Propecia is a prescription hair loss medication that is used to treat and slow male pattern baldness. In some cases, it can also encourage new hair growth. Propecia comes as tablets that you take daily, and contains 1mg of the active ingredient finasteride.

What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?

Finasteride and Propecia are technically the same medication. They both work in the exact same way, contain the same active ingredient, and are equally effective. The only difference is that Propecia is a branded medication, whereas finasteride is the generic form. This means that finasteride is generally available at a lower cost than Propecia, as you are not paying for the brand name.

Male pattern baldness is caused when an enzyme in the body changes testosterone into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT binds to hair follicles that can be sensitive to the enzyme, causing them to shrink and produce thinner hairs. The hairs affected get thinner and shorter, until they stop producing hair entirely. Propecia reduces the production of DHT in the body. In turn, this helps to slow hair loss.

How long does Propecia take to work?

Although Propecia quickly reduces the concentration of DHT in your body, most men do not see noticeable results until after about 3 months of taking it daily. More obvious results may take up to 12 months. If no benefits have appeared after 12 months of taking Propecia, talk to your doctor to see whether another option may be a better choice for you. They may also want to further investigate what is causing your hair loss.

Does Propecia regrow hair?

Yes, Propecia can regrow hair in some cases. Studies have shown that 64% of men saw some hair regrowth as a result of taking Propecia daily. Even if you do not regrow hair, it may help to prevent further hair loss.

Does Propecia thicken hair?

Propecia will not change the physical thickness of your hair. Propecia causes DHT levels to be reduced, and in turn stops hair follicles from getting smaller. Smaller hair follicles are what make hair look thin. So, with long term use of Propecia, existing hair may stay thicker looking for longer.

How effective is Propecia?

Propecia is effective for 9 out of 10 men and usually starts working within 24 hours by already reducing DHT in the body by 65%. While it is effective and working, you may not see results for the first few months to a year.

Does Propecia work for a receding hairline?

Propecia can slow down and prevent further loss of the hair on your forehead or hairline. Some men may also experience hair regrowth or the thickening of the hair in that area, however this is not possible in areas where hair follicles are now gone.

The recommended dose is one tablet a day to be taken with water. You can take Propecia at any time of the day with or without food. Try to take it at around the same time every day. Propecia will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day.

Propecia doses

The two most common doses for Propecia are 1mg and 5mg. The different doses are used for different purposes. 1mg is the recommended finasteride dose to take to treat male pattern hair loss. 5mg is not prescribed for hair loss, and is used to treat conditions that affect your prostate, like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

Can I take a higher dose for faster results?

No. Taking a higher dose of Propecia will not normally lead to faster or better results. It may also increase your risk of experiencing side effects. Deviating from the recommended dose of Propecia is unlikely to provide any benefits at all.

What happens when I stop taking Propecia?

When you stop taking Propecia, any effects it’s had may start to reverse. How quickly hair loss will resume varies, with some people experiencing rapid loss of hair, and others noticing a more gradual progression.

Propecia is a prescription-only medication, so it needs to be prescribed by a doctor. As a result, it is not available to buy in shops, and must be dispensed by a pharmacy.

Can I buy Propecia online?

Yes, you can order Propecia online through Superdrug Online Doctor. You just need to fill out a short questionnaire, which is reviewed by one of our doctors to make sure Propecia is a suitable treatment for you. If your order is approved, your Propecia prescription can be sent directly to you, or to your local Superdrug Pharmacy to pick up.

Is it safe to buy Propecia online?

Yes, Superdrug Online Doctor’s clinical team is made up of UK registered doctors who are fully trained and qualified. They will only ever prescribe Propecia if they think it will be the most suitable treatment for you.

Can I buy Propecia over the counter?

No, it is not possible to buy Propecia over the counter because it is a prescription-only medicine, meaning you will need a prescription from a doctor before a pharmacist can dispense it for you.

Can I get Propecia on the NHS?

Propecia is not available on the NHS.

Many people who take Propecia will not get any side effects. But, just like any medicine, there will be some who do. Uncommon side effects include:

• Decreased libido
• Depression
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculatory disorders

Side effects where the frequency is unknown include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Anxiety
• Palpitations
• Increased liver enzymes
• Breast/chest tenderness and enlargement, or cancer
• Testicular pain
• Blood in the sperm
• Infertility

If you get any of the rare side effects listed above, or are concerned about the side effects you are experiencing, make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. It is especially important to get medical help if you have any changes in your chest wall. For example, a lump in your chest or armpit, pain, or nipple discharge. This could indicate cancer. It is also essential to talk to your doctor if you have feelings of depression.

Propecia shedding

Propecia shedding is a common side effect that happens when you begin to take Propecia regularly. Hairs affected by DHT will fall out to make way for new hairs in the follicle. It may be alarming, but it is usually a sign that you are responding to the treatment and it often only lasts a few weeks.

How long do the side effects of Propecia last?

How long the side effects of Propecia last will change from person to person and will depend on which side effects you have. Side effects such as shedding will improve in a few weeks, whereas more serious side effects like erectile dysfunction may last for much longer.

Post-Propecia syndrome

Post-Propecia Syndrome (or Post-finasteride syndrome) is a non-medical term used to describe a variety of side effects reported by some people who have taken Propecia. These symptoms can persist even after you stop taking Propecia. They have included erectile dysfunction, low libido and depression. There is no scientific evidence that Post-Propecia exists, but many believe it does.

What should I do if Propecia does not work?

If you do not see a noticeable difference in your hair loss after 12 months of taking Propecia, make an appointment to see your GP. They may suggest that you try a different hair loss treatment, or investigate the cause of your hair loss

Propecia vs. Minoxidil

Propecia and Minoxidil both help to slow down male hair loss. Propecia is a prescription-only oral tablet, whereas Minoxidil is available to buy over the counter as it is most commonly available in serums or shampoo. Some people will use them in combination.

Propecia vs. Dutasteride

Propecia and Dutasteride are both medications that block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Because they work in the same way, they cause similar side effects. Dutasteride is in theory 20% more effective at blocking DHT, but is not currently licensed and available in the UK for hair loss.

Propecia vs. Aindeem

Propecia and Aindeem are the same drug (Finasteride) under different brand names. Therefore, you could expect a similar effectiveness, as well as similar side effects. However, Aindeem is no longer available.

Propecia is for adult men only. It must not be taken by anyone aged under 18 years, or by women. You should not take Propecia if you have severe bladder or liver problems, or if you are trying for a baby. It should not be handled by women who are pregnant.

Drug interactions

No medications have been identified to have negative interactions with Propecia.

Can you drink alcohol when taking Propecia?

Yes, you can drink alcohol when you are taking Propecia.

Can you take paracetamol with Propecia?

Yes, you can take paracetamol when you are taking Propecia.

Propecia and Viagra

Yes, you can take Viagra when you are taking Propecia.

Can propecia cause high blood pressure?

Propecia is unlikely to affect your blood pressure if taken alone. However, if taken alongside other medications, it is possible that it could cause changes in blood pressure. You should always tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before taking Propecia.

Can Propecia cause weight gain?

There is no significant evidence to suggest that Propecia causes weight gain as a common side effect. However, it's important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and some people may experience changes in weight while taking Propecia.

Can Propecia cause depression?

There have been reports of individuals experiencing changes in mood, including depression, while taking Propecia. However, it's important to note that depression as a side effect of Propecia is considered to be rare.

Can Propecia cause permanent erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is an uncommon side effect of Propecia, and if experienced will usually pass after a while. If erectile dysfunction as a result of taking Propecia does not go away, speak to your doctor.

Can Propecia cause fertility issues?

Some test results have shown that some men taking Propecia had either poor sperm quality or were infertile. However, this is not a common side effect and if you stop taking Propecia your sperm will normally return to normal.