Finasteride Tablets

Product details

Finasteride is a prescription medication for hair loss, and is used to treat male pattern baldness. Finasteride is effective for 9 out of 10 men, and works by stopping hair loss and stimulating new hair growth. You can start to see results in as little as 3 months.

A €23 consultation includes an online medical review, prescription if appropriate, and secure messaging with our doctors for advice. You can use your Superdrug Online Doctor prescription to get your hair loss treatment at any pharmacy in Ireland. Medication is not included and must be paid for 

Prescription or collection

Prescription valid for collection to purchase at any pharmacy in Ireland within 2 hours of approval.

About Finasteride

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription-only treatment that comes as a tablet. It is used to treat hair loss in men, but can also be used to treat an enlarged prostate at higher dosages.

How does finasteride work?

Finasteride reduces the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. In male pattern balding, the hair follicles shrink. In these smaller hair follicles, DHT is found at high levels. However, when DHT is suppressed, it boosts hair growth and reduces hair loss on the head. It does not affect hair growth in other parts of the body.

When taking finasteride, a 1mg dose per day is prescribed for hair loss treatment. This treatment is often prescribed long term, so you may choose to keep taking it for several months or years, as when you stop, the hair loss will likely start again.

How long does it take for finasteride to work?

When taken as a tablet, finasteride is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and will start blocking DHT production right away. It can take months to see a change in hair loss because it can take a long while for new hair to appear. If you start taking finasteride you will likely start noticing visible results in about 3 to 4 months.

In studies, about 40% of men were happy with the changes in their hair after one year. Hair thickness, amount of regrowth, and an improved hairline should be more obvious at this point. After 2 years, the percentage of men happy increased to 50% and at 5 years, was 60%. In some cases, there may be no signs of improvement, but not worsening of hair loss. If you do not see any change after a year, you should talk to your doctor. They may be able to advise an alternative, and also check for any other causes of hair loss.