Finasteride tablets

Finasteride is a medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia). It works by targeting the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink. It is usually taken as a once-daily tablet.

Propecia is a brand-name version of Finasteride. Both contain the same active ingredient (finasteride) and are medically identical. The difference is mainly cost and branding — generic Finasteride is usually more affordable while offering the same effectiveness.

Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which normally converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. By lowering DHT levels, Finasteride helps slow or reverse hair loss in many men.

Most men notice an improvement in hair loss within 3 to 6 months, but it may take up to 1 year for full results. If no improvement is seen after 12 months, further treatment may not be beneficial.

If treatment is stopped, any gained hair is likely to be lost within 12 months.

Yes. Clinical trials show that up to 99% of men either regrow hair or avoid further hair loss:

• 2-year study (535 men):
  • 66% saw hair regrowth
  • 33% had no further hair loss
• 5-year study (279 men):
  • 48% saw hair regrowth
  • 42% had no further hair loss

Finasteride is particularly effective at treating hair loss at the crown (top/back of the head), but may be less effective for a receding hairline.

Like all medicines, Finasteride can cause side effects. Most are mild and reversible, but some may persist.

Common side effects:

• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced semen volume

Less common or serious side effects:

• Depression or mood changes
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Testicular pain
• Infertility or poor semen quality
• Suicidal thoughts (rare)
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing issues)

If you experience breast changes, rash, or difficulty breathing, stop taking Finasteride and seek medical attention immediately.

• Women (especially during pregnancy)
• Anyone allergic to finasteride
• Children or adolescents

Women who are pregnant should avoid touching broken tablets, as finasteride can affect a developing male fetus.