Propecia

Propecia (finasteride 1mg) tablets to improve thinning hair and prevent further hair loss in men, and help restore hair growth. Available to buy online from Dr Fox Pharmacy.

  • Long term daily tablet
  • Low cost generic version available
  • Clinically proven
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Buy Propecia online in UK

How to order Propecia online for UK delivery:

  1. Read medical information about hair loss treatment
  2. Answer medical questions to check for eligibility
  3. Reviewed by doctors - posted from UK pharmacy (Royal Mail Tracked 24 service)

Finasteride 1mg (generic Propecia)

Since 2014 lower cost generic Propecia, finasteride 1mg, has been licensed for sale in the UK. Generic finasteride 1mg tablets and the original branded Propecia tablets are medically the same and are both available from Dr Fox.

Prices

Medication Quantity Cost
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 28 tablets £12.20
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 56 tablets £21.50
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 84 tablets £31.20
Finasteride 1mg (generic) 168 tablets £54.00
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 28 tablets £42.40
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 56 tablets £81.70
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 84 tablets £108.40
Propecia 1mg (Merck) 168 tablets £214.00

Price match guarantee
Prescription issued online - small prescription fee per order.

Compare prices: Dr Fox prices are 25%-50% lower cost than other online clinics.

Prescription fees

Dr Fox supplies medicine on prescription and charges a small prescription fee based on the order value of each prescription.

Prescriptions are issued by our doctors online and sent electronically to our pharmacy.

Order value Prescription fee
up to £10 £1.00
up to £20 £2.00
up to £40 £3.00
over £40 £4.00

If you have your own private paper prescription please post to our pharmacy (details).

Dr Fox prices are 25%–50% lower than other UK online clinics.

Prices of Propecia and finasteride 1mg tablets from UK online clinics (07 March 2024) - qualifying notes
*Dr Fox adds a small prescription fee not included in table above.
  1. The prices shown are listed by the online clinics named after a customer first enters consultation information and is offered prescriptions. It is possible these clinics may have special offers or lower prices for repeat supplies.
  2. Prices may change and are, to the best of our knowledge, accurate on the date stated. All products in stock and new condition.
  3. Dr Fox does NOT claim to provide a superior service to any of the online clinics listed. All the clinics listed, as far as we can tell, comply with all regulation and, as far as we can tell, operate to high ethical standards.
  4. Dr Fox adds a small prescription fee not included in the table (between £1 and £4 depending on value of the order).
  5. To amend the information in this table please contact us
  6. The prices listed in the table do not identify the cost of prescription medicine as online clinics charge a single fee to cover services which includes advice, consultations, prescriptions and dispensing and supply of treatments.
  7. Where services include free delivery this is using the slowest delivery option available. Dr Fox uses Royal Mail Tracked 24.
Pharmacy 28 tablets 56 tablets 84 tablets 168 tablets
Dr Fox* £12.20 £21.50 £31.20 £54.00
Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor £34.00 £65.00 £95.00 £163.00
Pharmacy2U £28.00 £55.00 £80.00 n/a
Oxford Online Pharmacy £13.94 £23.44 £32.98 £54.98
Menschem £13.99 n/a £32.99 £54.99
Superdrug £27.00 £54.00 £79.00 £137.00
Simple Online Pharmacy £13.95 £23.45 £34.55 £55.95
Chemist Click £13.89 £27.75 £33.99 £58.79
Branded Propecia 28 tablets 56 tablets 84 tablets 168 tablets
Dr Fox* £42.40 £81.70 £108.40 £214.00
Med Express £49.99 £89.99 £134.99 £239.99
Lloyds Pharmacy £55.00 £95.00 £135.00 £210.00
ASDA Pharmacy £47.00 £86.00 £110.00 £200.00
Pharmica £49.99 £89.99 £134.99 £239.99

Delivery charges

UK delivery only: £2.90 per consultation via Royal Mail Tracked 24 Signed For (1-2 working days with tracking).

Parcel forwarding services are not permitted. Use only UK home or work delivery address.

Returns and refunds - unwanted items can be returned within 14 working days for a full refund.

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About Propecia

Effectiveness

Improved growth usually starts after about three months and is usually noticeable by 4-6 months. Maximum benefit is seen at 1-2 years. At the end of 5 years 90% of men taking Propecia/finasteride 1mg tablets have more or the same amount of hair than they started with. This compares with 25% of men not taking Propecia/finasteride 1mg.

How Propecia/finasteride 1mg works

Propecia/finasteride is a 5AR inhibitor that blocks the enzyme which converts testosterone to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT in the scalp contributes to male pattern hair loss so reducing the amount of this hormone encourages hair regrowth. Improvement is normally seen within 3 months. Improvement usually continues for 2 years and in most cases there is a noticeable difference in hair thickness after 5 years of Propecia/finasteride 1mg use.

Further information on how finasteride works.

Who benefits

Men at any stage of male pattern hair loss are likely to benefit.

Propecia/finasteride 1mg is most effective for hair loss over the top of the scalp (vertex).

Propecia/finasteride 1mg has NOT been proven to:

  • Reverse receding frontal hairline.
  • Reverse hair loss which is ONLY in the temple regions (the area at sides of the forehead).
  • Restore hair to entirely bald areas.

Clinical studies were conducted on men aged 18-41 years with mild to moderate hair loss, but not complete hair loss.

The best results of Propecia/finasteride 1mg treatment are seen after two years, at which time hair growth is likely to be at its thickest.

When not to take Propecia

You should not take Propecia if:

  • Under 18 or assigned female at birth.
  • Already taking another 5AR medication such as dutasteride or finasteride 5mg for another condition, e.g. prostate cancer or enlarged prostate gland.
  • You have a known allergy to finasteride.

You may be able to take Propecia for hair loss but Dr Fox does not supply if you have:

  • Previously suffered with sexual problems when taking finasteride or a similar 5AR medication such as dutasteride.
  • Prostate cancer or have had it in the past.
  • Male breast enlargement (gynaecomastia) or have had it in the past.
  • A history of liver disease as the metabolism of finasteride is likely to be affected.

Cautions

  • If hair loss has been rapid and recent (less than a year), or where there are symptoms of serious illness - such as unexplained weight loss, fevers, persistent diarrhoea, or excessive fatigue, or there is also loss of eyebrows or eyelashes - your GP should be consulted.
  • If hair loss is patchy or irregular, or hair comes out in clumps, or there is scalp inflammation, papules, or pustules, you should consult your GP or a dermatologist.
  • Blood tests carried out to detect prostate cancer (PSA) can give misleading results when Propecia/finasteride 1mg is being taken. Tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia/finasteride, if you are having a PSA test.
  • If you are also having difficulty passing urine either starting the flow or with very slow flow, please consult your GP as this may be caused by your prostate gland.
  • If treatment is stopped, the beneficial effects begin to reverse by 6 months and return to baseline by 9-12 months.
  • Pregnant women should not come into contact with Propecia/finasteride 1mg tablets. It may affect the baby's sex organ development. For this reason tablets are film-coated and all women are advised not to handle crushed or broken tablets.

Side effects

Propecia/finasteride side effects are usually mild.

Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction are possible.

There are some case reports of diminished libido or erectile dysfunction persisting after stopping Propecia/finasteride. However sexual problems usually settle once finasteride has washed out of the system. In 2017 the NHS reviewed a new study and concluded that If sexual problems do occur, the drug can be stopped and the problem will resolve in nearly all cases. Extremely rarely, patients report symptoms linked to Post Finasteride Syndrome. An editorial in the British Medical Journal in 2019 supported this position, but suggested a need for further research.

Important: if you develop any lumps or experience pain in your breast area, or discharge from your nipples, please consult your GP. There have been rare reports of breast cancer in men who have taken finasteride.

Some men have reported episodes of depressive illness in association with the use of Propecia/finasteride 1mg for male pattern hair loss. There are also some reports of men developing suicidal thoughts. If low mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts develop, stop treatment and consult your GP straight away.

See the Propecia patient leaflet for full list of side effects. Side effects can be reported directly via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme website or their app which can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple's App Store.

Alternative treatments

Regaine/minoxidil topical is the only other proven effective hair loss treatment. Regaine is applied to the scalp twice daily. Men can use Regaine/minoxidil and Propecia/finasteride 1mg tablets at the same time.

Dutasteride 0.5mg (brand name Avodart) is another 5AR inhibitor which works in the same way as finasteride to prevent male pattern baldness. In theory dutasteride is more potent than finasteride, and is therefore a more effective treatment. However dutasteride does not have a licence to be used to prevent hair loss and so it's prescription is off label. Dr Fox only supplies Propecia/finasteride, which have a licence for the treatment of men with male pattern hair loss.

Patient Information Leaflet

Illustration of patient leaflet from medicine packet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Propecia 1mg Patient Leaflet

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Propecia FAQs

How does Propecia work?

The natural hormone, DHT, speeds up the rate of hair loss. Propecia/finasteride blocks the production of DHT. By reducing the amount of DHT, Propecia/finasteride reduces the rate at which hair thins and stops growing. Propecia promotes new thicker hairs to grow.

Will Propecia work for me?

Propecia will only treat male pattern hair loss, where hair is receding at the front and temple region (either side of the brow) and thinning over the top of the head. Other types of hair loss, such as overall thinning over the whole scalp or patchy hair loss, will not respond to Propecia. Not all male pattern hair loss will respond to treatment. See also question about effectiveness below.

Will Propecia restore hair to an area of complete baldness?

If hair has already been completely lost in an area, Propecia will not make hair grow again in that area, as in baldness, the hair follicles have completely stopped growing hair. Propecia can prevent further hair loss.

How effective is Propecia?

In studies, most men with male pattern hair loss taking Propecia see an increase in hair growth in the first 2 years and after 5 years have more hair than when they started. This compares with gradual continuous hair loss in untreated men.

Why is Propecia expensive?

Propecia is the brand name for tablets containing the active ingredient finasteride. Prices for branded medication from the original marketing company are often high, as with Propecia, but there are lower cost finasteride 1mg tablets available from other pharmaceutical companies containing exactly the same active ingredient, finasteride 1mg (also available from Dr Fox).

Do Propecia tablets work if they are cut in half?

Propecia tablets should be swallowed whole. Each tablet contains 1mg of finasteride which is the daily amount required for the treatment of hair loss.

How long does it take for Propecia to work?

Improvement should be seen after three months, although optimal results are usually seen after 2 years.

Can men over 45 years old benefit from Propecia?

There may be a benefit for men over 45. The medicine licence for Propecia relies on studies carried out on men from 18-41 years only.

Can Propecia cause impotence and fertility problems?

There is a lot of controversy surrounding this question, particularly in online forums. The pharmaceutical company Merck gives the following advice in its patient information leaflet supplied with Propecia tablets:

Effects on fertility - Infertility has been reported in men who took finasteride for a long time and had other risk factors that may affect fertility. Normalisation or improvement of seminal quality has been reported after discontinuation of finasteride. Long-term clinical studies about the effects of finasteride on fertility in men have not been conducted.

Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people

  • you may be unable to have an erection (impotence)
  • you may have less desire to have sex
  • you may have problems with ejaculation, for example a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. This decrease in the amount of semen does not appear to affect normal sexual function.

These side effects above may disappear after a while if you continue taking Propecia. If these symptoms persist, they usually resolve after stopping Propecia.

Frequency unknown

  • persistent difficulty having an erection after discontinuation of treatment
  • persistent decrease in sex drive after discontinuation of treatment
  • persistent problems with ejaculation after discontinuation of treatment
  • male infertility and/or poor quality of semen

March 2017: The NHS reviewed a new study and concluded that if sexual problems do occur, the drug can be stopped and the problem will resolve in nearly all cases.

See also the mystery of post-finasteride syndrome.

Will the effects of Propecia wear off after stopping treatment?

Yes, the gains made from taking Propecia are likely to be lost in the 9-12 months after stopping treatment.

What is generic Propecia?

Propecia is the original brand name for tablets which contain the active ingredient finasteride 1mg. Other pharmacy companies produce 1mg finasteride tablets, usually at lower cost, and these are known as generic Propecia (also available from Dr Fox). See generic medicines FAQs page.

What type of hair loss benefits from Propecia?

Propecia treats male pattern hair loss, where hair thins at the front and sides and over the top of the head. Generalised thinning of the hair, not in the typical pattern, will not respond to Propecia. Propecia will not restore hair to areas of complete baldness.

How long do I need to take Propecia?

Propecia is a long-term daily tablet. Benefits are usually seen after about 2 months and continue for up to 5 years, and probably longer. Benefits are lost 9-12 months after stopping treatment.

Can Propecia be used with other hair loss treatments?

The only other proven treatment is topical minoxidil, available from Dr Fox as Regaine, or as Sons minoxidil. and this can be used at the same time as Propecia with additional benefit.

Does Propecia cause prostate cancer?

No. A Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial which ran for 10 years between 1993 and 2003 showed that 25% fewer men developed prostate cancer if taking Propecia/finasteride. However, that study also seemed to show that the prostate cancers which were found were more aggressive. However more recent re analysis of the results and other more recent studies have been done. These confirm that there are 25%-30% fewer men developing prostate cancer if taking finasteride. The mortality (death rate) from prostate cancer in men taking and not taking finasteride is about the same. It now appears that the original finding of more aggressive cancers was likely due to better cancer detection during the trial.

Dr Tony Steele

Authored 13 July 2016 by Dr Tony Steele

MB ChB Sheffield University 1983. Former hospital doctor and GP. GMC no. 2825328

Reviewed by Dr A. Wood, Dr B. Babor
Last reviewed 07 March 2024
Last updated 18 March 2024
Editorial policy

References

Recent Propecia reviews

Propecia rated 4.67/5 in 39 product reviews

See over 40,000 service reviews of Dr Fox

Propecia 1mg (Merck)

Great Product

10 January 2023
Anonymous Verified

Propecia 1mg (Merck)

the only thing that worked for my small balding area in back of head.

27 July 2022
S. Tribbie Verified

Propecia 1mg (Merck)

Very efficient in the prevention of hair loss.

26 August 2021
Anonymous Verified

Propecia 1mg (Merck)

Using propecia for 10 years. This is a good alternative to the operation

08 July 2021
Anonymous Verified

Propecia 1mg (Merck)

Great service

10 May 2021
Anonymous Verified

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