Proscar (Finasteride)

Finasteride 1 mg is the generic equivalent of Propecia, offering the same proven hair-loss treatment at a lower cost. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride slows the progressive miniaturisation of hair follicles characteristic of male-pattern baldness and, in many cases, promotes visible regrowth.

How to Take Finasteride

Take one 1 mg tablet daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Daily use is essential because skipping doses reduces its effectiveness. It usually takes three to six months before hair loss noticeably slows, and up to six to twelve months before you see any regrowth.

Do not stop taking finasteride without speaking to your doctor first. Any hair regained will typically be lost within six to twelve months of stopping the medication. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets, as the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin.

One 1 mg tablet once daily for male-pattern hair loss. Do not exceed this dose for the hair loss indication.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are uncommon and affect only a small number of men:

• Reduced sex drive
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Reduced ejaculate volume
• Breast tenderness

These effects occur in roughly 1 to 2 per cent of men and usually resolve after stopping treatment. A small number of men report that sexual side effects continue even after stopping. Talk to your prescriber if you experience any of these and they are bothering you.

Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant must not handle crushed tablets. Finasteride lowers PSA levels by approximately 50 per cent; inform your doctor before prostate screening.

Not for use in women or children. Contraindicated in known hypersensitivity to finasteride.