Propecia 1mg Tablets
Propecia is an established MHRA-approved treatment designed to stop and reverse male pattern baldness, known also as androgenetic alopecia. Manufactured by Organon, Propecia is a branded treatment containing the active ingredient finasteride 1mg.
Propecia is licensed to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss in men. It isn't suitable for everyone, so it can only be supplied after a consultation and a prescriber's decision that it's appropriate for you.
What is Propecia and How Does It Work?
Propecia belongs to a group of medicines called type-II 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-AR). To understand how it works, we need to first know the processes behind hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss
Hair loss ranges from temporary thinning to permanent hair loss. The most common form in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness.
This is a genetic condition where hair follicles on the scalp have a higher sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is derived from testosterone. It binds to hair follicles on the scalp, causing them to shrink (miniaturise). This leads to hair strands that grow gradually thinner, until the follicle stops producing hair entirely.
However, hair loss can also be caused by hormonal changes, medical issues (such as thyroid disorders), medications, stress, or nutritional gaps.
How Propecia Works
Propecia blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT by blocking an enzyme (Type-II 5-alpha reductase). By reducing scalp DHT levels by up to 70%, Propecia stops the miniaturisation progress.
Hair follicles can recover, leading to thicker hair strands and increased hair density over time.
Propecia vs Generic Finasteride vs Dutasteride
When choosing a hair loss treatment from our pharmacy, it helps to understand how different options compare:
Feature | Propecia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Ingredient | Finasteride 1mg | Finasteride 1mg | Dutasteride 0.5mg |
Brand Status | Original brand | Unbranded (generic) | Branded(Avodart)/ unbranded |
DHT Reduction | ~60%-70% | ~60%-70% | ~90% |
Enzyme Target | Type II 5-AR | Type II 5-AR | Type I and Type II 5-AR |
License | Licensed for hair loss | Licensed for hair loss | Off-label in the UK for hair loss |
Cost | Higher (branded premium) | Lower (cost-effective) | Variable |
Is Propecia Better Than Generic Finasteride?
Both Propecia and generic finasteride contain the exact same active ingredient (finasteride 1mg) and work in the same way in the body.
Propecia is preferred by men who stick to the original, branded medication developed by the original manufacturer. Generic finasteride provides the same clinical effectiveness at a lower price.
Who Can and Cannot Take Propecia?
Propecia is a prescription-only medication (POM) in the UK. An online consultation with our prescribers is essential before dispensing.
Who Is It For?
Propecia is licensed for adult men over 18 years of age with male pattern hair loss (receding hairline or thinning crown).
It can also be used by men looking to maintain existing hair density, and prevent further hair loss.
Who Can Not Take it?
The following groups of patients must not take Propecia:
Women. Propecia is strictly contraindicated for women.
Important safety warning: Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy must not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets, as finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of a male baby.
Children and Adolescents
Allergies. Men with a known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of the excipients (such as lactose)
Men taking other 5-AR medicines. Propecia must not be combined with Finasteride 1mg, 5mg, or dutasteride.
Tell the prescriber if you:
Have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test planned or have prostate problems, as Propecia lowers PSA levels
Have liver problems, as the effect of Propecia on people with liver problems hasn't been studied
Have ever had depression or another mental health condition.
Are trying for a baby.
How To Take Propecia
Propecia is taken at a dose of one 1mg tablet daily. The tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food.
Consistency is important. The tablets should be taken at roughly the same time every day, to maintain steady hormone levels. If treatment is stopped, DHT levels in the scalp will increase, causing hair loss symptoms all over again. It can take between 3 to 6 months of consistent daily use to notice a stabilisation in hair loss. Optimal results are usually visible between 12 to 24 months.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Warnings
Whilst generally well tolerated, Propecia can cause side effects in some patients.
Uncommon Side Effects
Uncommon side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 men include:
Reduced sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Ejaculation disorders
Other Potential Effects
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Testicular pain
Hypersensitivity reactions - swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health
Mood alterations, including a depressed mood, depression and less frequently suicidal thoughts have all been reported in patients taking Propecia. If you experience changes in your mood or mental well-being, stop treatment immediately and seek medical attention.
Sexual side effects may persist after stopping treatment. This is known as post-finasteride syndrome, and is not fully understood. Click here to learn more about post-finasteride syndrome.
Can I Buy Propecia Online in the UK?
Yes, you can safely purchase Propecia online in the UK through registered and regulated online pharmacies like Quick Meds.
As a prescription-only medicine, (POM) clinical review is essential before you can access treatment. At Quick Meds, this is achieved by:
Completing an online consultation. This asks about your symptoms, medical history and if you take any other medication.
Selecting your preferred treatment. Add to your basket and checkout.
Clinical review. Our UK-based pharmacists review your order for clinical appropriateness. Sometimes additional information may be required.
Discreet delivery. All approved orders are packaged securely in plain, discreet packaging and shipped via tracked delivery methods straight to your door.
Quick Meds operates under strict regulation by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), ensuring safe, high quality pharmaceutical care.
References
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0190-9622(98)70007-6
https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-199957010-00014
https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-reminder-of-the-risk-psychiatric-side-effects-and-of-sexual-side-effects-which-may-persist-after-discontinuation-of-treatment
https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/alopecia-androgenetic/
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Does Propecia work on a completely bald scalp?+−
No. Propecia works on active hair follicles that are miniaturising. It cannot restore hair loss in areas where follicles are completely dead. Early intervention is key for the best results.
Can I use Propecia alongside topical Minoxidil?+−
Yes. Propecia and Minoxidil work through different mechanisms to target hair loss. Combining treatment is a common strategy for enhanced results, though this must only be done under medical supervision.
Will Propecia affect hair on other parts of my body?+−
No. Propecia specifically targets hair follicles on the scalp. It does not affect facial, chest, or body hair growth.
How do I order Propecia securely online?+−
As a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy, you will need to complete an online consultation, which is reviewed by our in-house clinicians for safety and appropriateness.
