Finasteride

Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia which is the only two tablets currently licensed in the UK to reverse and prevent mild to moderate hair loss in men. Finasteride effectively increases hair growth on the scalp and prevents further hair loss. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition which will affect approximately half of all men between the ages of 20 and 50. It is characterised by thinning of the hair on the scalp which results in balding on the crown of the head and / or a receding hairline. This can be caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and genetic factors such as oversensitive hair follicles. Suffering from male pattern hair loss does not necessarily mean you will become completely bald as this is a gradual process and can be dependent on when the onset began.

What are Finasteride 1mg tablets

Finasteride tablets contain 1mg finasteride per tablet. They are only available with a doctor’s prescription and only for use in men. It is the only licensed prescription treatment for male pattern baldness in the UK. They are convenient to use, as a once-daily oral tablet.

• Finasteride has been shown in trials to prevent further hair loss or promote new hair growth in 9 out of 10 men
• It can take at least 3 months for any visible results to be noticeable
• Finasteride and Regaine can be used at the same time if necessary, as they work in different ways

What is the difference between Propecia and Finasteride tablets?

There is no difference. Propecia is the branded version whilst Finasteride is the generic version which recently became available after the Propecia patent expired. They both work in exactly the same way but Finasteride tablets are cheaper to buy.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride decreases the level of DHT hormones to prevent further hair loss and increase hair growth on the scalp.

When will I start seeing results?

It can take 3-6 months for the full effects of Finasteride to develop.

How long will the effects of Propecia last?

It is likely the hair gained through use of this medication will be lost within 9-12 months once treatment is stopped. You should continue to use Propecia for as long as you would like to prevent hair loss.

Does Finasteride affect hair growth on other parts of the body?

No. It only affects hair on the scalp.

Can women use Finasteride?

No. Clinical trials have shown that Propecia is not effective in reversing hair loss in women.

Cautions

Do not take Finasteride if you are intolerant to some sugars or are allergic to finasteride or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine. Finasteride tablets should not be taken if you are already using finasteride or dustasteride for a prostate problem. Finasteride should not be taken by women and a crushed or broken Finasteride tablet should not be touched by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If this happens, seek medical advice. Contact a doctor or pharmacist before taking Propecia if you are going to have a blood test for prostate cancer as this medication can influence the result. If you are suffering from hair loss, act now and click to start your no obligation hair loss consultation approved by an NHS doctor today.

Finasteride is the active ingredient, which is a type 2 ‘5-alpha reductase inhibitor’ used to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The recommended dose of Finasteride is one tablet per day taken with or without food. It can take 3-6 months to notice results of this medication.

Common side effects of taking Propecia include:

• Decreased sexual interest, ability or performance
• Chills*
• Cold sweats*
• Confusion*
• Dizziness or light-headedness*

Uncommon side effects of taking Propecia include:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• Itchy skin or skin rash*
• Rapid weight gain*
• Swelling of the face, arms, hands, legs or feet*
• Tingling hands or feet*

* is used to indicate you should seek medical advice if any of these side effects are experienced.

1. What is the hair growth cycle?

Normal hair growth happens in a cycle of 3 oddly named phases: Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. Every single hair goes through these phases, each relating to different states of activity. Read on to find out what they mean:

Phase 1 – Anagen – The growing phase, lasting approximately 1,000 days

The anagen phase is the growing, or the ‘on’ phase. In humans, this lasts for approximately 1,000 days, but can range from 2 to 6 years. During the anagen phase, hair cells grow rapidly, producing the hair shaft from the follicle, which itself grows deeper into the scalp. The length of your anagen phase determines the maximum length of your hair. So, the longer your anagen phase, the longer your hair will grow.

Phase 2 – Catagen – Hair stops growing

The catagen phase only lasts for one to two weeks. It is the transitional or regressive phase. Essentially, it is when the hair stops growing. During this period, the hair follicle shrinks and part of it starts to die.

Phase 3 – Telogen – Resting phase

The telogen phase is the final resting stage, or ‘off’ phase. When the old hair is in this phase, the hair follicle becomes active again and a new hair in the anagen phase develops, forcing the old telogen hair out. This is when you might notice hairs in the bath or in your brush or comb.

At any one time, around 90% of most people’s hair follicles are in the ‘growing’ anagen phase and approximately 10% are in the ‘resting’, or telogen, phase.

In the case of common baldness, male pattern baldness, or what is commonly called hereditary hair loss, genes and hormones cause the miniaturisation or ‘shrinking’ of the hair follicles. This results in a shorter Anagen phase and a particularly long Telogen phase so the hairs then become short and thin. They are soon barely visible to the naked eye and eventually the hair follicles shut down completely.

2. What is the role of 5-alpha reductase in the body?

5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that regulates production of DHT. An enzyme is a protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction. 5-alpha reductase can be inhibited by specially synthesised drugs (see below).

3. What role does heredity/genetics play in the male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair loss occurs in men who are genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to the effects of DHT. Researchers now believe that the condition can be inherited from either side of the family.

4. Where is DHT found in the body?

DHT is found in several tissues in the body including the scalp.

5. What is the role of 5-alpha reductase in the body?

5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that regulates production of DHT. An enzyme is a protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up a chemical reaction. 5-alpha reductase can be inhibited by specially synthesised drugs (see below).

6. How common is male pattern hair loss?

Male pattern hair loss affects at least 50% of men at some point in their lives, and possibly as many as 80% by the age of 70 years. It affects different populations at different rates, probably because of genetics. Up to half of male Caucasians will experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, while other population groups such as Japanese and Chinese men are far less affected.

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