Finasteride

Finasteride is a hair treatment for men that helps to counter male pattern hair loss by reducing the activity of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) on the hair follicles. DHT is a molecule that activates a receptor in the hair follicle which causes the growth phase of the hair cycle to gradually decrease. This shrinks the follicle resulting in finer, shorter hairs until the growth phase is so short that hairs do not grow from the scalp at all.

Finasteride stops the production of DHT. It works as an inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT. This means that less DHT is present in the scalp (around 60% less), preventing further hair loss and in many cases, promoting hair regrowth.

A clinician will determine the best course of action when it comes to your treatment for hair loss. Finasteride is suitable for men with mild to moderate male pattern hair loss.

However, finasteride should not be taken by men who:

• Have complete hair loss.

• Are actively planning for pregnancy with their partner.

A full list of warnings and precautions is available in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) included with your prescription, which you should always read before taking finasteride for the first time.

Finasteride is not suitable for women.

Learn more

Finasteride has consistently been shown to be an effective hair loss treatment for men with male pattern hair loss.

In a trial of 1553 men with male pattern hair loss, treatment with finasteride 1mg resulted in improved scalp coverage in around two-thirds of men and slowed the progression of hair loss in the other one-third.

To see how effective finasteride is as a male hair loss treatment, take a look at this finasteride testimonial. Men of varying ages have found that finasteride is an effective hair loss solution that helps to stimulate hair regrowth and enhance scalp coverage. However, it’s important to note that the treatment won’t work for everyone.

Following your free online consultation, a clinician will determine the safest and most effective treatment for you. This will be based on your lifestyle, circumstances, and preferences.

Finasteride is a simple method of hair loss prevention. It comes as a tablet which is taken once a day.

Minoxidil works differently from finasteride, targeting specific areas of the scalp (such as a balding crown and thinning hair on the temples). For optimal results, the two can be used in combination.

To tackle hair loss from different angles, we’ve developed several different Hair Kits which all contain a combination of treatments. Our most comprehensive Hair Kit contains Medicated Hair Spray, finasteride and Hair Growth Supplement. This kit protects hair follicles, prevents the root cause of hair loss, and nourishes the hair for ultimate regrowth. The products are safe to use together and work at the same time to reduce patches of hair loss and improve the appearance of thinning hair.

When using a medicine for hair loss like finasteride, it’s important to remember that hair regrowth takes time. Hair regrowth is a naturally slow process so it may take a few months to notice any significant changes. Consistent use of treatment encourages the most hair regrowth possible.

When taking finasteride tablets, you should start to notice reduced hair loss and/or the regrowth of your hair after about three to six months. The best results appear after one to two years of treatment.

To help you keep on top of your hair treatment journey we’ll send you a refill of finasteride every month. This will ensure you don’t run out so that you can treat your hair loss with greater convenience.

If you miss one day:

If you forget to take your dose of finasteride one day, don’t worry. It’s very unlikely to have an impact on your hair regrowth. Just take your dose as normal the following day. Do not double the dose to make up for the dose you forgot.

If you stop taking finasteride altogether:

For the best hair regrowth results it’s recommended that you take finasteride continuously. If treatment is stopped, any improvements in the quality or quantity of hair that you noticed during the time you were taking finasteride will be lost within 6-12 months.

No. Finasteride is usually only available via private prescription for use in male pattern hair loss.

As hair regrowth is a naturally slow process, there’s likely to be little change for the first one to three months when you start using finasteride. Some people may experience hair shedding in these initial months, but this is normal and temporary.

After three to six months, hair loss should start to slow down and newly regrown hair should begin to emerge. Initial hairs may be soft and light at the start, but should eventually become the same as normal hair.

Beyond six months, hair loss should slow significantly and thicker, denser-looking hairs should begin to fill in patches of thinning hair. Scalp coverage should noticeably improve and hairs should look stronger and healthier.

The two hair treatments combat hair loss in different ways. Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT - the root cause of male pattern hair loss. Minoxidil works by encouraging nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles, stimulating growth.

As the treatments target two different key areas of hair growth, the combination of the two is a highly effective and safe method for combating hair loss.

If you experience any of the following serious (but uncommon) side effects, you should stop taking finasteride and seek urgent medical attention:

1. An allergic reaction - symptoms include swelling of the lips, throat and eyelids, sudden difficulty in breathing or wheezing, dizziness, collapse, hives.

2. Depression - feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness and unworthiness.

3. Suicidal ideation - thoughts or acts of self-harm or suicide.

If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should promptly report this to your doctor as these may be symptoms of a serious condition such as male breast cancer.Some uncommon side effects of finasteride (experienced by up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• Less desire to have sex.

• Erectile dysfunction (problems obtaining or maintaining an erection).

• Problems with ejaculation, for example a decrease in the amount of semen released.

These side effects are usually reversible on withdrawal of the medication, however, in some cases may persist. If you experience these side effects to a significant extent, or if you notice any side effects not listed in your Patient Information Leaflet (which will arrive with your medication), you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Please make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with your finasteride. It contains other important safety information as well as a complete list of possible side effects.