Propecia (also known as Finasteride) is a tablet that’s taken daily to prevent hair loss in men who experience androgenetic alopecia (or male pattern baldness). Propecia will work by slowing down the amount of hair loss you are experiencing, however, it may not reverse hair loss that has already occurred.
Therefore, if you are noticing that your hair is starting to thin or your hairline starting to recede, Propecia might just be the answer.
How does Propecia work?
Excess production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and increased sensitivity of androgen receptors are some of the primary reasons for androgenetic alopecia. This causes the hair follicles to thin and shrink, resulting in thinner and balding hair.
Propecia (finasteride) lowers the levels of DHT in the scalp, which can slow the rate of hair loss from male pattern baldness. It may also reverse some of the hair loss in the best cases. In clinical studies, the drug has shown to be effective in almost nine out of 10 men. [1]
Is Propecia effective?
Propecia results have proven that it can greatly slow down the effects of male pattern baldness and even help with hair regrowth. Propecia has only shown improvement in mild to moderate cases of male pattern hair loss. Studies have shown positive results in over half of men, which range from good to excellent. [2]
Inadomi, T. 2014. Efficacy of finasteride for treating patients with androgenetic alopecia who are pileous in other areas: A pilot study in Japan. Indian Journal of Dermatology. India. IADVL.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Ms Laurenmarie Cormier on July 01, 2025. Next review due on July 01, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to use Propecia
Propecia is a tablet that should be taken by mouth once daily, preferably at the same time. It should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. If you forget to take a pill, don’t take two to make up for a missed tablet. Take the next scheduled tablet and carry on as you normally would.
How long does Propecia take to work?
Propecia results after three months should be noticeable, but it may be six months or more before its full effects can be seen. Why does it take Propecia so long to work? It takes the follicles this long to produce new hair, so some patience is needed. If you haven’t noticed any improvements after 12 months, you should speak to us about alternative treatment options.
If I take too much Propecia, what should I do?
Taking more Propecia than has been prescribed will not lead to better, quicker results. If you think you may have taken too much Propecia you should seek immediate medical attention. For more information, contact our clinician, or see the package leaflet that comes with your treatment for further guidance.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Ms Laurenmarie Cormier on July 01, 2025. Next review due on July 01, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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There are some things you need to watch out for when taking Propecia, and not everyone can use it.
Here’s the official safety info. If there’s something you’re not sure about, let us know.
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Propecia: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?
Answer:
Propecia is a brand-name version of the generic medication Finasteride, and finasteride is the active ingredient in the treatment. The main differences between the two are appearance and price. As Finasteride is a generic medication, it may be slightly cheaper than Propecia, and the packaging and the way the pill looks may differ as a result.
Although Propecia and Finasteride contain the same active ingredient, they do contain different inactive ingredients. It’s unlikely you would get side effects on one and not the other. But if you experience any side effects, you should discuss these with the clinician. These side effects are rare, but they may be key to which of the two treatments is most suitable (and safe) for you to use.
Is Propecia safe?
Answer:
Finasteride and Propecia are safe for the vast majority of men to take. There are some conditions that might make its use unsuitable, but these usually relate specifically to prostate conditions, mental health conditions including depression, or allergies.
A few men feel that Propecia damages their sex drive or causes low mood even after they’ve stopped taking it. And there have been rare reports of men experiencing depression when taking the drug. If you’re worried about the side effects of Propecia, you can talk to one of our clinicians.
If you experience any serious side effects, depression or suicidal thoughts, stop taking Propecia and contact your doctor immediately.
What is the recommended dosage of Propecia?
Answer:
Propecia 1mg tablets should be taken once a day, with or without food, for male pattern baldness. While there are stronger dosages, such as Propecia 5mg, this is usually prescribed to treat BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
If you take more Propecia than you should, seek medical attention immediately.
Is Propecia available over the counter?
Answer:
No, Propecia isn't available over the counter, so you will need a prescription. We can help you know whether Propecia is safe for you. All you need to do is tell us a bit about your health, and we’ll recommend some treatments that are safe for you. From there, you can choose the option that suits you best.
Last updated on Jul 04, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Why this page was updated on Jul 04, 2025
Content checked and updated as part of our 3-yearly periodic review, to ensure accuracy and currentness.
Current version (Jul 04, 2025)
Edited by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Ms Laurenmarie Cormier, Clinical Content Reviewer
Aug 01, 2022
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Ms Laurenmarie Cormier, Clinical Content Reviewer
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Ms Laurenmarie Cormier
Clinical Content Reviewer
Laurenmarie is a Nurse Practitioner based in the US. She worked with Treated as a prescriber and reviewed some of the content you see on the site.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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