Propecia
"A branded treatment for male pattern baldness, with the active ingredient finasteride. Studies have shown, when taken continuously, it’s 90% effective in preventing further hair loss. For some men it can stimulate regrowth."
What is Propecia?
Propecia is a prescription-only treatment for male pattern baldness. Its active ingredient is finasteride, which has been used to treat hair loss since the 1990s.
In studies, when taken continuously, one Propecia (finasteride) tablet a day is effective for 9 out of 10 men in preventing further hair loss. In some cases it causes new hair to grow. You should see results within 3-6 months.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in Propecia hair loss tablets is finasteride. This blocks the action of an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into the DHT hormone. Less DHT in your hair follicles means a reduced rate of hair loss.
In some cases, regular use of finasteride can encourage regrowth.
How to use Propecia
Take one tablet each day, with or without food. Don’t take more than one Propecia tablet in 24 hours.
You’ll need to take this treatment continuously for it to slow your hair loss. Once you stop taking Propecia pills, you’ll start losing hair again.
If you forget to take a tablet, take your next single tablet the next day. However, you should never take a double dose of Propecia to make up for the forgotten tablet.
Treatment results
Propecia has been shown to be the most effective hair loss medication you can get. In clinical studies of men aged 18-41 with mild or moderate hair loss, Propecia tablets slowed or reversed hair loss in 9 out of 10 men. In some cases it stimulated regrowth.
However, it’s unlikely that Propecia will be effective if you’re a man with:
- Severe hair loss, with very little left
- A receding hairline
- A different type of hair loss to male pattern baldness
You also need to take Propecia every day for it to be effective. And it takes 3-6 months of this continuous daily use to see the benefits.
Note that Propecia isn’t a permanent cure for male pattern baldness. So, if you stop taking it, your hair loss can return within 6 months.
Side effects of Propecia
It’s not common to get side effects when taking Propecia. However, they’re usually mild and include:
- A rash
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low mood
- Erection problems
- Tenderness on or around the nipples
In a number of cases finasteride has been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.
For full details of side effects and correct use, see the Propecia patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Take one tablet daily
Effective in stopping hair loss for 9 out of 10 men
Helps hair grow back in some cases
What is Propecia?
Propecia is a prescription-only treatment for male pattern baldness. Its active ingredient is finasteride, which has been used to treat hair loss since the 1990s.
In studies, when taken continuously, one Propecia (finasteride) tablet a day is effective for 9 out of 10 men in preventing further hair loss. In some cases it causes new hair to grow. You should see results within 3-6 months.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in Propecia hair loss tablets is finasteride. This blocks the action of an enzyme that converts the male hormone testosterone into the DHT hormone. Less DHT in your hair follicles means a reduced rate of hair loss.
In some cases, regular use of finasteride can encourage regrowth.
How to use Propecia
Take one tablet each day, with or without food. Don’t take more than one Propecia tablet in 24 hours.
You’ll need to take this treatment continuously for it to slow your hair loss. Once you stop taking Propecia pills, you’ll start losing hair again.
If you forget to take a tablet, take your next single tablet the next day. However, you should never take a double dose of Propecia to make up for the forgotten tablet.
Treatment results
Propecia has been shown to be the most effective hair loss medication you can get. In clinical studies of men aged 18-41 with mild or moderate hair loss, Propecia tablets slowed or reversed hair loss in 9 out of 10 men. In some cases it stimulated regrowth.
However, it’s unlikely that Propecia will be effective if you’re a man with:
- Severe hair loss, with very little left
- A receding hairline
- A different type of hair loss to male pattern baldness
You also need to take Propecia every day for it to be effective. And it takes 3-6 months of this continuous daily use to see the benefits.
Note that Propecia isn’t a permanent cure for male pattern baldness. So, if you stop taking it, your hair loss can return within 6 months.
Side effects of Propecia
It’s not common to get side effects when taking Propecia. However, they’re usually mild and include:
- A rash
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low mood
- Erection problems
- Tenderness on or around the nipples
In a number of cases finasteride has been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.
For full details of side effects and correct use, see the Propecia patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
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Propecia FAQs
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How long does Propecia take to work?
When you take one Propecia tablet a day, as prescribed, you should begin to see results within 3-6 months. For some men, the positive effects can take longer to develop. That’s why it’s important to not get discouraged early in your treatment.
However, if you’ve been taking Propecia for longer than 12 months and haven’t seen an improvement, it’s unlikely the treatment will work for you. You can message us in your Patient Record, we may recommend that you speak to your GP at this point.
How long does Propecia last?
If you stop taking Propecia, the hair you have gained is likely to be lost within 9 to 12 months.
How long should I take Propecia for?
You can take Propecia for as long as you want to treat your hair loss. Many people take it for months or even years without having any issues.
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Can women take Propecia?
You shouldn't take Propecia if you’re a woman. This medication is specifically for men and has been shown in clinical trials not to work for female hair loss.
If you’re a woman who is pregnant or planning on getting pregnant, never touch crushed or broken Propecia tablets. This medication can affect the baby’s sex organ development. Please speak to your doctor if you think you may have come into contact with the crushed or broken tablets (whole ones are coated to prevent contact with the medicine until they’re inside the body).
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Propecia dosages
One tablet a day is the recommended dose.
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Where can I buy Propecia?
Propecia is a prescription only medication, but you can buy it online if prescribed by a doctor. However, make sure you’re using:
- An online pharmacy that’s registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- An online doctor service regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- A doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Our online service meets all these standards. You complete a simple, confidential consultation to make sure finasteride is right for you. Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet next day delivery or collection.
Can I buy Propecia over the counter?
No. Propecia is a prescription only treatment.
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Propecia warnings
You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking finasteride (Propecia) if you’re about to have a blood test for prostate cancer. This is because finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, can affect the result of prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests.
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Propecia drug interactions
Propecia doesn’t usually affect other medicines. However, so they can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let your doctor or pharmacist know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines or recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
Don’t take Propecia if you’re already taking finasteride or dutasteride, which is a medication used to treat a prostate problem called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
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Alternative Propecia treatments
We also offer finasteride to treat hair loss. This is the active ingredient in Propecia, so both tablets work the same way.
Another alternative hair loss is minoxidil. Regaine branded foams or solutions shares the same active ingredient. You can use these on their own or alongside Propecia (or finasteride).
Non medication hair loss treatments include hair transplants, skin camouflage, hair loss makeup and wigs or hairpieces.
Propecia vs finasteride
Propecia and finasteride contain identical levels of active ingredient and work the same way to treat hair loss.
