Propecia 1mg Tablets

What Is Finasteride 1mg and How Does It Treat Hair Loss?

Losing your hair can feel unsettling — and for many men, it happens gradually enough that it's easy to dismiss at first. Male pattern baldness, known medically as androgenetic alopecia, affects around half of all men by the age of 50 in the UK. Finasteride 1mg, sold under the brand name Propecia, is a clinically established prescription-only treatment that works to slow hair loss and, in many cases, encourage regrowth. Available from Cured Pharmacy for £49.99, it's one of the most widely used oral treatments for this condition. If you're exploring your options, you might also want to browse our hair care collection for complementary products.

Propecia 1mg tablets contain finasteride as the active ingredient. Each tablet is film-coated and taken once daily by mouth. It is only licensed for use in adult men — it is not suitable for women or children under any circumstances.

How Does Propecia 1mg Work to Slow Hair Loss?

The mechanism behind finasteride is well understood. 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 thinner, shorter hairs until the follicle eventually stops producing hair altogether.

• Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (specifically type II), which converts testosterone into DHT.
• By blocking this conversion, finasteride reduces DHT levels in the scalp by approximately 60–70%.
• Lower DHT levels allow hair follicles to recover and resume a more normal growth cycle.
• The result, over months of consistent use, is a slowing of hair loss and potential regrowth in affected areas.

It's worth noting that finasteride does not work overnight. Clinical studies have shown that meaningful results typically require at least 12 months of continuous daily use.

Who Is Propecia 1mg Suitable For?

Propecia is licensed specifically for adult men experiencing male pattern hair loss. It is most effective for men with mild to moderate hair thinning, particularly at the crown and mid-scalp. It is not effective for hair loss caused by other conditions such as alopecia areata, nutritional deficiencies, or medication side effects.

• Adult men aged 18 and over with androgenetic alopecia
• Men with hair thinning at the crown or frontal scalp
• Men who have not responded adequately to topical treatments alone
• Men who are able to commit to long-term daily use

It is not suitable for women, children, or men with certain liver conditions. Always complete an honest medical consultation before starting treatment.

How Does Propecia Compare to Minoxidil for Hair Loss?

Is Propecia 1mg Safe to Store at Home?

Yes, provided you follow the storage instructions carefully. Propecia 1mg tablets should be stored below 30°C in their original blister packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them out of reach of children at all times. Crucially, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets — finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may cause harm to a developing male foetus. This is a key safety consideration for any household where the medication is kept. For men managing other aspects of their health alongside hair loss, our men's health collection covers a wide range of relevant products.

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 Propecia 1mg and What Is It Used For?

Propecia 1mg tablets contain finasteride, a type of medicine called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It is used to treat male pattern hair loss — also called androgenetic alopecia — in adult men. This is the most common form of hair loss in men, typically presenting as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. Propecia works by addressing one of the root hormonal causes of this condition rather than simply masking the symptoms. It is a prescription-only medicine and must not be used by women or children.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Propecia 1mg?

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

• Do not take Propecia if you are a woman or a child — it is licensed for adult men only.
• Do not use if you have liver disease or liver function abnormalities.
• Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of the tablet's excipients.
• Tell your prescriber if you have ever had prostate cancer or are being monitored for it — finasteride can lower PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels, which may affect cancer screening results.
• Inform your doctor if you experience any breast changes such as lumps, pain, or nipple discharge, as these require prompt investigation.
• Some men have reported mood changes, including depression, while taking finasteride. Seek medical advice if you notice changes in your mental health.
• Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant must not handle broken or crushed tablets due to the risk of absorption through the skin.

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 taking other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g. dutasteride) simultaneously.
• Always inform your prescriber of all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking.

How Should You Use Propecia 1mg Tablets?

Always use Propecia exactly as your prescriber has told you. The following steps outline standard usage:

1. Take one 1mg tablet by mouth once daily.
2. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
3. You may take it with or without food — it makes no difference to absorption.
4. Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body.
5. Do not crush or split the tablet — and ensure women do not handle broken tablets.
6. Continue taking it every day, even if you do not notice immediate results. Hair loss treatment requires patience.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Propecia 1mg?

Like all medicines, Propecia can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. It's important to be aware of what to look out for so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. If you're also managing other health concerns, our vitamins and supplements collection may support your overall wellbeing alongside treatment.

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
• Ejaculation disorder

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 men):

• Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia)
• Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, itching, or swelling of the lips and face
• Testicular pain
• Depression or low mood
• Raised liver enzyme levels (detected via blood tests)
• Persistent sexual side effects after stopping treatment (reported rarely)

Most sexual side effects resolve when treatment is stopped. However, a small number of men have reported that these effects persisted after discontinuation. Discuss any concerns with your prescriber before starting or stopping treatment.

How Should You Store Propecia 1mg Tablets?

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep in the original blister packaging to protect from moisture.
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused tablets to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle broken or crushed tablets. If accidental skin contact occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water.

For men exploring other aspects of their health, you may also find our condoms and sexual health collection useful, particularly if you have questions about sexual side effects during treatment.