What is Propecia?

Propecia is a prescription-only hair loss treatment for men, containing 1mg of finasteride. It should be taken once daily and is typically effective within six months. 

Used daily, Propecia can slow hair loss and promote regrowth, particularly around the crown and mid-scalp. It’s one of the most effective clinically proven treatments for male pattern baldness, and it’s available as both a branded and generic medication.

In this article, we’ll explain how it works, how it compares to finasteride and whether it’s available to buy over the counter.

What does Propecia do? 

As mentioned above, Propecia contains finasteride, which is specifically designed for men with male pattern baldness. This typically shows up as a receding hairline or thinning crown. It’s not effective for sudden or patchy hair loss caused by other conditions.

Results don’t happen overnight. Most men will see early signs of improvement after three to six months. During this time, hair density may increase, shedding may reduce and regrowth is often noticeable in areas like the crown and mid-scalp.

Propecia is a long-term medication and it’s important to take it daily. If you stop taking it, your hair loss symptoms are likely to return within nine to 12 months. It’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re thinking about stopping so they can advise on the best option for you. 

You may also experience some side effects when taking Propecia, though they are typically mild. These include:

• a rash
• reduced sex drive
• erection problems
• low mood
• tenderness around the nipples.

Is Propecia better than finasteride? 

Medically, Propecia and finasteride are the same. Both contain 1mg of finasteride, the active ingredient that reduces DHT and treats male pattern baldness.

The only difference is that Propecia is the branded version, while finasteride is the generic name now used by other manufacturers. Once the Propecia patent expired, generic finasteride became widely available at a lower cost.

So the best option for you mainly comes down to personal preference and budget. Some people prefer branded medications because they’ve used them before or trust the name. Others are happy with the more affordable generic version, knowing it contains the same active ingredient and is just as effective.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) requires all generic medications to meet strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness, so you can feel confident in either option.

Can you buy Propecia over the counter? 

No, Propecia is not available over the counter in the UK. It’s a prescription-only medication, which means you’ll need approval from a licensed prescriber before you can buy it. You will also need a private prescription as it isn’t available on the NHS.

However, there are over-the-counter hair loss treatments available such as Regaine, a solution formulated with minoxidil, which can stop or even reverse hair loss.

If you do want to be prescribed Propecia or finasteride, this can be done easily and discreetly through trusted online services like Curely. Simply complete a short medical questionnaire online, which is reviewed by a qualified clinician. If Propecia is suitable for you, a prescription will be issued, and the medication will be delivered straight to your door in discreet packaging.

Sources:

https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-male-pattern-androgenetic-alopecia/

https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/hair-loss/propecia

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/common-questions-about-finasteride/

https://www.chemistclick.co.uk/news/finasteride-alternatives

https://www.medsforless.co.uk/finasteride-timeline-and-after/

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/medicines-and-healthcare-products-regulatory-agency/about

https://www.oxfordonlinepharmacy.co.uk/blog/propecia-vs-finasteride-what-s-the-difference

https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/finasteride.html

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/about-finasteride/