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Propecia
Overview
Propecia effectively treats male pattern baldness, promoting hair regrowth and preventing further loss. It's a trusted solution for restoring hair confidence.
- Brand name Finasteride 1mg
- Better Value Generic Available from 35p/ tab
- Works in 9 in 10 men for Male Pattern Baldness
- Can be used in combination with Regaine Foam
Overview
Buy Propecia | UK Finasteride Online
You can request to buy Propecia in the UK (or the generic, Finasteride 1mg) online from our Online Doctor. To order Propecia fill in an assessment form so our doctors can assess if this treatment is suitable for you.
Once you have completed your order, our doctor will review it to see if a prescription can be issued. If approved, this will be passed to our UK registered online pharmacy, to dispense and dispatch your medication via the royal mail service. If for any reason your order for Propecia is not approved, you will receive a notification and full refund on your order.
What Is Propecia?
Propecia is a hair loss medicine containing the active ingredient Finasteride. Propecia is the original brand name version of the medicine that prevents further loss and assists in regrowing hair in men with male pattern baldness. It's a treatment that is best used during the progression of male pattern baldness before it progresses to full baldness.
How Does It Work?
Propecia works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that heavily contributes to male pattern baldness. Lower DHT levels in the scalp allow hair loss to stop and hair to regrow. Because DHT is primarily a male hormone Propecia has only been proven effective and used in men. Propecia/ finasteride works only on the scalp not the rest of the body.
Results
Propecia successfully prevents hair loss in men 90% of the time. 50% of men will experience increased hair growth in areas that were previously losing hair. It is only effective in men who still have live hair follicles and will not be effective if the baldness has progressed too far.
Visible improvement can take 3-6 months of continuous use. If treatment is ceased, hair loss may resume within 6-12 months.
How to Take Propecia
Take ONE tablet daily. It may be taken with or without food.
Hair growth and hair follicle recovery is a gradual process, it can take 3 to 6 months before results are noticed. Stopping Propecia can result in a reversal of effects within 6 to 12 months, so it is important you continue to take this medication to retain benefits.
Propecia (Finasteride) Summary
| Dose | Take ONE tablet daily |
| Type of medicine | Hair Loss Treatment |
| Mechanism | Lowers DHT, restoring the hair follicle to health stopping hair loss and regrowing hair |
| Available Size | 28 to 168 tablets |
| Strength | 1mg |
| Active Ingredient | Finasteride |
| Price | From £41.65 |
| Side Effects | Can include nasal congestion, sneezing, libido changes, drowsiness, ED. |
Is Propecia More Effective Than Regaine?
Regaine is a product that is applied directly to the scalp that achieves results in around 60% of men who use it. Meanwhile, Propecia has been shown to either improve or stop further hair loss in 90% of men! Furthermore, with Propecia, more men experience regrowth and improvement in their scalp hair coverage, as opposed to just maintenance of existing coverage. In comparison, 75% of men with male pattern baldness who did not take medication, showed more hair loss over the same period.
These treatments may be used in combination and many men will use both treatments to treat hair loss and maximise hair regrowth.
Alternatives
Alternative treatments for hair loss include topical applications such as Regaine Foam, hair loss shampoos, and vitamin supplements.
Increasingly, men are also turning to surgical options, to implant hair. This is most effective if the hair follicles have died and can no longer regrowth with drug treatments. It may be recommended by your surgeon to take Propecia or use Regaine, as the implanted hair may follow the behaviour of the source hair. Laser therapy is also advocated as a hair loss treatment and displays a positive outcome for many men.
Prices
| 28 tablets | £41.65 |
| 56 tablets | £80.95 |
| 84 tablets | £107.65 |
| 168 tablets | £210.25 |
Side Effects of Propecia
Generally, Propecia is quite well-tolerated. Whilst side effects are uncommon, it is still important to be aware of what you may experience when taking this medication.
With Propecia, possible sexual side effects are often of particular concern for many men. It should be noted that these sexual side effects occur in only around 1.5% of men taking this medication.
Possible sexual side effects
- Decreased libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decreased semen release during ejaculation
Other side effects
- Runny / Blocked Nose
- Drowsiness
- Sneezing
The side effects listed below are more serious, and you should stop taking Propecia, and report these to your GP immediately.
- Chills or cold sweats
- Episodes of confusion
- Dizziness / Fainting
- Lumps in your breast area as there have been very rare reports of breast cancer
- Suicidal Thoughts
If you develop any allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives or difficultly breathing, seek out medical help as soon as possible.
For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Further Hair Loss Reading
FAQ
General Information
What is the difference between Propecia and Finasteride?
They are medically equivalent versions of the same active drug. Both use the active ingredient Finasteride 1mg.
Is Propecia used to treat prostate cancer?
No. Although Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, it is used at a much higher 5mg dose for that purpose.
Can women use Propecia?
No, Propecia is intended for use in men only. It is ineffective for hair thinning in women and can be dangerous for women of childbearing age.
Usage & Dosage
Can you break Propecia tablets?
There is no data suggesting a change in effectiveness if a Propecia tablet is cut in half.
Can I increase the dosage if Propecia does not work?
No, you should take Propecia as directed. The daily dosage is one 1mg tablet, which has been proven to be safe and effective.
What do I need to do if I forget to take a Propecia tablet?
If you forget a dose, do not double up the next day. Simply continue taking one tablet each day as usual.
Will Propecia help an area of complete baldness?
No, Propecia is only effective on areas of the scalp with some live hair follicles. It will not regrow hair on completely bald areas, although if there are some small hairs present, early intervention may still be beneficial.
Does Propecia thicken hair?
Yes, if there are live hair follicles in thinning areas, Propecia can stimulate growth, resulting in thicker appearing hair.
Effectiveness & Results
Will Propecia work in men over 45?
There is no definitive data for men over 45, as most studies have been conducted on men aged 18–41. Effectiveness may vary individually.
Does Propecia cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a possible side effect of finasteride, occurring in around 1 in every 100 users.
Does Propecia cause fertility problems?
While long-term studies are limited, poor semen quality has been reported as a possible side effect in some cases.
How long do I need to take Propecia?
If treatment is successful, Propecia is usually prescribed for long-term use. Its benefits will typically reverse within 6–12 months if you stop taking it.
Can Propecia be used with other hair loss treatments?
Yes, Propecia can be taken with treatments such as Regaine (minoxidil) to provide additional positive effects on hair retention and regrowth.
Side Effects & Safety
Can women use Propecia?
No, Propecia is intended for use in men only. It is ineffective for treating hair thinning in women and poses risks for women of childbearing age.
Access & Cost
Can I buy Propecia over the counter?
No, Propecia is a prescription‑only medication in the UK and must be obtained from a registered doctor.
Compare
Treatment Comparison
| Finasteride | Propecia | Regaine | |
| Effectiveness | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 9/10 men | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 9/10 men | Shown to prevent or help regrow hair in 8/10 men |
| Time to Work | Usually at least 3 months | Usually at least 3 months | As soon as two months |
| How To Use | Take ONE tablet daily | Take ONE tablet daily | Apply to scalp twice daily |
| Ingredient | Finasteride 1mg | Finasteride 1mg | Minoxidil 5% |
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the patient information leaflet.
Warnings
Propecia Warnings and Precautions
Propecia is a well-tolerated medication, and you should be able to take Propecia alongside most other medicines. Although Propecia cannot be taken if you are already taking finasteride or medicines used for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
It is important that you let us know any prescription, over-the-counter or recreational drugs you are taking. This allows our doctors to assess any and all risks when making a decision to prescribe.
