Finasteride 1mg Tablets
- Helps slow male pattern hair loss
- May support scalp hair regrowth
- 10% off your first order
- Free and fast UK delivery
| Quantity | Price |
|---|---|
| 28 tablets | £10.99 |
| 84 tablets | £31.99 |
| 168 tablets | £49.99 |
| Quantity | |
|---|---|
| 1 month (28) | £49.99 |
| 3 months (84) | £119.99 |
| 6 months (168) | £219.99 |
Important note: To undertake a consultation and purchase this product you must go back to the Treatment Page and click on ‘Start Consultation’.
Finasteride 1mg Tablets UK
Finasteride 1mg tablets are a prescription treatment used for male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride helps reduce the effect of DHT, a hormone linked with gradual thinning around the crown, temples, hairline and top of the scalp.
At UsMen, eligible men can request finasteride online after completing a clinical consultation. A prescriber will review your answers before treatment is approved and supplied.
Generic Propecia alternative
Once-daily tablet
For male pattern hair loss
Subject to approval
Treatment is subject to online consultation and prescriber approval. Results vary and side effects can occur.
At a glance
- Medicine: Finasteride 1mg tablets
- Used for: Male pattern hair loss
- How it works: Helps reduce DHT
- How it is taken: Usually once daily
- Results: Usually assessed after 6 to 12 months
- Supply: Only if clinically suitable
A prescriber reviews your consultation before supply.
Finasteride 1mg is the active ingredient in Propecia.
Understand side effects and when to seek medical help.
Supplied discreetly if treatment is approved.
Quick answer
Finasteride 1mg may help slow male pattern hair loss and support regrowth in some men. It works by reducing DHT, one of the main hormonal drivers of male pattern baldness. It must be taken consistently, does not work for everyone, and can cause side effects.
Best fit: adult men with gradual male pattern hair loss who want a once-daily tablet and are suitable after clinical assessment.
What are finasteride 1mg tablets?
Finasteride 1mg tablets are used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. Male pattern hair loss usually develops gradually and may affect the temples, hairline, crown or top of the scalp.
Finasteride is the active ingredient. Propecia is a branded version of finasteride 1mg. Generic finasteride and Propecia contain the same active ingredient, but the price, packaging and manufacturer may differ.
Finasteride helps reduce DHT, a hormone linked with male pattern hair loss.
Usually taken once daily, where clinically suitable and prescribed.
Hair loss treatment usually needs several months of consistent use.
How does finasteride work for hair loss?
Finasteride belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It helps reduce the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, known as DHT.
DHT can shrink hair follicles in men who are genetically sensitive to it. Over time, this can lead to thinner, shorter hairs and visible male pattern hair loss.
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride may help slow further hair loss and support existing hair. It is unlikely to regrow hair in areas where follicles are no longer active.
Finasteride vs Propecia
Finasteride 1mg is the generic medicine. Propecia is the branded version. Both contain the same active ingredient, finasteride 1mg, and both are used for male pattern hair loss.
| Feature | Finasteride 1mg | Propecia |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Generic medicine | Branded medicine |
| Active ingredient | Finasteride 1mg | Finasteride 1mg |
| How it is taken | Usually one tablet daily | Usually one tablet daily |
| Main difference | Usually lower cost | Branded packaging and manufacturer |
| Suitability | Subject to clinical assessment | Subject to clinical assessment |
For most men, the main difference is cost and branding, not the active ingredient.
Who is finasteride suitable for?
Finasteride may be suitable for adult men with typical male pattern hair loss. This usually appears as gradual thinning around the hairline, temples, crown or top of the scalp.
It may be considered if you:
- are aged 18 or over
- have gradual male pattern hair loss
- want a once-daily tablet option
- understand that results take several months
- understand that side effects can occur
- are willing to use treatment consistently if approved
Important: finasteride is not suitable for every type of hair loss. Sudden, patchy, painful or inflamed hair loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Who should not take finasteride?
Finasteride is not suitable for everyone. You should only take it if it has been assessed as suitable after a clinical consultation.
It may not be suitable if you:
- are under 18
- are female, pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or may become pregnant
- have sudden, patchy or unexplained hair loss
- have a history of depression, low mood, suicidal thoughts or significant anxiety
- have previously had sexual side effects from finasteride or a similar medicine
- have breast tenderness, breast lumps, nipple discharge or unexplained breast changes
- have liver problems
- have prostate problems or are undergoing PSA testing
- are trying for a baby or have fertility concerns
- have had an allergic reaction to finasteride or any similar medicine
Before starting: tell the prescriber about your full medical history, current medication, mental health history, sexual side effects, breast symptoms, fertility concerns and prostate-related tests.
How to take finasteride 1mg tablets
Always follow the instructions provided with your treatment. The usual dose for male pattern hair loss is finasteride 1mg once daily, where clinically suitable.
Take one tablet daily as directed, ideally at a similar time each day.
If you miss a dose, do not take extra tablets to catch up.
Results are usually judged after months, not days or weeks.
- Take one tablet once daily, as directed.
- It can usually be taken with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Do not crush or break tablets.
- Do not take extra tablets to try to improve results faster.
Do not exceed the advised dose. Taking more finasteride will not make hair grow faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Hair loss treatment takes time. Finasteride usually needs consistent use for several months before results can be assessed.
You may notice little visible change at this stage.
Some men notice reduced shedding or early improvement.
Results are easier to assess with consistent use.
Benefits may reduce and hair loss may continue again.
Monthly photos in the same lighting can help you track progress more accurately.
Possible side effects of finasteride
Like all medicines, finasteride can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. You should understand the possible risks before starting treatment.
Reduced libido, erection problems, ejaculation problems or reduced semen volume can occur.
Low mood, depression, anxiety, mood changes or suicidal thoughts have been reported.
Breast tenderness, swelling, lumps or nipple discharge should be checked urgently.
Possible sexual side effects
- reduced libido
- difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- ejaculation problems
- reduced semen volume
- sexual side effects that may persist after stopping treatment in some cases
Possible mood-related side effects
- low mood
- depression
- anxiety or mood changes
- suicidal thoughts
Other possible side effects
- breast tenderness, swelling, lumps or nipple discharge
- testicular discomfort
- rash or allergic reaction
Stop finasteride and seek medical advice if you develop low mood, depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual side effects, breast symptoms, allergic reaction symptoms, or any side effect that concerns you.
Finasteride safety: mood and sexual side effects
Finasteride has been linked with psychiatric and sexual side effects in some men. These may include depression, suicidal thoughts, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems.
Before using finasteride, tell the prescriber if you have current or previous depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, sexual side effects, fertility concerns or breast symptoms.
Safety advice: consider telling a trusted partner, family member or friend that you are taking finasteride, so they can help notice any changes in mood or behaviour.
Seek urgent help if you feel at immediate risk of harm, have suicidal thoughts, or feel unable to keep yourself safe. Call 999 or attend A&E.
Finasteride and pregnancy precautions
Finasteride is not intended for use by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets.
If you have a pregnant partner, are trying for a baby, or have concerns about fertility, tell the prescriber during the consultation before using finasteride.
Finasteride and PSA testing
Finasteride can affect prostate-specific antigen, known as PSA, blood test results. PSA testing may be used when assessing prostate problems.
Tell your doctor that you are taking finasteride if you are having a PSA test or being investigated for prostate symptoms.
Finasteride vs topical finasteride and minoxidil spray
Some men prefer oral finasteride because it is a simple once-daily tablet. Others prefer a topical treatment because it is applied directly to the scalp and may reduce overall exposure compared with a tablet.
Topical finasteride can still be absorbed and can still cause side effects. Neither option is risk-free, so treatment choice should be based on clinical suitability, medical history, preference and tolerance.
| Feature | Finasteride tablets | Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray |
|---|---|---|
| How it is used | One tablet daily | Applied to thinning areas of the scalp |
| Active approach | Reduces DHT systemically | Targets the scalp area and combines finasteride with minoxidil |
| Convenience | Simple once-daily tablet | Requires regular scalp application |
| Side effect risk | Can cause sexual, mood, breast-related and other side effects | May reduce overall exposure but side effects can still occur |
| Best suited to | Men suitable for oral treatment after assessment | Men wanting a topical option, where clinically suitable |
Finasteride vs minoxidil
Finasteride and minoxidil work differently. Finasteride helps reduce DHT activity, while minoxidil helps support the hair growth cycle.
| Treatment | How it works | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | Helps reduce DHT, one of the hormonal drivers of male pattern hair loss. | Men with male pattern hair loss who are suitable for finasteride. |
| Minoxidil | Helps support the hair growth cycle and may improve density in some men. | Men who want a non-finasteride option or who are not suitable for finasteride. |
| Combined approach | Targets DHT and supports the growth cycle. | Men who are suitable for combination treatment after assessment. |
How to order finasteride from UsMen
Ordering from UsMen involves a clinical suitability check before treatment can be supplied.
- Start the hair loss consultation. Choose the relevant hair loss treatment option.
- Complete the online consultation. Answer the medical questions honestly so the prescriber can assess suitability.
- Prescriber review. A prescriber checks your answers and decides whether finasteride is appropriate.
- Dispensing and delivery. If approved, the treatment is dispensed and delivered discreetly.
Why choose UsMen?
Suitability is checked before supply.
Treatment is supplied through a regulated pharmacy route.
Understand how to use treatment and what side effects to watch for.
Treatment is only supplied where suitable. If the prescriber decides it is not appropriate, you may be advised to speak to your GP or choose another option.
Frequently asked questions
Is finasteride the same as Propecia?
Finasteride is the active ingredient. Propecia is a branded version of finasteride 1mg. Generic finasteride and Propecia contain the same active ingredient.
Does finasteride work for hair loss?
Finasteride may help slow male pattern hair loss and support regrowth in some men. Results vary and it needs consistent use for several months.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Some men notice reduced shedding or early improvement after 3 to 6 months. Fuller results are usually assessed after 6 to 12 months of consistent use.
Can finasteride cause sexual side effects?
Yes. Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in some men, including reduced libido, erection problems or ejaculation problems. Stop treatment and seek advice if this happens.
Can finasteride affect mood?
Yes. Mood changes, depression and suicidal thoughts have been reported with finasteride. Tell the prescriber about any mental health history before using treatment and seek medical help if symptoms occur.
Can women use finasteride?
UsMen’s finasteride service is intended for men. Finasteride is not suitable for women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or may become pregnant.
Can I take finasteride with minoxidil?
Some men use finasteride and minoxidil together because they work differently. You should only combine treatments where it is suitable and you understand the possible risks.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
Hair loss treatments usually only work while they are being used. If you stop taking finasteride, any benefit may gradually reduce and hair loss may continue again over time.
Can I take more than 1mg per day for better results?
No. Do not take more than advised. Taking extra finasteride will not make hair grow faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
Final verdict
Finasteride 1mg tablets may be a useful option for adult men with male pattern hair loss who want a once-daily tablet treatment. It works by reducing DHT, one of the main hormonal drivers of male pattern hair loss.
It is not suitable for everyone, and it is not risk-free. The safest approach is to complete a proper consultation, understand the possible side effects, use the treatment consistently if approved, and review progress over several months.
Medical note: this page is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the information supplied with your treatment and speak to a doctor, pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure whether treatment is suitable.