Hair loss treatment
Finasteride 1mg tablets
Finasteride is a once-daily tablet for male pattern baldness. It lowers DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles, helping to slow shedding and support regrowth.
- One 1mg tablet daily, with or without food
- 9 in 10 men keep or regrow hair over 5 years*
- The generic form of Propecia
Available doses
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*Long-term clinical study data in men with male pattern hair loss; individual results vary. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine in Canada and is not for use by women or anyone under 18.
About finasteride
What is finasteride and how does it work?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for miniaturising hair follicles in male pattern baldness. With less DHT reaching the scalp, follicles can recover their normal size.
Same medicine as Propecia
Propecia's patent expired in 2014, so generic finasteride 1mg contains an identical active ingredient at a fraction of the cost.
How long until results?
Shedding usually slows first. Visible regrowth typically takes three to six months, and improvement can continue for up to two years.
It needs to be continued
Finasteride works only while you take it. If treatment stops, the balding process usually resumes within six to twelve months.
At a glance
Finasteride summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A prescription treatment for male pattern hair loss |
| Active ingredient | Finasteride |
| Format | Film-coated tablet taken once daily |
| Mechanism | Blocks 5-alpha reductase, lowering DHT levels |
| Time to results | Two to three months for early signs, three to six months for visible regrowth |
| Effectiveness | Around 90% of men keep or regain hair after 5 years of continuous use |
| Common side effects | Reduced libido, erectile difficulties, nasal congestion, drowsiness — all uncommon |
| Who it is for | Men aged 18 and over; not for women or children |
What the evidence shows
Finasteride is one of the most studied hair loss treatments available, with long-term trial data comparing it against placebo.
90%
of men had regrowth or no further loss at 5 years
25%
of placebo users had regrowth or no further loss
<2%
reported sexual side effects in trials
Figures are from published clinical studies of finasteride 1mg in men with male pattern hair loss. Individual results vary.
How to get finasteride
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How to take and dosage
Finasteride dosage
The dose for male pattern hair loss is one 1mg tablet daily. It should be taken consistently rather than only when you notice shedding.
| Detail | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Dose | One 1mg tablet once a day |
| With food? | With or without food, at whatever time you will remember |
| Splitting tablets | Do not split or crush tablets; 5mg tablets should not be quartered to make a 1mg dose |
| Missed dose | Skip it and take the next tablet at the usual time. Do not double up |
| Duration | Continuous use is needed; benefits reverse within 6 to 12 months of stopping |
| Review | Assess progress with your clinician at around 6 and 12 months |
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, as the medicine can harm a developing male fetus.
Side effects
Finasteride is well tolerated and adverse effects are uncommon, but it is important to know what to look for.
Uncommon side effects
- Reduced sex drive, reported by roughly 1 to 2% of men
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection
- Reduced volume of ejaculate
- Blocked or runny nose, sneezing, drowsiness
Rare but important
- Breast tenderness, enlargement or a lump — report any breast changes promptly
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Testicular pain
- Allergic reactions including rash, swelling or difficulty breathing
If side effects occur
Most sexual side effects resolve after stopping treatment, and many settle with continued use. Speak to your prescriber before stopping so alternatives such as topical minoxidil can be discussed.
Reporting side effects
Side effects can be reported to Health Canada through the Canada Vigilance Program. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.
Eligibility
Finasteride treats androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss in men. It does not treat hair loss caused by illness, medication, stress or scarring conditions.
Finasteride may suit you if
- You are a man aged 18 or over with male pattern hair loss at the crown or hairline
- Your hair loss is gradual rather than sudden or patchy
- You can commit to taking a tablet every day, long term
- You are willing to have your progress reviewed by a clinician
Do not take finasteride if you
- Are a woman — finasteride acts on testosterone and is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant
- Are under 18
- Are allergic to finasteride or any of the tablet ingredients
- Have significant liver disease
- Are undergoing prostate cancer screening — finasteride lowers PSA results, so tell your doctor
- Are receiving hormone therapy, including gender-affirming treatment, without clinical advice
Important safety information
PSA testing
Finasteride roughly halves PSA levels. If you are being screened for prostate problems, tell the clinician arranging the test that you take finasteride so results can be interpreted correctly.
Fertility and pregnancy
Tell your prescriber if you or your partner are trying to conceive or if you have known fertility concerns. Pregnant women must not handle broken tablets.
Interactions
Finasteride has few clinically significant drug interactions and can be taken with alcohol in moderation. Always list all your medicines in your assessment.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original packaging, out of sight and reach of children. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Alternatives and combinations
Finasteride is not the only option, and it is often used alongside other treatments.
Minoxidil
A topical solution or foam applied twice daily that increases blood flow to the follicle. It works differently to finasteride and the two are commonly used together for a better result.
Combination therapy
Using oral finasteride with topical minoxidil addresses both the hormonal driver and follicle stimulation, and is frequently recommended for men with moderate loss.
Other prescription options
Dutasteride is a related 5-alpha reductase inhibitor sometimes used where finasteride is insufficient. Oral minoxidil is another clinician-led option.
Lifestyle and general health
Smoking, poor sleep, iron or vitamin D deficiency, rapid weight change and high stress can all worsen shedding. Addressing these supports any medical treatment.
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Our clinical team of doctors, pharmacists, dietitians and health coaches supports you at every stage. Join over 1,000,000 Canadian patients who trust Miva with their health.
Abdal Alvi
Chief Clinical Officer
MPharm, IP, MRPharmS
Laura Perez
Clinical Nutrition Lead
BSc (Hons), MSc, MSc
Aamina Rafiq
Superintendent Pharmacist
MPharm
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MSc, RD
Finasteride frequently asked questions
Related treatments
Medically reviewed by
Aamina Rafiq
Superintendent Pharmacist
This page has been reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is clear, accurate and up to date. Last updated: 10 February 2026.
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