Finasteride Tablets

Finasteride 1 mg is a prescription medication for male pattern hair loss that works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp. Available through Chemist Doctor's regulated online service following a consultation with UK-licensed clinicians.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
Assessment
Answer some questions about your health concerns & symptoms

Treatment
Connect with a clinician 100% online, no appointment needed

Delivery
Get your medication delivered directly, if prescribed

Table of Contents
How Finasteride 1mg Treats Hair Loss
Finasteride 1mg is a clinically proven treatment for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). By inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, it reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by up to 70%, slowing follicle miniaturisation. Learn more about hair loss causes.
In clinical trials, 83% of men maintained or improved hair count after two years of daily use. Available via private prescription, Finasteride 1mg offers a cost-effective alternative to branded options like Propecia®.
What Causes Hair Loss? Key Factors
Male pattern hair loss primarily stems from genetic sensitivity to DHT. Other contributors include:
- Nutritional deficiencies (iron, protein)
- Medical treatments (chemotherapy)
- Chronic stress (telogen effluvium)
- Autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata)
The NHS recommends consulting a GP for sudden or patchy hair loss.
Types of Hair Loss: Beyond Androgenetic Alopecia
Type | Characteristics | Treatment Options |
---|---|---|
Scarring Alopecia | Permanent follicle damage | Topical steroids |
Telogen Effluvium | Temporary shedding | Stress management |
The Hair Growth Cycle: A 4-Phase Process
- Anagen (Growth): 3-5 years of active growth
- Catagen (Transition): 10-day follicle shrinkage
- Telogen (Rest): 3-month dormancy
- Exogen (Shedding): Natural hair fall
DHT's Role in Hair Loss: The Hormonal Trigger
DHT binds to scalp follicles, shortening the anagen phase. Finasteride 1mg blocks this process, preserving hair density. NICE guidelines support its use for mild-to-moderate cases.
How Finasteride 1mg Inhibits DHT Production
Finasteride 1mg blocks the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, preventing testosterone conversion into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone reduction helps maintain hair follicle integrity, with studies showing 90% DHT suppression in scalp tissue.
Key Mechanism:
- Daily 1mg dose sustains enzyme inhibition
- Reduces DHT levels by 60-70% systemically
- Preserves existing hair density within 3-6 months
As per NICE guidelines, Finasteride demonstrates peak efficacy when started during early-stage hair loss.
Finasteride 1mg Dosage Protocol
- Timing: Take daily, ideally at consistent times
- Administration: Swallow whole with water (with/without food)
- Missed Dose: Skip if forgotten; never double-dose
Scenario | Action |
---|---|
Overdose (>1mg/day) | Contact GP immediately |
Accidental discontinuation | Hair loss resumes in 6-12 months |
Finasteride Side Effects: What to Monitor
While most users tolerate Finasteride well, 3.8% report reversible effects (NHS, 2023):
- Libido changes (1.8% incidence)
- Erectile dysfunction (1.3%)
- Ejaculation disorders (1.2%)
Rare but serious: Depression (0.2%) or allergic reactions. NHS advisories recommend immediate cessation if mood changes occur.
Finasteride Safety Guidelines
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (Category X risk)
- Lactose intolerance (contains lactose monohydrate)
Storage & Disposal
- Keep below 25°C in original packaging
- Return unused tablets to pharmacies for safe disposal
Where Can I Buy Finasteride Online in the UK
Secure Finasteride Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Finasteride with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible patients and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our Finasteride service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to MHRA safety standards, ensuring your medication is dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies. Every purchase includes discreet packaging and a GDPR-compliant consultation process.
Our Finasteride clinical team ensures:
- Full medical history review
- Drug interaction checks
- Ongoing safety monitoring
Always consult your GP for first-time symptoms or complex medical history.
Getting your medication is quick and easy with our simple 4-step process:
Start Consultation
Complete our brief health questionnaire about your medical history and current health.
Medical Review
UK-registered clinicians review your consultation for safe prescribing.
Pharmacy Processing
If approved, our partner pharmacy prepares your medication.
Fast Dispatch
Your order is dispatched via your chosen delivery method.
What does the online consultation involve?
You'll answer questions about your medical history and current health to ensure safe prescribing. Honest responses are vital for your safety.
How do I reorder medication?
Use the login details emailed after your first order to access your account and reorder.
How does the secure chat portal work?
Clinicians may contact you via your account's chat portal to discuss your treatment. Respond securely within your account.
At Chemist Doctor, we respect your privacy and ensure complete discretion at every step.
Discreet Packaging
All orders are shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging sealed inside anonymous mailing bags.
Secure Data
Your personal and medical information is kept strictly confidential with SSL encryption.
Private Consultations
All consultations are conducted privately by UK-registered clinicians.
Anonymous Billing
Credit card statements show a neutral descriptor with no reference to medications.
Will my GP be informed about my order?
Only with your consent. We recommend updating your GP directly for seamless care.
We offer two reliable delivery options to suit your needs:
Service Type | Delivery Speed | Order Cut-off | Carrier |
---|---|---|---|
Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | No cut-off | Royal Mail |
Premium Next-Day Delivery | Next business day | 3 PM weekdays | Royal Mail 24 |
Next-day delivery guarantee applies to orders approved before 3 PM to these regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Service Restrictions: We currently cannot deliver to: Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, USA, or Canada
Is packaging discreet?
Yes. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging via tracked courier services.
Do I need to stay home for delivery?
No. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel's progress.
Do you deliver on weekends or bank holidays?
Deliveries occur Monday–Friday only. We do not ship on weekends or UK bank holidays.
What should I do if my order hasn't arrived?
Use your tracking number to locate the parcel or contact our support team for assistance.
Can I receive delivery updates via SMS?
Yes. Provide your mobile number at checkout for courier updates. We will not use it for marketing purposes.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express
Secure 3D authentication
Bank Transfer
Select at checkout for unique reference details
Order processes once payment clears
We use SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance to secure transactions. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
How long do refunds take to process?
Card payments: Refunds appear in 3–5 days.
Bank transfers: We'll contact you for account details to return funds.
Why was my order declined?
Declined orders are not charged. Card authorisations release funds within 3–5 days (contact your bank for details).
Can I return prescription medication?
No. UK law prohibits returns of dispensed prescription treatments for safety reasons.
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Finasteride FAQs
What should I do if I miss a dose of Finasteride?
If you forget to take your Finasteride 1mg tablet, simply take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two tablets to make up for a missed dose.
What happens if I take too much Finasteride?
If you've taken more Finasteride than prescribed, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or visiting your nearest hospital. Bring your medication packaging with you.
What are the ingredients in Finasteride tablets?
Finasteride 1mg tablets contain the active ingredient finasteride. Other ingredients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, and various colouring agents. Check the patient leaflet for a complete list or consult your doctor if you have allergies.
How should I store Finasteride?
Store Finasteride in its original packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat, and out of reach of children and pets.
What does Finasteride look like?
Finasteride 1mg tablets are typically round, reddish-brown tablets marked with "F1" on one side. Appearance may vary slightly between manufacturers.
What's the recommended dosage for hair loss?
For male pattern baldness, the recommended dose is 1mg daily. Higher doses (5mg) are only prescribed for prostate conditions, not hair loss.
Is Finasteride effective for hair regrowth?
Clinical studies show Finasteride helps regrow hair in about 66% of men within 6-12 months of use, with 90% experiencing slowed hair loss. Results are gradual and require continuous treatment.
What happens if I stop taking Finasteride?
If you stop treatment, any hair regrowth may be lost within 6-12 months as DHT levels return to normal. Hair loss will typically resume at its previous rate.
Does Finasteride affect testosterone levels?
Finasteride doesn't lower testosterone. It may cause a temporary slight increase in testosterone levels as it prevents conversion to DHT, but levels typically stabilise.
Can women take Finasteride?
No, Finasteride is not recommended for women. Women experiencing hair loss should consider alternative treatments like minoxidil.
What's the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?
Finasteride is the generic version of the branded Propecia. Both contain 1mg of the same active ingredient and work identically for hair loss treatment.
How long does Finasteride take to work?
Initial effects may be noticeable after 3 months, with optimal results typically appearing after 6-12 months of continuous daily use.
Can I combine Finasteride with other hair loss treatments?
While Finasteride works effectively alone, some patients combine it with minoxidil for enhanced results. Always consult your doctor before combining treatments.
Does Finasteride affect fertility?
There is some evidence Finasteride may temporarily affect fertility in some men. If you're planning conception, consult your doctor about potential alternatives.
What's the best time to take Finasteride?
You can take Finasteride at any time of day, but consistency is key. Choose a convenient time and stick to it daily for best results.
![]() | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
![]() | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 15 May 2025
Next Review: 21 December 2025
Published on: 15 May 2025
Last Updated: 16 May 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
![]() | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |






Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
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