Propecia

What is Propecia?

Propecia is the brand name for finasteride 1 mg, an MHRA-licensed treatment for male pattern hair loss in men. It is a prescription-only medicine, taken as one tablet daily. Generic finasteride 1 mg is also available and is bioequivalent to Propecia, meaning it contains the same active ingredient at the same dose and works in the same way.

How does Propecia work?

Male pattern hair loss is driven largely by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT shortens the hair's natural growth cycle and causes follicles to gradually produce thinner, shorter hairs over time, eventually leading to visible thinning and loss.

Propecia works by inhibiting type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, it helps to slow hair loss and, in many men, supports regrowth, particularly at the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp. Propecia does not produce a permanent change and needs to be taken continuously to maintain its effect.

Who is Propecia for?

Propecia is licensed for use in men aged 18 and over with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia. It is not effective in men with complete hair loss and is not for use in women.

Propecia may be suitable if you:

• Are a man aged 18 or over
• Have mild to moderate male pattern hair loss at the crown or mid-scalp
• Have no contraindications identified during your online consultation

Propecia is not suitable if you:

• Are a woman. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets, as the active ingredient can affect the development of a male baby's sex organs
• Are already taking finasteride or dutasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients

PSA testing. Speak to your UK-registered prescriber before starting Propecia if you are due to have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Finasteride can lower PSA levels, which may affect how results are interpreted.

Dosage and administration

Take one tablet daily, with or without food. Consistency matters more than timing; the tablet can be taken at any time of day.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, skip it and continue as normal the following day. Do not take a double dose to compensate.

When to expect results: The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) states it may take 3 to 6 months for the full effect to develop. A proper assessment of whether treatment is working is usually made at 12 months.

Stopping treatment: Propecia needs to be taken continuously to maintain results. The PIL states that stopping treatment is likely to result in the loss of any hair gained within 9 to 12 months.

Side effects and safety

Like all medicines, Propecia can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Difficulty achieving an erection
• Reduced sex drive
• Problems with ejaculation, including a decrease in the amount of semen released

The PIL notes these effects may resolve on their own during treatment, and typically resolve after stopping Propecia if they persist.

Side effects of unknown frequency include:

• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Depressed mood
• Testicular pain
• Palpitations
• Male infertility or reduced semen quality

Breast changes: Report any changes in breast tissue, including lumps, pain, enlargement, or nipple discharge, to your doctor promptly.

Post-finasteride syndrome: Some men have reported that sexual, mood-related, or cognitive side effects have persisted after stopping finasteride. This is not currently listed in the PIL and its causes and prevalence are not fully established. If you experience side effects that continue after stopping treatment, speak to your UK-registered prescriber or GP.

Blood donation: Men taking finasteride should not donate blood, to prevent finasteride from reaching a pregnant woman through a transfusion.

Propecia vs. generic finasteride

Propecia and generic finasteride 1 mg contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are bioequivalent. Both are prescription-only and work in exactly the same way. The practical difference is cost: generics are significantly cheaper than the branded version. DoktorABC offers both, and your UK-registered prescriber can help you decide which is appropriate, though there is no clinical reason to prefer one over the other.

What results can I expect, and when?

Timeline. The PIL states it may take 3 to 6 months for the full effect to develop, with a full assessment typically made at 12 months.

Where it works best. Clinical evidence supports Propecia's effectiveness at the crown and anterior mid-scalp. It is generally less effective at the frontal hairline.

Stopping treatment. If Propecia is discontinued, any hair gained is likely to be lost within 9 to 12 months.

Tracking progress. Keeping photographic records at regular intervals is a practical way to monitor changes over time.

How to get Propecia through DoktorABC

To access Propecia through DoktorABC, complete a short online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. The consultation will cover your medical history and suitability for treatment. If Propecia is appropriate, your prescription will be approved and dispensed by a GPhC-registered pharmacy, then delivered discreetly to your door.