Generic Finasteride

Introduction

Finasteride is a prescription‑only medication that belongs to the class of 5‑α‑reductase inhibitors. In the United Kingdom it is most widely used to treat androgen‑dependent conditions, principally male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The active compound is finasteride, and the drug is marketed under several brand names, most notably Propecia for hair loss and Proscar for BPH. Both indications are supported by robust clinical trial data and are listed in the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) product licence.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia (for alopecia) and Proscar (for BPH), containing the same active compound, finasteride. It is manufactured by a range of authorised pharmaceutical companies; the original developer was Merck & Co., Inc., which introduced the drug in the early 199s. As a generic, finasteride offers the identical pharmacological profile at a fraction of the brand‑name price, making it an accessible option for adults who meet the prescribing criteria. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option for eligible patients in the UK.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride selectively inhibits the type II isoenzyme of 5‑α‑reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen that drives hair follicle miniaturisation on the scalp and prostate gland enlargement. By reducing serum and scalp DHT concentrations by approximately 70 % (1 mg dose) to 90 % (5 mg dose), finasteride attenuates the androgenic stimulus that underlies both conditions.

• Onset of effect for hair loss: Visible improvement typically begins after 3–6 months of continuous daily dosing, with maximal benefit observed near 12 months.
• Onset of effect for BPH: Symptom relief (e.g., reduced urinary frequency and nocturia) can appear within 6 weeks, while prostate volume reduction progresses over 6–12 months.

Finasteride has a terminal elimination half‑life of roughly 5–7 hours, but its pharmacodynamic effect on DHT persists for several days because the enzyme inhibition is irreversible until new enzyme is synthesised.

Conditions Treated with Finasteride

• Androgenetic alopecia (male‑pattern hair loss).

  • Prevalence in the UK: ≈30 % of men experience visible thinning by age 30, rising to >50 % by age 50.
  • Finasteride (1 mg daily) slows follicular miniaturisation and can promote regrowth in the vertex and mid‑scalp areas.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

  • Affects roughly 20 % of men over 60 in the UK.
  • Finasteride (5 mg daily) reduces prostate volume, improves urinary flow, and lowers the risk of acute urinary retention.

Both indications are listed in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) approved by the MHRA, ensuring that prescribing clinicians have clear regulatory guidance.

Who is Finasteride For?

Finasteride is appropriate for adult males who meet the following clinical criteria:

• Hair loss: Men ≥18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia affecting the vertex or anterior mid‑scalp. Women are not approved for finasteride due to teratogenic risk.

• BPH: Men ≥50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to prostate enlargement, confirmed by ultrasound or digital rectal examination, and who do not have contraindications such as severe hepatic impairment.

Finasteride is not suitable for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (finasteride is teratogenic to a male fetus).
• Men with known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any tablet excipients.
• Individuals taking concomitant 5‑α‑reductase inhibitors (e.g., dutasteride) unless specifically directed by a specialist.

Patients with a history of prostate cancer should discuss the risk–benefit balance with their urologist, as finasteride may alter PSA levels and affect cancer detection.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Decreased libido – reported in 2–4 % of users; often reversible after discontinuation.
• Erectile dysfunction – occurs in up to 3 % of patients; may persist in a small subset.
• Ejaculatory disorders (reduced volume, delayed ejaculation) – observed in 1–2 % of cases.
• Breast tenderness or enlargement – rare but documented; self‑examination is advised.
• Dermatologic reactions – mild rash or pruritus in less than 1 % of patients.

Rare

• Depression and anxiety – sporadic case reports suggest a possible link; clinicians should monitor mood changes.
• Testicular pain – occurs in <.5 % of users, typically transient.
• Elevated liver enzymes – isolated instances reported; routine liver function monitoring is not required but may be considered in patients with pre‑existing hepatic disease.

Serious

• Male breast cancer – very low incidence (≈.01 %); any palpable mass warrants immediate evaluation.
• High‑grade prostate cancer – meta‑analyses indicate a modest increase in detection of high‑grade tumours; PSA interpretation must account for finasteride‑induced reductions.
• Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction – rare; symptoms include swelling of the face, throat, or difficulty breathing.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin) may modestly increase finasteride plasma levels; dose adjustment is usually unnecessary but clinical vigilance is advised.
• Other hormonal agents (e.g., testosterone replacement, anti‑androgens) can alter the therapeutic effect and should be coordinated by the prescriber.
• Anticoagulants – no clinically significant interaction, but patients on warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants should have routine INR monitoring as per standard practice.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Hair loss: The standard regimen is 1 mg tablet taken orally once daily, preferably at the same time each day to maintain steady enzyme inhibition.
• BPH: The approved dose is 5 mg tablet taken orally once daily, usually with or without food.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double‑dose to "make up" for a missed tablet.

Overdose: Acute overdose of finasteride is unlikely to be life‑threatening. Report any accidental ingestion to the local poison information centre (Poisonline UK) and seek medical attention. Supportive care, including observation of vital signs and symptomatic treatment, is the mainstay of management.

Practical precautions:

• Finasteride may be taken with meals; food does not significantly affect absorption.
• Alcohol consumption does not interact pharmacologically, but excessive drinking can exacerbate BPH symptoms and should be moderated.
• Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child‑Pugh class C) have not been studied; a reduced dose may be considered under specialist supervision.

Buying Finasteride from Our Online Pharmacy

Finasteride can be purchased from our online pharmacy in the UK with a streamlined, discreet ordering process.

• Affordable pricing: We source the generic product directly from licensed manufacturers, keeping costs near the manufacturer’s baseline.
• Verified quality: Each shipment contains tablets that meet MHRA‑approved specifications, with batch numbers and expiry dates clearly labelled.
• Guaranteed delivery: Options include express delivery (approximately 7 days) and regular airmail (around 3 weeks). All parcels are packaged discreetly to protect privacy.
• Pharmacy broker service: We partner with overseas licensed pharmacies that comply with UK import regulations for personal use. This model provides patients who face limited stock or high prices at local pharmacies a reliable alternative.

Our service is intended for adults who have already consulted a qualified healthcare professional and hold a valid prescription. The medication is shipped with a copy of the prescription (where required by UK law) and a patient information leaflet in English.

FAQ

• Is Finasteride available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name products are Propecia (1 mg) for hair loss and Proscar (5 mg) for BPH. Generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient and is regulated to the same standards, offering a more affordable alternative.

• Can Finasteride tablets be crushed or chewed?
  Finasteride tablets are formulated for oral ingestion whole. Crushing or chewing may affect the drug’s release profile and could increase the risk of side‑effects. If swallowing is difficult, discuss alternative formulations with a pharmacist.

• What should I do if I travel with my Finasteride prescription?
  Carry the original prescription and a copy of the patient information leaflet. In the EU and most Commonwealth countries, a personal medication supply for up to three months is generally permitted. Keep the tablets in their original labelled container to avoid customs delays.

• Does Finasteride have any impact on drug testing for sports?
  Finasteride is not a prohibited substance on the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) list. However, it can act as a masking agent for certain anabolic steroids, so some sporting bodies require disclosure of its use.

• Are there differences in excipients between UK‑produced and overseas finasteride tablets?
  Minor variations may exist, such as the type of lactose or magnesium stearate used as fillers. All excipients must comply with the EU‑Pharmacopoeia standards, ensuring that any differences do not affect safety or efficacy.

• How is the safety of imported finasteride ensured?
  Our online pharmacy works only with MHRA‑registered overseas suppliers that hold GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification. Each batch is accompanied by a certificate of analysis confirming potency and purity.

• Can finasteride be stored in a bathroom cabinet?
  The medication should be kept at a controlled room temperature (15–30 °C) away from excess moisture. A bathroom cabinet, which often experiences high humidity, is not ideal; a kitchen drawer or bedroom nightstand is preferable.

• What is the historical significance of finasteride’s development?
  Finasteride was first synthesized in the early 198s and received FDA approval for BPH in 1992, later gaining approval for androgenetic alopecia in 1997. Its discovery marked the first successful use of a 5‑α‑reductase inhibitor to treat both prostatic disease and hair loss.

• How does finasteride compare with dutasteride for BPH?
  Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II 5‑α‑reductase isoenzymes, resulting in a greater reduction of DHT (≈90 %). Clinical trials show similar improvements in urinary symptoms, but dutasteride may have a higher incidence of sexual side‑effects. Choice between agents depends on individual response, cost, and physician preference.

• Is it safe to combine finasteride with topical minoxidil for hair loss?
  Yes. The two agents work via different mechanisms—finasteride reduces DHT, while minoxidil promotes follicular blood flow. Combination therapy is commonly prescribed and has shown additive benefits in clinical studies.

• What are the legal limits for importing personal medication into the UK?
  Under the Personal Importation Scheme, individuals can import a three‑month supply of prescription medication for personal use, provided they hold a valid prescription and the medication is not a controlled substance.

Glossary

5‑α‑Reductase

An enzyme that converts testosterone into the more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Inhibition reduces DHT‑driven effects on hair follicles and prostate tissue.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non‑cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men, leading to urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and weak stream.

Androgenetic Alopecia

A hereditary form of hair loss in which androgens cause progressive miniaturisation of scalp hair follicles, typically presenting as thinning at the crown and frontal hairline.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and eliminated by the body.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Finasteride is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Finasteride for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.