Finasteride 1mg Tablets
Doctors commonly prescribe finasteride to slow male pattern hair loss, which tends to show up first around the hairline or the top of the scalp.
Finasteride works by lowering levels of DHT, a hormone known to contribute to hair thinning and gradual hair loss. By reducing DHT over time, finasteride can help slow further shedding and support the retention of existing hair. Results aren’t instant, but many men notice improvements with consistent daily use.
You can buy finasteride online in the UK through the Online Men’s Clinic, after completing a free medical consultation. If suitable, your finasteride prescription will be issued by a UK-registered prescriber and delivered discreetly, usually with next-day delivery.
- Widely used treatment for male pattern hair loss
- Finasteride 1mg tablets taken once a day
- Helps reduce further hair loss over time
- Suitable for long-term use when prescribed
- Buy finasteride online with a free consultation
- Discreet, free UK delivery
OverviewOverview
Finasteride is a prescription medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. It’s most effective in the early stages of thinning and is commonly taken as a long-term treatment.
Hair loss in men is largely driven by a hormone called DHT. In men who are genetically sensitive to it, DHT causes hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinner hair and, eventually, hair loss. Finasteride works by lowering DHT levels in the scalp, which helps slow this process.
Most men take finasteride as a single 1mg tablet each day. It doesn’t work overnight, and it won’t cause sudden regrowth, but with regular use it can help reduce further hair loss and support existing hair. Results vary, and consistency matters.
Finasteride tablets are only available on prescription. With Online Men’s Clinic, suitability is checked through a free online consultation before treatment is approved.
Key points:
- Prescription-only treatment for male pattern hair loss
- Finasteride 1mg tablets taken once daily
- Works by reducing DHT, a hormone linked to hair thinning
- Best suited to men in the early stages of hair loss
- Long-term treatment with results building gradually over time
Patient Information Leaflet
Before taking finasteride, it’s important to read the official Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medication.
The leaflet includes full details on how to take finasteride safely, possible side effects, warnings, and information about the ingredients. It should be kept for future reference throughout your treatment.
If you have any questions after reading the leaflet, a pharmacist or prescriber will be able to help.
Alternatives
Finasteride is one of several treatments available for male pattern hair loss. During your online consultation, a healthcare professional can help you decide whether finasteride is the most suitable option or if an alternative may be more appropriate.
Other hair loss treatments
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp. It works differently to finasteride by improving blood flow to hair follicles. Minoxidil is often used alongside finasteride for a combined approach and can be suitable for a wider range of hair loss patterns.
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is another prescription medicine that reduces DHT levels. It works in a similar way to finasteride but is not routinely prescribed for hair loss in the UK and may carry a different side-effect profile.
Non-medicated options
Some men choose to support treatment with DHT-blocking shampoos, supplements, or lifestyle changes. These may help overall scalp health but are not a replacement for prescription treatment.
Hair loss affects everyone differently, and no single option works the same way for all men. Your prescriber will consider your hair loss pattern, medical history, and preferences before recommending a treatment.
Directions of Use
Finasteride tablets are taken once a day and are intended for ongoing use. For most men, taking the tablet at the same time each day makes it easier to stay consistent.
The tablet should be swallowed whole with water. It can be taken with or without food, whichever suits you best. There’s no benefit to taking more than the recommended dose, and doing so won’t speed up results.
Because finasteride works gradually, it’s important to keep taking it even if you don’t notice changes straight away. Stopping treatment usually leads to hair loss returning over time.
How to take finasteride
- Take one finasteride 1mg tablet once daily
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Can be taken with or without food
- Take it at roughly the same time each day
- Do not take more than one tablet per day
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and continue as normal. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Finasteride does not produce immediate results. Most men need to take it for several months before noticing reduced shedding or changes in hair density.
Some men see early improvements within three to six months, while for others it can take longer. The full effect is usually assessed after around 12 months of consistent use.
If you stop taking finasteride, any benefit gained is likely to be lost within several months.
Ingredients
Each finasteride tablet contains a single active ingredient that works to reduce DHT levels in the body.
Active ingredient:
- Finasteride 1mg
This is the standard dose prescribed for male pattern hair loss. Higher strengths of finasteride are used for other medical conditions and are not typically prescribed for hair loss.
Other ingredients:
Finasteride tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:
- Lactose monohydrate
- Sodium starch glycolate
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Pregelatinised starch
- Magnesium stearate
- Docusate sodium
Side Effects
Like all medicines, finasteride can cause side effects, although many men take it without experiencing any problems.
Most side effects, if they occur, are mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the treatment. Not everyone will experience side effects, and for many men, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Common side effects
These can affect a small number of men and may include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Changes in ejaculation
These effects are usually temporary and often improve with continued use. If they persist or become concerning, you should speak to a healthcare professional.
Less common but serious side effects
Serious side effects are rare, but you should seek medical advice if you notice:
- Breast tenderness, swelling, lumps, or nipple discharge
- Low mood, depression, or changes in mental well-being
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you experience sudden changes in mood or mental health, stop taking finasteride and seek medical help immediately.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions are uncommon but require urgent medical attention. Get help straight away if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe skin rash, itching, or blistering
Always keep the packaging or leaflet with you when seeking medical advice, so healthcare professionals know what you’ve taken.
Pregnancy warning
Finasteride tablets should not be handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, particularly if the tablets are broken or crushed. The medication can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby.
If your partner is pregnant or trying to conceive, speak to a healthcare professional for further advice.
FAQs
What is finasteride used for?
Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. It helps slow hair thinning and reduce further hair loss by lowering levels of DHT, a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage.
Can I buy finasteride online in the UK?
Yes. You can buy finasteride online in the UK through Online Men’s Clinic after completing a free medical consultation. If treatment is suitable for you, a UK-registered prescriber will issue your prescription, and your finasteride tablets will be delivered discreetly.
How much is finasteride?
The cost of finasteride depends on the length of treatment prescribed. Current finasteride prices are shown on the website before you begin your consultation, so you can see how much finasteride costs upfront.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Finasteride works gradually. Many men notice reduced hair shedding after three to six months, with fuller results usually assessed after around a year of consistent use.
Does finasteride cause hair regrowth?
Finasteride is most effective at slowing or stopping further hair loss. Some men do see hair regrowth over time, but results vary, and not all lost hair will grow back.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
If you stop taking finasteride, any benefits gained are likely to be lost within several months, and hair loss may resume.
Is finasteride safe to take long-term?
Finasteride is considered safe for long-term use when taken as prescribed. Many men take it for years without issues, though ongoing review is recommended.
Can I drink alcohol while taking finasteride?
Alcohol does not directly interact with finasteride. However, if you experience sexual side effects, alcohol may make these more noticeable for some men.
Who should not take finasteride?
Finasteride is not suitable for women, children, or men with certain medical conditions, such as male breast cancer. Suitability is confirmed during the consultation.
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