The Protection Plan

Finasteride inhibits the type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that drives follicular miniaturisation in male pattern hair loss. At a 1mg daily dose, scalp and serum DHT fall by around 60–70%, reducing the androgenic pressure on genetically susceptible follicles.

Clinical response is not expected before 3 months and typically becomes more apparent between 6–12 months. Early on you may experience temporary increased shedding as the hair cycle resets. Your pharmacist will review at 6 and 12 months to assess response and tolerability.

Finasteride only works while you take it. If you stop, DHT returns to baseline within about 2 weeks, and any benefit to hair density will gradually be lost over the following 6–12 months. This mirrors all medical treatments for androgenetic alopecia.

The primary licensed benefit is slowing or stopping further loss. Some men also see partial regrowth (especially at the crown) as miniaturised follicles re-enter the growth phase. Regrowth is variable — your pharmacist will discuss realistic expectations as part of your consultation.

Yes. 1mg once daily is the MHRA-licensed dose for male pattern hair loss. Higher doses (e.g. 5mg, used for benign prostatic hyperplasia) do not improve hair outcomes and increase the risk of side effects.

Finasteride has few clinically significant drug interactions. Always disclose all current medications — including over-the-counter, herbal, and hormone-related treatments — during your consultation so your pharmacist can review suitability.

Most men report no side effects. Approximately 1–2% of men report decreased libido or erectile changes, and a smaller number report reduced ejaculate volume. Where these occur they are typically mild and usually resolve on stopping treatment. Persistent sexual side effects after discontinuation have been reported rarely in post-marketing data — causality is still under investigation.

The MHRA has issued a Drug Safety Update noting rare reports of depression and suicidal thoughts with finasteride. If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation, your pharmacist will assess suitability carefully. Stop treatment and contact a clinician urgently if you experience new or worsening mood symptoms.

Finasteride can affect sperm parameters in a small number of men. If you are actively trying to conceive, we recommend pausing treatment for at least 3 months before conception. The medicine itself clears the body within about 2 weeks, but sperm production takes roughly 3 months to replenish.

Pregnant women (and those who may become pregnant) must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets — the drug can be absorbed through skin and may affect male fetal development. Whole tablets with intact film coating are safe to handle.

Yes. Finasteride roughly halves PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. If you undergo PSA testing for prostate screening, tell the clinician that you take finasteride so they can interpret the result appropriately.

NHS Blood and Transplant asks that you wait at least 1 month after your last dose before donating blood. This is a precaution to avoid the drug reaching pregnant recipients through transfusion.

Your tablets arrive in discreet, unbranded packaging with no indication of the contents. We use DPD tracked delivery, and the sender name is generic for your privacy.

We ship 30-day supplies. You can set up a monthly subscription for automatic refills, or order on-demand. You can pause, skip, or cancel any time through your account.

DPD sends you a delivery window and tracking updates, and you can rearrange the delivery if you won't be in. Your parcel isn't left unattended or with a neighbour unless you've arranged this with us.

Any time. Pause, skip, or cancel from your Caremacy account with no notice period or fees.

A qualified prescriber reviews your consultation and clinically verifies every prescription before dispensing. Treatment is declined where finasteride is not clinically appropriate.

Yes. You can message the pharmacist team securely through your Caremacy dashboard. For anything severe, stop treatment and contact us or a medical professional immediately.

Only with your explicit consent. We encourage patients to inform their GP about prescription medicines — but this is your choice. Consultation details remain confidential within Caremacy under UK GDPR.

Quarterly photo review. Upload photos of your hairline and crown from your Caremacy dashboard, and the pharmacist team assesses change against your baseline and recommends any adjustments. Included in the plan.