A once-daily 1mg tablet for male pattern hair loss in men. A GPhC-registered pharmacist reviews every request.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is derived from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. In genetically susceptible men, DHT causes hair follicles to gradually miniaturise, producing progressively finer hairs until growth stops entirely. Finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the hormone behind male pattern hair loss.
Stopping smoking, keeping alcohol within recommended limits, eating a balanced diet rich in protein and avoiding stress where you can may all help your hair. You can wash your hair as often as you like. It will not make hair loss worse.
Male pattern hair loss usually carries on slowly over time. Treatment works for as long as you keep taking it.
For support, Alopecia UK (alopeciaonline.org.uk) can help, and the British Association of Dermatologists has a patient leaflet.
Hair loss generally stabilises after three to six months of daily treatment
We check how well it is working. If it is working, you can carry on taking it
If it has not helped after a year, we recommend stopping it
The benefit begins to reverse by six months and is lost by 9 to 12 months
This is the Norwood scale, the standard way of describing male pattern hair loss.
Choose a stage to see how it is described.
No noticeable hair loss, or a very slight change at the hairline
Slight recession at the temples
Clear recession at both temples, forming an M shape
Deeper recession plus thinning at the crown
Larger areas of loss, with a narrowing band between front and crown
The band between front and crown has largely gone
Only a rim of hair remains at the sides and back
There is not enough evidence to recommend using finasteride and minoxidil together, so we do not supply the two together as a plan. If you already use minoxidil, tell our pharmacist during your consultation so they can advise you.
Generally, three to six months of daily treatment are needed before hair loss stabilises. We check how well it is working at 6 months. If it is working, you can carry on taking it. If it has not helped after a year, we recommend stopping it, and your GP can refer you to a dermatologist if you would like.
If you stop taking it, the benefit begins to reverse by six months and is lost by 9 to 12 months. Male pattern hair loss usually carries on slowly over time. Treatment works for as long as you keep taking it.
There is not enough evidence to recommend using finasteride and minoxidil together, so we do not supply the two together as a plan. If you already use minoxidil, tell our pharmacist during your consultation so they can advise you.
Some men have reported poor sperm quality or infertility. The NHS says this is not common and that sperm usually returns to normal after stopping. The product information says men planning to father a child should consider stopping treatment. Discuss with your prescriber if you are trying to conceive. Finasteride passes into semen in small amounts. Use a condom if your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant.
Yes. Finasteride lowers PSA, a blood test used to check for prostate cancer. Tell your GP that you are taking finasteride.
If it is working, finasteride can be continued long term. Uncommon side effects (fewer than 1 in 100 men): lower sex drive, low mood or depression, difficulty getting an erection, and changes in ejaculation, including less semen. In some men, sexual side effects have carried on after they stopped taking finasteride. Sexual side effects have also been linked to changes in mood, including thoughts of suicide. If you have any sexual side effects, ask our pharmacist or your GP for advice. If you notice changes in your mood, such as low mood, depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide, stop taking finasteride and seek medical advice. Tell our pharmacist or your GP about any side effect, so that a Yellow Card report can be sent to the MHRA.
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Uncommon side effects (fewer than 1 in 100 men): lower sex drive, low mood or depression, difficulty getting an erection, and changes in ejaculation, including less semen. In some men, sexual side effects have carried on after they stopped taking finasteride. Sexual side effects have also been linked to changes in mood, including thoughts of suicide. If you have any sexual side effects, ask our pharmacist or your GP for advice. Tell our pharmacist or your GP about any side effect, so that a Yellow Card report can be sent to the MHRA.
Mood changes: stop and seek advice
Your pack includes a patient card about possible mood changes and sexual side effects: read it and the leaflet before you start, and keep them both.
Tell your doctor promptly about any changes in your breast tissue, such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Finasteride lowers PSA, a blood test used to check for prostate cancer. Tell your GP that you are taking finasteride. Finasteride is licensed for men only. Women who could become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Finasteride passes into semen in small amounts. Use a condom if your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant. Not suitable if you have a rare inherited problem with galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.