Propecia Tablets 28 - 168 tablets

Key points

• Reduces hair follicle shrinkage, promoting hair regrowth
• Clinical studies show that Propecia is effective in 90% of users
• Results can be seen from 3-6 months of use

What is Propecia?

Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride and is used in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Initially, it was used to treat men with enlarged prostates, but men who were using Propecia tablets also found that it had a positive effect on balding. After years of research, it was introduced to the market in a lower dose which was proven to be a safe and effective hair loss treatment for men.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your body. DHT prevents the absorption of essential nutrients necessary for the health of hair follicles, resulting in male pattern baldness.

By stopping the action of DHT, Propecia slows hair loss and, in certain instances, can even reverse it. This promotes the growth of thicker, more vibrant hair as your hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients.

To find out more information, read our article on ‘Does finasteride work?’.

How long does Propecia take to work?

Propecia starts working straight away, but it usually takes around 3-6 months of consistent use to start seeing results. In some men, the positive effects may take longer to show. Taking Propecia as directed will increase the chances of seeing positive results. However, if you’ve been consistently taking Propecia for over 12 months without noticeable improvement, it is unlikely that the treatment will become effective at this stage. In such instances, it’s advisable to consult with your GP to discuss the next steps.

Propecia results

Below is a timeline summarizing the anticipated outcomes of Propecia 1mg. For more detailed information, refer to our ‘Finasteride Results Timeline’ article:

1-3 months

Positive changes to your hair are unlikely within the initial 1-3 months. Propecia is getting to work and starting to lower DHT levels. During this period, you may observe “hair shedding,” where hair loss accelerates. This is a sign that Propecia is working, as weaker hair sheds, preparing hair follicles to start producing thicker and stronger strands of hair.

3-6 months

You should start to notice a decline in hair loss, and some individuals may observe hair regrowth during this phase.

6-9 months

A positive transformation in hair appearance should start to become noticeable. Many men experience a cessation of hair loss, accompanied by regrowth. Those with receding hairlines should start to notice smaller hairs coming through.

9-12 months

Significant reduction in hair loss becomes evident, often accompanied by an overall enhancement in hair growth. Hair may appear thicker and fuller after a year, and it is advisable to continue treatment if no side effects are experienced.

Is Propecia safe?

Propecia is usually a well-tolerated treatment, with most men experiencing no side effects.

During a one-year clinical study involving over 3,000 men, findings revealed that only 1.7% of participants discontinued treatment due to side effects. In fact, 2.1% of men in the group who were taking the dummy pill stopped taking the placebo.

What happens if you stop taking Propecia?

If you stop taking Propecia, DHT levels will rise and start to shrink hair follicles. The natural balding process will resume, and you will lose any positive results gained from treatment.

Propecia ingredients

Active ingredient: Finasteride 1mg

Inactive ingredients: lactose, pregelatinized maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose E460, magnesium stearate E572, sodium starch glycollate, hypromellose E464, docusate sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose E463, titanium dioxide, talc, red iron oxide E172, yellow iron oxide E172.

Whilst the active ingredient will remain the same, the inactive ingredients may differ amongst brands. You should read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication, for a full list of ingredients.

Propecia alternatives

To date, Propecia is one of the most effective treatments for hair loss in men. Other options in the realm of hair loss treatments include minoxidil, also known as Regaine, and dutasteride.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment which promotes blood circulation in the scalp to reactivate hair follicles. Unlike Propecia, it doesn’t impact DHT, the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, and is generally considered less effective.

Dutasteride, like Propecia, acts as a DHT blocker. However, it remains unlicensed as a hair loss treatment. Consequently, there is a lack of comprehensive studies examining the safety and efficacy of dutasteride for hair loss.

Vitamins and supplements designed for hair loss are accessible without a prescription. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these products is supported by limited research.

Propecia vs Finasteride – What’s the difference?

Propecia is the branded version of finasteride 1mg. The branded and non-branded version both contain 1mg of the active ingredient, finasteride. The only difference between the two may be in the inactive ingredients (such as the ingredients used to bind the tablet together). Theoretically, finasteride and Propecia will both give you the same results.