What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness, a common condition characterised by thinning hair on the scalp, often leading to a receding hairline or baldness at the crown. The active ingredient, finasteride, belongs to a class of medications known as type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

What is Finasteride used for?
Finasteride is primarily used to treat hereditary hair loss in men. It has been approved for use in hair loss treatment since 1997. The patent for Propecia, the branded version of finasteride, expired in 2013, and generic versions are now available at lower prices.

How does Finasteride 1mg work?
Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which normally converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair thinning and loss. By lowering DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride helps reverse the balding process, promotes hair regrowth, and prevents further hair loss.

However, it is only effective for men with partial hair loss and will not work for those who have lost all their hair.

What is the difference between generic Finasteride and Propecia?
Propecia is a branded medication containing finasteride, while generic finasteride also contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way. Both medications have the same dosage and effect, but generic versions are typically more affordable. Generic medicines must meet the same quality and efficacy standards as branded ones.

Is it safe to buy Finasteride online in the UK?
Yes, it is legal to buy Finasteride online from pharmacies regulated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council). To ensure you are receiving safe and genuine medication, make sure the online pharmacy is operating within these regulatory guidelines. You can check the regulatory status of a pharmacy through the MHRA and GPhC websites.

Is Finasteride suitable for me?
Finasteride may be effective if you meet the following criteria:

• Male
• Aged 18 to 65
• Experiencing hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
• Not taking medications that could interfere with finasteride

How do I take Finasteride?
Take one 1mg tablet of Finasteride daily, with or without food, swallowing it whole with water. Do not crush or chew the tablet. If you miss a dose, do not take two tablets to make up for the missed dose.

How effective is Finasteride?
Finasteride generally takes 3-6 months to show results. Clinical trials show that 90% of men who take Finasteride for 12 months or more experience either hair regrowth or no further hair loss. If the treatment is not effective after 12 months, it is unlikely to be beneficial for you.

To maintain any hair growth, you must continue taking Finasteride. If you stop the treatment, any hair gained may be lost within 9-12 months.

How long does Finasteride take to work?
Although Finasteride begins working immediately, it typically takes around three to six months before the full benefits are visible. Initial hair shedding may occur as dead hair is replaced by new growth.

Will Finasteride help with complete baldness?
No, Finasteride is not effective for areas where there is no hair growth at all. It works best for men with partial hair loss, where there are still some active hair follicles.

What brands of Finasteride are available?
Currently, there are several brands of finasteride available, including Milpharm, Accord (Actavis), and Avianta. All these brands contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective. They are all approved by the MHRA and meet the required medical standards for safety and efficacy.