Finasteride 1 Tablet

Q1: What is Finasteride 1 Tablet used for?

Finasteride 1 Tablet (1mg) is used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men. It slows the progression of hair loss and, in the majority of responsive men, stimulates regrowth of hair at the vertex (crown) and anterior mid-scalp. It does not treat hairline recession as effectively.

Q2: How does Finasteride 1mg stop hair loss?

Hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia are genetically sensitive to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT gradually miniaturises follicles until they stop producing visible hair. Finasteride 1mg blocks 5-alpha reductase type II, the enzyme that produces DHT, reducing scalp DHT by approximately 65%. With lower DHT, follicle miniaturisation slows or reverses, stabilising hair loss and allowing growth cycles to normalise.

Q3: How long does Finasteride 1mg take to show results?

Most men see a halt in hair loss within 3–6 months. Visible hair regrowth typically becomes apparent at 6–12 months, with peak results at 12–24 months of consistent daily use. Finasteride works by prolonging the hair growth cycle — results are gradual, not sudden.

Q4: What is the difference between Finasteride 1 Tablet and Prosteride 5 Tablet?

Both contain Finasteride but at different doses for different conditions. Finasteride 1mg (this product) is for male pattern hair loss. Prosteride 5 (Finasteride 5mg) is for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). The 1mg dose is sufficient to reduce scalp DHT and slow hair loss; the higher 5mg dose is needed for the greater prostate DHT suppression required in BPH. Do not use Prosteride 5mg for hair loss — the higher dose is not more effective for hair and carries a greater side-effect risk.

Q5: What happens if I stop taking Finasteride 1mg?

If you stop taking Finasteride 1mg, DHT levels return to normal within 2 weeks. Hair loss gradually resumes and, within 6–12 months of stopping, hair density typically returns to where it would have been without treatment. Any hair regrown during treatment is also progressively lost. Finasteride must be taken continuously to maintain its effect.

Q6: Can Finasteride 1mg be combined with Minoxidil?

Yes. Finasteride 1mg and topical Minoxidil (2% or 5%) work through entirely different mechanisms and are frequently prescribed together for additive benefit. Finasteride addresses the hormonal cause of hair loss; Minoxidil directly stimulates hair follicle growth through vasodilation. Clinical studies show the combination produces better results than either treatment alone.

Q7: What are the sexual side effects of Finasteride 1mg?

Clinical trials report decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume in approximately 1–2% of men taking Finasteride 1mg — lower rates than with the 5mg BPH dose. These side effects are reversible upon stopping treatment in most men. A small number of men report that sexual effects persist after discontinuation — known as post-finasteride syndrome. Discuss any sexual changes with your doctor promptly.

Q8: Does Finasteride 1mg affect testosterone levels?

No. Finasteride does not reduce testosterone levels. It blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, so testosterone itself is not suppressed. Total testosterone levels may slightly increase due to reduced conversion, but this is not clinically significant. Finasteride does not cause hypogonadism.

Q9: Can women use Finasteride 1mg for female hair loss?

Finasteride is not approved for use in women in most countries, and is absolutely contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant due to the risk of birth defects. Some doctors prescribe it off-label for female pattern hair loss in post-menopausal women after careful risk assessment. This must be a decision made with your doctor — self-treatment is not appropriate.

Q10: What does Finasteride do to PSA results?

Finasteride 1mg reduces serum PSA (prostate-specific antigen) by approximately 40–50%. Always inform your doctor you are taking Finasteride before any PSA test. Your doctor should either double your measured PSA result or compare it to a pre-treatment baseline to interpret results correctly. Finasteride does not affect the ratio of free to total PSA, which helps distinguish BPH from prostate cancer.

Q11: How should Finasteride 1 Tablet be stored?

Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and away from women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Store in the original blister packaging. Do not use after the expiry date.

Q12: Do I need a prescription for Finasteride 1mg?

Yes. Finasteride 1mg is a prescription medicine. A dermatologist or GP should confirm the diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia and assess your suitability before prescribing. A baseline PSA level may be measured before starting treatment. Self-prescribing without assessment can miss other causes of hair loss that require different treatments.