Propecia (Finasteride)

Don’t put up with hair loss, banish it with prescription medication Propecia (finasteride)

Many people believe that hair loss is a condition to be accepted as the norm in today’s society. Few people like losing their hair, as having a full head of hair is seen as a sign of strength and virility, yet most feel powerless against it.

There are actually many prescription treatments available to combat hair loss, stimulating your hair follicles and reawakening them to promote hair growth.

Propecia is a brand of hair loss treatment from Organon & Co. (previously Merck). The medicine is available at a lower price under the generic name finasteride.

The medicine is used to delay the effects of hair loss in men with mild or moderate hair loss. It has been clinically proven to slow down and stop hair loss.

With Prescription Doctor's secure online prescription service, you can order Propecia online and regain your confidence.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia tablets contain finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

This medicine works by blocking an enzyme (5-alpha reductase) in your body which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In susceptible men, DHT can cause the hair follicles to produce thinner and smaller hairs through a process called miniaturisation.

It is not understood exactly why DHT causes hair loss in some men, though it is thought to be linked to genetics.

Propecia slows down the rate at which testosterone is converted into DHT, preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.

In trials, more than three-quarters of the participants reported a halt in hair loss and more than half noticed that they regained some hair.

How long does Propecia take to work?

It can take up to 3 months of taking Propecia before you start to notice an improvement.

In order for the treatment to be most effective, it's important to take Propecia daily.

What you need to know before buying Propecia (finasteride)

Propecia works by stimulating the follicles responsible for creating new hair and strengthening old roots. As a clinically tested medication, it is an effective treatment against hair loss. Of course, this mimicking action does have certain side effects and you need to know if you’re at risk before taking any hair loss medication.

We've created a list of possible underlying medical conditions that could interfere with Propecia. It is important to talk to your GP before you buy Propecia online if you:

• Are taking other medicines, including ones containing finasteride or 5a-reductase inhibitors
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients in Propecia
• Suffer from low blood pressure.

We may not be able to prescribe Propecia if you are likely to be trying for a baby or are under the age of 18.

How do I take Propecia?

The recommended dose of Propecia is 1 tablet daily.

You should aim to take Propecia at the same time every day. Taking Propecia alongside a meal, such as breakfast or dinner, can help to remind you when to take it.

Propecia tablets can be taken with or without food.

You should swallow Propecia tablets whole.

Do not crush, chew or break the tablet.

Side Effects of Propecia

All medicines carry the risk of causing side effects. Please read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment before beginning your treatment. Knowing what side effects to look out for is important when taking Propecia.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Propecia online.

If the side effects you experience worry you or cause you any concern, contact your GP.

Side effects associate with Propecia include:

• Depressed mood
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hypersensitivity, including rashes, itching, and swellings in the breasts

To ensure the doctor can prescribe Propecia safely, please fill in all the necessary criteria when completing your online consultation.

While taking Propecia, you must not donate blood until 4 weeks after stopping treatment.

Past studies have shown a correlation between men taking finasteride and male breast cancer. If you notice any changes in your chest (breasts) while taking Propecia, such as lumps, pain or discharge from the nipple, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Propecia does not work for women with hair loss. Broken or crushed Propecia tablets should not be handled by pregnant women due to the risk of damage to the developing child. Propecia tablets are coated to mitigate the risk of finasteride coming into contact with the skin.

If you believe you have experienced an allergic reaction while taking Propecia, stop taking the treatment and seek emergency medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions about Propecia

What is the likelihood of Propecia working for me? 

More than 90% of men assessed by an expert dermatologist panel at Merck & Co reported positive results in either regrowth or strengthening of hair follicles.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Propecia?

It is considered safe to consume alcohol in moderation while taking Propecia.

Avoid consuming more than the recommended weekly limit of 14 units.

How long does it take for Propecia to start working?

While Propecia begins to work within 3 months, it may take a number of years before there is a noticeable improvement.

What happens if I stop taking Propecia?

If you stop taking Propecia, it is more than likely that your hair loss with resume at the rate before treatment.

Any new hairs you grew while taking Propecia will most likely fall out after 6 to 12 months of halting treatment.

Does Propecia affect fertility?

Finasteride can affect the quality of your semen and reduce fertility and the ability to father a child. If this is of concern to you, speak to your doctor about the effect Propecia may have on your fertility before beginning treatment.

How can I buy Propecia online?

We understand that buying hair loss treatment can be embarrassing. But with Prescription Doctor's secure online prescribing service, you can buy Propecia online and have it delivered to your door the next day.

To order Propecia online from Prescription Doctor, simply fill out our short medical questionnaire and our online prescribing doctors will review your case to make sure that Propecia is safe for you.

All items are dispensed from our UK based registered pharmacy and dispatched in discreet, tamper-proof packaging which gives no indications of its contents.

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 18/01/2017 Reviewed on: 26/10/2023