Finasteride

One of the most commonly used medications to treat hair loss is Finasteride, better known under the brand name Propecia, approved by health authorities for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia more than 20 years ago. Finasteride is used to treat male alopecia only: this medication is not intended for women.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride is a medication in the form of 1 mg tablets belonging to the family of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by preventing the enzyme 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT contributes to the progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles in genetically susceptible individuals. This is why Finasteride is commonly referred to as a DHT blocker.

DHT is only blocked while Finasteride is active in the body. The medication must therefore be taken daily to have its full effect. When Finasteride is stopped, the body will start converting testosterone into DHT again and hair loss will resume its course.

How should this medication be taken?

The approved regimen is one 1 mg tablet per day, with or without food. It is advisable to take the tablet at the same time every day. Any other schedule is a medical decision, taken patient by patient with the prescribing physician. Like any medicine, finasteride can have side effects: they are discussed with you before it is prescribed, and the decision to treat is taken together.

What if I forget to take the medication one day?

If you miss taking the medication at the usual time, take the tablet as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, take only that dose. Do not take an extra tablet.

What can I expect when taking this medication?

It may take at least three months of daily Finasteride use to notice an improvement in hair loss. It is advisable to continue taking the medication to keep benefiting from the result. If the medication is stopped, the improvements will disappear after about twelve months.