Finasteride (Propecia) finasteride
pronounced as (fin as' ter ide)
Oral DHT blocker. Standard of care for male-pattern hair loss. ~80% slow shedding, ~60% regrow.
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Finasteride (Propecia) vs Avodart
Both block DHT. Dutasteride suppresses more (~90% vs ~70%) and is off-label for hair loss; finasteride is on-label and the first-line choice.
| Finasteride (Propecia) | Avodart | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | finasteride | dutasteride |
| Manufacturer | Multiple (Merck originated as Propecia) | GlaxoSmithKline (Avodart) |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 1997 | FDA-approved 2001 |
| Clinical efficacy | — | — |
| Pivotal trial | — | — |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Full page | Finasteride (Propecia) → | Avodart → |
What is Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride is an oral 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, FDA-approved for male-pattern hair loss (1mg) and BPH (5mg). The hair-loss dose is 1mg daily. Originally branded as Propecia; widely generic since 2013.
How does Finasteride (Propecia) work?
Blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the androgen that miniaturizes hair follicles in genetically susceptible men. Lower DHT → less follicle miniaturization → less shedding, partial regrowth.
Who can take Finasteride (Propecia)?
Adult men with male-pattern hair loss. Not for women of childbearing potential (can harm male fetus). Discuss with clinician if you have liver disease, prostate cancer history, or are planning conception.
How is Finasteride (Propecia) taken?
1mg orally once daily. Effects begin at 3-6 months; full effect at 12 months. Discontinuation reverses gains within 6-12 months.
How much does Finasteride (Propecia) cost?
Generic finasteride $10-25/month direct from pharmacy. Telehealth platforms $20-40/month bundled with consultation.
What side effects can Finasteride (Propecia) cause?
Most common: small (~2-4%) rate of sexual side effects in trials (decreased libido, ED, ejaculation issues). Rare: gynecomastia, mood changes. 'Post-finasteride syndrome' is a contested phenomenon with persistent side effects after discontinuation; baseline rate appears low.
What if I miss a dose of Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride is dosed daily. If missed: skip the dose if more than 12 hours late, take it next day at usual time. Do not double up. Missing occasional doses doesn't significantly affect long-term efficacy, but consistency matters for sustained DHT suppression — set a daily reminder.
What if I overdose on Finasteride (Propecia)?
There is no specific antidote for finasteride overdose. The drug has a half-life of ~5-6 hours (longer in elderly patients). Single doses up to 400 mg and multiple doses up to 80 mg/day for 3 months have been tolerated in trials without significant adverse effects. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect overdose; seek emergency care for severe allergic reactions, fainting, or chest pain.
Where to get Finasteride (Propecia)
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Finasteride (Propecia). We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
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Not sure which Finasteride (Propecia) program fits?
6 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
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How would you describe your hair loss?
- Early thinning
- Receding hairline
- Crown thinning
- Advanced loss
How long have you noticed it?
- < 6 months
- 6-24 months
- 2+ years
+ 4 more in the full assessment
Ask the dermatologist
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How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
Other hair loss medications
More on Finasteride (Propecia)
For clinicians: see the Finasteride (Propecia) prescribing summary.