Propecia (finasteride)

Propecia is the branded version of the hair loss medication finasteride. It is a clinically proven treatment that can help delay hair loss and promote hair regrowth in men with male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia.

Propecia was the first prescription medication approved for male pattern baldness. After the patent expired, other pharmaceutical companies began releasing medicines with the same active ingredient.

Is Propecia the same as finasteride?

Yes, Propecia is the branded version of the generic hair loss medication finasteride. Propecia and generic finasteride are medically equivalent, meaning they contain the same ingredients and produce the same mechanism of action.

They do, however, differ in price and packaging and, in some cases, the method of administration. For example, generic finasteride can be obtained as a topical treatment from some healthcare providers.

The active ingredient in Propecia, finasteride, slows down hair loss and can cause hair to regrow when used regularly. It does this by stopping your body from converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

DHT prevents hair follicles from absorbing the nutrients they need to grow. This process is called miniaturisation and causes hair thinning. Propecia reduces DHT levels in the body, allowing hair to grow to its full potential.

Does finasteride regrow hair?

Yes, many men using finasteride for hair loss find that it causes lost hair to regrow. This is most likely to happen when it is taken at the early stages of hair loss, with late-stage hair loss being much harder to treat.

Hair regrowth is common in those taking finasteride, but it is more likely to happen at the crown of the head than the corners of the hairline. To give your hair the best chance of regrowth, treat your condition early and take your medication consistently.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Propecia is a generally well-tolerated and effective hair loss treatment. The benefits of this medication are as follows:

• Reduces hair loss
• Promotes hair regrowth
• Improves hair thickness
• Reduces levels of DHT
• Prevents the formation of bald spots
• Can increase testosterone levels

Clinical trials have found finasteride to be generally well-tolerated and effective when treating male pattern baldness.

One clinical trial compared hair counts in patients treating their hair loss. Patients were split into 2 groups; with one group using Propecia and the other using a placebo.

After 2 years, 66% of Propecia users showed improved hair growth compared to 7% in the placebo group.

After 5 years, 48% of Propecia users showed improved hair growth, whereas 75% of the placebo group experienced hair loss.

The effectiveness of finasteride varies from person to person, and it can take a while to see regrowth. The best results are seen after 1-2 years of consistent treatment.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Finasteride works immediately to lower DHT levels in the body. Clinical studies show that DHT levels can decrease by as much as 65% within 24 hours of taking the first dose of finasteride.

While the medicine begins to work immediately, most people see visible improvement in their hair after 3-6 months of daily use. Your hair will then continue to grow back at a steady pace with effects best seen after 1-2 years.

It takes a long time to see the benefits because hair takes a long time to grow. With that being said, not everyone regrows hair in all areas of the scalp. Finasteride is especially effective on the crown, but some people find it takes longer for a receding hairline to grow back, and some find that hair doesn’t grow fully anywhere on the scalp.

Typical finasteride results may look as follows:

Who can take it?

To obtain a prescription for Propecia or generic finasteride, patients must be:

• Over the age of 18
• Suffering from male pattern baldness
• In the early stages of hair loss*

*This medication will only be prescribed to those in the early stages of pattern baldness, as it is ineffective when hair loss is too advanced. Male pattern hair loss usually follows a specific pattern:

Your hair loss must not be too advanced (stage 1 or 2) if you are to be prescribed this treatment.

Only those who have completed an online consultation for hair loss can be prescribed Propecia (finasteride).

Who cannot take it?

Propecia is not suitable for everyone. You will not be prescribed this treatment if:

• You are a woman
  • This medication does not work in women with hair loss.
• You are allergic to finasteride or any other ingredient found in Propecia
  • Severe allergic reactions to this medication can be fatal.
• You are already taking finasteride or dutasteride for prostate problems
  • Taking too much of this medication can increase the risk of side effects and cause an overdose.

Precaution

You may not be able to take Propecia if you plan to have a blood test for prostate cancer called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). This is because the medication can affect the results of this test.

Inform your doctor if you are taking finasteride before taking this test. This will allow them to read the results properly.

How to take it

Follow these instructions when taking your finasteride tablets:

• Take only as much as your doctor has prescribed
• Take your dosage once a day (unless instructed otherwise)
• Take your medication at the same time every day
• You can take your tablet(s) with or without food
• Swallow your tablets whole with a glass of water
• Do not break or crush your tablets

When to take it

Take your tablets exactly as your doctor instructs. The recommended daily dose is as follows:

How long should I take it for?

Propecia is not a one-time cure for male pattern baldness. It is meant to be used as a long-term, ongoing treatment. This means that it will only work as long as you are continuously taking it.

Once you stop taking this medication, you will begin to lose your hair as you did before you started using finasteride. Do not stop treatment without first consulting your doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Propecia or generic finasteride, follow these instructions:

• If it is the same day, take your dose as soon as possible
• Take your next dose at the usual time
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose

Your finasteride dosage will depend on your individual case, so you should always follow your doctor’s advice.

The general dosage of Propecia is as follows:

*euroClinix does not prescribe Propecia or generic finasteride for an enlarged prostate. To obtain a prescription for this condition, visit a doctor in person at a GPs office or a specialist clinic.

Like all prescription medications, Propecia and generic finasteride can cause some unwanted side effects. Propecia side effects are uncommon, and any you feel should go away once your body gets used to the medication.

Finasteride side effects include:

If you experience serious or persistent side effects, consult your doctor immediately for advice or further testing.

Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS)

PFS is a rare condition that can happen in men who stop taking finasteride. This syndrome causes the sexual side effects (for example, low libido and erectile dysfunction) to persist even after treatment has been stopped.

Some men report symptoms lasting for years after discontinuing treatment, whereas others claim their symptoms last for life.

There is no known cure for PFS, but some lifestyle changes may help to ease symptoms. Try the following if you experience post-finasteride syndrome:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake
• Try talking therapy

Allergic reaction

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to finasteride include:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lumps under the skin (hives)
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency care immediately. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening if not treated in time.

How do I reduce the side effects of finasteride?

If you find yourself suffering from side effects, there are a few things you can do to try and manage them.

1. Adjust your dosage
   • 1mg a day is the optimal dosage for preventing hair loss, but you can take a dosage as low as 0.25mg. Talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage if side effects are hard to manage.
2. Time your dosage
   • Taking your medication at around the same time every day will not only maximise effectiveness, but may also help stabilise its effect on the body. This may help to alleviate side effects.
3. Monitor your hormone levels
   • Finasteride alters your levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, and regular monitoring can help you detect imbalances early. If hormone levels fall outside of the normal range, your doctor may make adjustments to your treatment plan to reduce side effects.

Ways to manage Propecia side effects

Adjust your dosage

Monitor hormone levels

Time your dosage well

Finasteride is generally safe to use with most other medications, but there are some interactions that you should be aware of before you start treatment.

Medications that may reduce finasteride levels:

• Carbamazepine
• Rifampin
• St John’s wort

These medications may reduce finasteride levels by increasing its breakdown in the liver.

Medications that may increase finasteride levels:

• Itraconazole
• Erythromycin
• Clarithromycin

These medications may increase finasteride levels by affecting the enzyme CYP3A4, which is involved in the metabolism of finasteride.

While this medication works well on its own, there are some lifestyle changes you can make to treat your male pattern baldness more effectively.

Maintain a healthy diet

• Certain vitamins and minerals can stimulate hair growth. These include:
  • Biotin
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Vitamins A, C, D, and E
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
• The Mediterranean diet has been linked to improved sexual function, and so may help with sexual side effects of finasteride use.

Engage in regular physical activity

• Regular cardiovascular exercise can improve blood flow to the scalp, allowing Propecia to be delivered to the hair follicles.
• Exercise also reduces stress, which has been shown to contribute to hair loss.

Manage stress

With stress being one of the main contributors to hair loss, you may benefit from activities that reduce stress, like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Avoid smoking

• Smoking damages hair follicles and can exacerbate hair loss, especially in those already suffering from male pattern baldness.
• Quitting smoking can allow Propecia to work at maximum effectiveness.

Moderate your alcohol consumption

Alcohol itself does not cause hair loss, but it can cause other issues that do, such as dehydration and stress.

Be wary of excessive heat when styling hair

• Limit your use of hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons, as excessive heat can make hair brittle and weak.
• Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair, as this can cause traction alopecia.

Stay hydrated

• Staying hydrated can promote hair growth and improve overall health.
• Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to give your hair all the support it needs.

Maintaining general health can help promote hair growth. Adopting the Mediterranean diet is an easy way to give your body all the nutrients it needs for strong hair.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Storage instructions

Follow these instructions to store your medication properly:

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton.
• Do not put the tablets in another container, as they may get mixed up.
• Do not remove a tablet from the pack until ready to take it.
• Do not store above 30°C

When disposing of unused or expired medicine, take it to your local pharmacy. This will ensure environmentally friendly disposal.

No, Propecia and generic finasteride can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

• Prescriptions are necessary because they:
• Ensure appropriate use for your specific condition.
• Prevent potential misuse and associated health risks.
• Allow for monitoring of side effects and interactions with other medications.

Ordering your medication with euroClinix is simple and secure. Follow these steps:

• Start a confidential online questionnaire from the top of this page. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete.
• A UK-registered doctor will review your consultation.
• If approved, the doctor will issue an electronic prescription.
• A licensed UK pharmacy will send your medication in discreet packaging. The pharmacy will also share tracking information. You get free next-day delivery.

euroClinix offers ongoing support for any questions. Privacy and security are guaranteed through compliance with the relevant regulatory standards and the use of encrypted transactions.

euroClinix is a trusted online clinic that offers services in several European countries. All consultations and prescriptions are handled by our UK-registered doctors.

The process is convenient with online consultations and discreet home delivery. Our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist with any questions related to our services.

The euroClinix platform is user-friendly for managing prescriptions and reorders securely.

Choosing euroClinix ensures a trusted, professional, and supportive service to treat your hair loss. Start your journey with euroClinix today and experience our expert care.

Finasteride alternatives include the following:

If one treatment doesn’t work for you, there is still a chance that another one will. Speak with your doctor about trying alternative medication if your hair loss persists.

Is finasteride available in other forms?

Yes, topical finasteride can also be obtained from some pharmacies, but it is not as commonly used as oral finasteride. If you cannot take finasteride tablets, the topical version may be a good alternative.