Finasteride
Also known as: Proscar, Propecia
What it's for
Finasteride treats enlarged prostate (BPH) and male pattern baldness. It blocks a hormone (DHT) that causes prostate growth and hair loss. It takes several months to work.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- For prostate: 5mg once daily.
- For hair loss: 1mg once daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Reduced sex drive
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- Reduced amount of semen
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (rare)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets
- Sexual side effects may continue after stopping in some men
- Can affect PSA blood test results - tell your doctor you take it
- It takes 6 months or more to see the full effect
Get medical help urgently if…
- You notice breast lumps or nipple discharge
- You have depression or mood changes
- You have signs of an allergic reaction
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.