Finasteride
Finasteride 1 mg is an FDA-approved prescription tablet for male pattern hair loss in men. A licensed provider decides if it is right for you.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
Finasteride is a prescription medication that lowers levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss. The FDA has approved finasteride 1 mg tablets to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men, on the vertex (top of the head) and anterior mid-scalp area.
Finasteride is not FDA approved for use in women or children, and it has not been shown to help a receding hairline at the temples. A licensed provider will review your health history and decide whether finasteride is appropriate for you.
How it works
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called type II 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DHT. In men with male pattern hair loss, DHT shrinks hair follicles over time. Lowering DHT can slow hair loss and, for some men, help regrow hair.
What to expect
Finasteride is taken by mouth, usually once a day, with or without food. Many men need to take it daily for three months or more before they see a benefit. Continued use is needed to keep the benefit. If you stop, hair that was gained is typically lost within about 12 months.
Your provider will review your progress at follow-ups and talk with you about side effects. Results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
Who it is for
Finasteride 1 mg is approved for adult men with male pattern hair loss. It is not for women, especially women who are or may become pregnant, or for children. Whether it is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider after reviewing your history.
Tell your provider if you have liver problems, a history of depression or other mood changes, any prostate concerns or prostate cancer screening, or a history of breast changes, and share every medication and supplement you take.
This page is general information and is not medical advice.
Side effects
The most common side effects are sexual, including decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. These usually go away in men who stop taking finasteride, but in some men they have continued after stopping.
Other side effects include breast tenderness or enlargement, testicular pain, and allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the lips or face. Mood changes, including depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm, have been reported. Call your provider right away if you have changes in mood or thoughts of harming yourself, a lump or pain in the breast, or nipple discharge.
This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
FDA status. Finasteride 1 mg tablets are FDA approved to treat male pattern hair loss in men. It is not FDA approved for use in women or children.
Pregnancy and handling. Women who are or may be pregnant should not take finasteride and should not handle crushed or broken tablets, because it can harm a developing male baby. Whole, coated tablets are safe to touch.
Sexual side effects. Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems have been reported. In some men they continued after stopping the medication.
Mood changes. Depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide have been reported. Contact your provider or seek emergency help if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Prostate cancer screening. Finasteride lowers PSA levels, a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. Tell every provider who orders a PSA test that you take finasteride, because results need to be interpreted differently.
Breast changes. Breast cancer has been reported in men taking finasteride. Report any breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
Blood donation. Do not donate blood while taking finasteride and for at least one month after your last dose.
Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.
Common questions
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription medication that lowers levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss. Finasteride 1 mg tablets are FDA approved to treat male pattern hair loss in men.
Is finasteride FDA approved?
Yes. Finasteride 1 mg tablets are FDA approved to treat male pattern hair loss in men. They are not FDA approved for women or children.
Do I need a prescription for finasteride?
Yes. A licensed provider must evaluate you and write the prescription.
Can I get a finasteride prescription from DrWell?
Prescriptions can be written by a licensed DrWell provider after an evaluation of your health history. Whether finasteride is appropriate for you is the provider's decision.
Does finasteride regrow hair?
Finasteride can slow hair loss, and some men regrow hair. Many men need to take it daily for three months or more before they see a benefit. Results vary and no outcome is guaranteed.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Many men need to take it daily for three months or more before they see a benefit. Results vary.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
Continued use is needed to keep the benefit. Hair that was gained is typically lost within about 12 months after stopping.
What are the most common side effects?
Decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, and less semen are the most common. Mood changes and breast tenderness have also been reported.
Does finasteride lower testosterone?
Finasteride lowers DHT, a hormone the body makes from testosterone. It does not work by lowering testosterone itself. Sexual side effects can still occur, so tell your provider about any changes.
What is post-finasteride syndrome?
It is a term some people use for sexual, mood or other symptoms that they report continuing after stopping finasteride. The FDA label notes that sexual side effects have continued after stopping in some men. If you have concerns, talk with your provider before starting.
Is finasteride the same as Propecia or Proscar?
Propecia is a brand name for finasteride 1 mg, which is approved for male pattern hair loss. Proscar is a brand name for finasteride 5 mg, which is approved for an enlarged prostate. Your provider prescribes the strength that fits your condition.
How is finasteride different from dutasteride?
Both lower DHT, but they block different forms of the enzyme that makes it. Finasteride 1 mg is FDA approved for male pattern hair loss, and dutasteride is not approved for hair loss in the United States.
Is there a topical finasteride?
Topical finasteride products are not FDA approved. The finasteride described on this page is an oral tablet.
Can I take finasteride with minoxidil?
Some providers prescribe them together. DrWell offers Cedar, a compounded tablet that combines finasteride, minoxidil and biotin. Cedar is compounded and not FDA approved.
Can women take finasteride?
No. It is not approved for women, and women who are or may be pregnant should not take it or handle crushed or broken tablets.
Does finasteride affect PSA tests?
Yes. It lowers PSA levels. Tell any provider who orders a PSA test that you take finasteride.
Will finasteride help a receding hairline?
It has been studied for hair loss on the top of the head and the mid-scalp. It has not been shown to help a receding hairline at the temples.
How much does finasteride cost?
Costs vary. They depend on your pharmacy and your prescription. Your DrWell provider can explain what applies to you.
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