Propecia (Finasteride)

What Propecia treats

Propecia is approved for male pattern hair loss in men. This condition, also called androgenetic alopecia, usually causes gradual thinning over the top of the scalp. Finasteride inhibits an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, helping reduce the hormonal effect on susceptible follicles.

Treatment aims to slow further hair loss and may improve growth. It cannot promise to restore every area of lost hair. Its effectiveness for recession at the temples has not been established. We discuss the pattern you have and what a useful response would look like for you.

Finasteride does not treat every cause of shedding. Sudden loss, bare patches, scalp pain or inflamed skin need a different assessment. We ask about those changes before assuming that a hair loss prescription is the right answer.

Your hair loss assessment

Tell us when thinning began, how it has changed and whether relatives have similar hair loss. We also review recent illness, weight changes, medicines and scalp symptoms. Clear photographs of the hairline, crown and top of your scalp help us compare the pattern over time.

An examination or tests may be needed if your history suggests another cause. We explain why before arranging them. The aim is to treat the problem you have, rather than prescribe finasteride simply because hair is coming out in the shower.

Bring details of treatments you have already tried, including minoxidil, supplements and any prescription obtained elsewhere. If you stopped something because of side effects, tell us what happened and whether the symptoms resolved. Those details matter when we discuss your options.

Propecia price and purchase

Propecia starts at $179.99 for 1mg 30 tablets. The listed price covers medication only and doesn't include the cost of doctor visit. We confirm the medicine, pack and final medication cost before you proceed with your purchase.

We review your suitability first. If finasteride is appropriate, we issue your prescription and coordinate dispensing through a participating pharmacy. You receive directions for taking it and a plan for reviewing your response. A prescription depends on the assessment, even if you have taken the medicine before.

Propecia is the brand name. Generic finasteride 1 mg contains the same active ingredient and may have a different price. If you want us to consider a generic option, tell us during your consultation. We confirm the prescribed product rather than leave the choice unclear at the pharmacy.

Taking finasteride

The usual Propecia dose is one 1 mg tablet daily, with or without food. Follow your prescription and take it at a time you can remember. If you miss a dose, skip it and resume your usual schedule. Do not take extra tablets to catch up.

The 5 mg finasteride tablet is a different prescription strength used for prostate enlargement. Do not replace your hair loss tablets with that strength or change the dose yourself. Tell us if another clinician already prescribes finasteride or dutasteride.

Keep your medicine in its original packaging, follow the storage instructions and keep it away from children. Do not share tablets. Contact our team if the supplied strength or directions differ from your treatment plan.

When you may notice a difference

Hair grows slowly. Finasteride usually needs at least three months of regular use before benefit becomes apparent. We assess both the amount of further loss and any change in growth, rather than expecting a quick transformation.

Use photographs taken with similar lighting, hair length and positioning to track progress. We review those images alongside your experience of shedding and any side effects. If there is no improvement after a year, we reassess whether continuing is worthwhile.

Benefits depend on continued treatment. Hair gained during use is generally lost within about a year after stopping. Before you begin, we discuss whether a daily, ongoing treatment fits your priorities and what to do if you later want to stop.

Sexual side effects and mood changes

Finasteride can affect sex drive, erections and ejaculation. Sexual symptoms have sometimes continued after treatment stopped. Tell us about any change, including symptoms you find uncomfortable to discuss, so we can review the medicine with you. Fertility concerns should also be raised before treatment.

Depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported. Tell us about a history of depression or thoughts of self-harm before starting. Stop finasteride 1 mg and contact a clinician promptly if depressed mood or suicidal thoughts develop. Seek emergency help immediately if you may act on thoughts of harming yourself.

We include these concerns in follow-up rather than asking only whether your hair looks thicker. You can contact us between reviews if a problem develops. A treatment that is affecting your wellbeing needs attention even if it appears to be helping your hair.

Other health concerns to discuss

Finasteride lowers PSA, a blood marker used when assessing prostate health. Tell any clinician arranging a PSA test that you take it. We also review liver disease, prostate history, allergies and your other medicines before prescribing.

Report a breast lump, nipple discharge or other breast changes promptly. Seek urgent care for facial or throat swelling, trouble swallowing or difficulty breathing. Let us know about testicular pain or other new symptoms so we can assess what is happening.

Your hair loss review is also an opportunity to update us about new prescriptions or changes in your health. Bring the names and doses rather than relying on the appearance of a tablet. That helps us check for duplicate treatment and keep your prescription accurate.

Pregnancy and safe handling

Propecia is not indicated for women or children. A person who is pregnant or could become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets because finasteride can harm a developing male fetus. Intact tablets have a coating that prevents contact during normal handling.

If contact with a broken or crushed tablet occurs during pregnancy, wash the area with soap and water and obtain medical advice. Keep tablets where they cannot be mistaken for another household medicine.

Other options for hair loss

Topical minoxidil may be an option for pattern hair loss and is sometimes used alongside finasteride. We discuss whether combining treatments is useful for you and how each fits into daily life. Adding products without a plan makes it harder to understand which treatment is helping or causing problems.

If your scalp findings suggest another condition, we address that diagnosis instead. Some patients need dermatology assessment or discussion of procedures. We explain which next step is relevant to your hair loss rather than assume that every available treatment belongs in your plan.

Continuing your prescription

We can review ongoing treatment if you started finasteride elsewhere. Share your current prescription, how long you have taken it, any earlier photographs and your experience of side effects. We check whether the treatment remains suitable before issuing a refill.

During follow-up, we discuss your progress, tolerance and whether you want to continue. Tell us if you have taken a break or changed the dose. If your medicine is running low, contact our team with time for the prescribing review and pharmacy supply.

Common questions