Finasteride 1mg Tablets

What Are Finasteride 1mg Tablets?

If you've noticed your hairline creeping back or thinning at the crown, you're far from alone. Male pattern hair loss — medically known as androgenetic alopecia — affects around half of all men by the age of 50, according to the NHS. Finasteride 1mg tablets are a clinically established, prescription-only treatment designed specifically to slow that process and, in many cases, encourage regrowth. Available from Cured Pharmacy following an online consultation, they offer a discreet and convenient route to treatment from a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy. You can also explore our wider hair care range if you're looking for complementary options.

Finasteride at the 1mg dose is licensed in the UK for the treatment of male pattern baldness in adult men only. It is not suitable for women or children. The medicine has been used for this indication for over two decades, and its efficacy is well-documented in clinical literature.

How Do Finasteride 1mg Tablets Work?

The mechanism behind finasteride is quite specific. Male pattern hair loss is driven largely by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT binds to receptors in scalp hair follicles, causing them to miniaturise over time — producing finer, shorter hairs until the follicle eventually stops producing hair altogether.

• Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase type II, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT.
• By blocking this enzyme, finasteride reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 60–70%.
• Lower DHT levels allow hair follicles to recover, slowing further loss and potentially stimulating regrowth in affected areas.
• The effect is dependent on continued use — stopping treatment typically reverses any benefit within 12 months.

Who Should Use Finasteride 1mg Tablets?

Finasteride 1mg is suitable for adult men experiencing mild to moderate male pattern hair loss. It is most effective when started early, before significant follicle miniaturisation has occurred. It is not appropriate for everyone, so a clinical assessment is required before prescribing.

• Adult men aged 18 and over with androgenetic alopecia
• Men in the early to moderate stages of hair loss (Norwood scale I–V)
• Men who have no contraindications to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors
• Men who are committed to long-term, daily treatment

It is not suitable for women, children, or men with certain liver conditions. If you're unsure whether this treatment is right for you, speak to one of our pharmacists before ordering.

How Does Finasteride Compare to Minoxidil for Hair Loss?

How Should You Store Finasteride 1mg Tablets?

Store your finasteride 1mg tablets below 30°C in the original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them out of reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you're also managing other aspects of your health, our men's health range includes a variety of products that may be relevant to you.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Finasteride and What Is It Used For?

Finasteride 1mg is a prescription-only oral medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss in adult men. It belongs to a class of medicines called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. By reducing levels of DHT — the hormone primarily responsible for follicle miniaturisation — it helps to slow the progression of hair loss and, in some men, encourages partial regrowth. It is not a cure, and treatment must be continued long-term to maintain any benefit gained.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Finasteride?

Before starting finasteride, it's important to be aware of the following contraindications and warnings:

• Do not take if you are a woman or a child — this medicine is for adult men only
• Do not take if you have liver disease or liver function abnormalities
• Do not take if you have a known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any excipient in the tablet
• Inform your prescriber if you have a history of prostate cancer or elevated PSA levels — finasteride can lower PSA, which may mask prostate cancer detection
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to the risk of absorption through skin and potential harm to a male foetus
• Tell your prescriber if you have ever experienced depression or mood changes, as these have been reported in association with finasteride use

Known drug interactions to be aware of:

• No clinically significant interactions have been identified at the 1mg dose in published literature
• Caution is advised if you are taking medicines that affect CYP3A4 liver enzymes — discuss with your prescriber
• Always inform your prescriber or pharmacist of all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking

How Should You Use Finasteride?

Using finasteride correctly gives you the best chance of seeing results. Consistency is key — missing doses regularly will reduce the medicine's effectiveness. Follow these steps:

1. Take one 1mg tablet by mouth once daily.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3. You can take it with or without food — whichever suits your routine.
4. Take it at the same time each day to help you remember.
5. If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your next scheduled dose — do not double up.
6. Continue taking finasteride for as long as your prescriber advises. Hair loss typically returns within 12 months of stopping.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Finasteride?

Like all medicines, finasteride can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Sexual side effects are the most commonly reported and are generally reversible on stopping treatment. If you experience any side effect that concerns you, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist promptly. Men who are also managing other health concerns may find our sexual health range a useful resource.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 men):

• Decreased libido (reduced sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
• Reduced ejaculate volume

Less common side effects:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia)
• Testicular pain
• Depression or low mood
• Skin rash or hypersensitivity reactions
• Persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping treatment (post-finasteride syndrome — rare but reported)

Finasteride can also affect PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test results. If you are having a PSA test, inform your doctor that you are taking finasteride, as it can reduce PSA levels by approximately 50%, which may affect interpretation of results.

How Should You Store Finasteride?

• Store below 30°C in the original blister pack or container
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of moisture
• Do not store in a bathroom cabinet where humidity is high
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal

If you're looking for support with other aspects of your wellbeing alongside hair loss treatment, our vitamins and supplements collection includes products that support general health.