting onto your skin. But, women who are or might be pregnant shouldn't touch broken or crushed tablets, because the medicine could be absorbed and cause harm. Keep your tablets whole and stored safely.
There's no difference in how they work. Propecia is a brand name, and finasteride is the generic (unbranded) version. They both contain the same active ingredient. Generic medicines must meet the same standards as branded ones, and they typically cost less.
Yes, we offer two topical treatments:
Both contain minoxidil 5% and are applied straight onto your scalp. They work differently to finasteride. Finasteride is a tablet that lowers a hormone behind hair loss, while minoxidil is thought to work by helping blood flow to your hair follicles.
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
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Dr. Adam Abbs is Medical Director at MedExpress. He has extensive experience in asynchronous and video consultations, technology-enabled remote examinations and home biomarker testing, with a particular interest in educating both patients and doctors. Adam is a published author and is licensed to practice medicine in the UK and across the EU, and is registered in Canada.
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