Get finasteride (generic Propecia) prescribed online easily with Walgreens Virtual Healthcare.
Start Your Online Visit
Understanding Finasteride
- What is finasteride?
Finasteride 1mg, generic for Propecia®, is an oral prescription medication used to treat male pattern hair loss at the crown and middle of the scalp. It is taken daily and should only be used by adult men. Finasteride is also available as a 5mg tablet that is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). These two tablet strengths cannot be used in place of each other and should not be taken at the same time.
- How does finasteride work?
Finasteride promotes hair re-growth in men experiencing male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness happens when the scalp contains an increased amount of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) compared to non-balding men. DHT is a male sex hormone that can weaken hair follicles and cause male pattern baldness. Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of DHT, which can lead to slower hair loss and increased hair regrowth.
- Possible Side effects
Like all medications, finasteride can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Some of the common side effects of finasteride for hair loss include decreased libido (desire to have sex), erectile dysfunction (inability to get or keep an erection) and ejaculatory disorder (decreased volume of semen). These side effects may go away with continued treatment, or they may continue after stopping finasteride. Notify your doctor right away if you notice any serious side effects, such as changes to breast tissue (e.g. pain, tenderness, enlargement or lumps), nipple discharge or decreased urine. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, tingling or swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing or severe dizziness. Speak with your healthcare provider about potential side effects of your medications, as well as any side affects you may currently be experiencing.
- How to get finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription medication, so you cannot buy it over-the-counter. To get Finasteride, you need a prescription from a licensed medical provider, either by visiting a doctor in-person or using an online service.
- How to use Walgreen’s Virtual Healthcare to Get Finasteride
With Walgreens Virtual Healthcare, you can connect with a licensed medical provider from home by completing a quick online questionnaire. If finasteride is prescribed, we can offer same day delivery so you can get started right away.
- Are there additional lifestyle changes that can complement hair loss treatment?
Male pattern baldness is genetic, so it cannot be prevented. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle can contribute to better overall health which may have an impact on the health of your hair. If you are concerned about hair loss or have any questions, it is recommended to speak to a healthcare provider.
Related articles
- What can I do about my bald hair spot? Learn more
- What causes balding in the back of the head? Learn more
- What are the first signs of hair thinning? Learn more
- What is diffuse thinning? Learn more
Stay on track with Rx alerts & expert care
- Pharmacy Chat Get your health questions answered 24/7
- Pill Reminder Get help taking medications at the right time
- Virtual Healthcare See an online doctor from the comfort of home
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes male hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is a form of hair loss that tends to get worse over time. The areas that are most commonly affected by male hair loss are the crown and middle of the scalp. Hormonal, genetic, and other factors contribute to the development of male pattern hair loss.
- Finasteride vs. minoxidil?
Topical minoxidil, generic for Rogaine®, is an over-the-counter medication used to treat hair loss in both men and women, but it works differently than finasteride. The exact mechanism through which minoxidil helps with hair loss is not completely understood, but it may alter the duration of the hair growth phases, ultimately increasing hair growth. Minoxidil is also available as a prescription oral tablet, which is used to treat high blood pressure. When comparing topical minoxidil to oral finasteride for hair loss, many factors must be considered, and your healthcare provider can help you determine which medication may be the most beneficial for you.
- Is finasteride safe?
Finasteride is FDA approved to be safe and effective when taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Speak with your healthcare provider regarding the safety of this medication.
- Do I need a prescription to get finasteride?
Yes, a prescription is required to get finasteride. You cannot get finasteride over the counter.
- What is the success rate of people using finasteride?
There are many factors that determine the success of hair loss treatment, including taking medications exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. The results of finasteride may vary. It may take three to six months to start seeing the benefits of finasteride, and 12 months or longer to experience the full effects. Finasteride must be continued to maintain benefit. Once finasteride is stopped, any gain in hair quantity is generally lost within 12 months.
- How do I maximize my finasteride results? Are there supplemental practices?
There are other medications and treatment options for male pattern hair loss that may be used with finasteride to maximize results. For example, in some cases, healthcare providers might recommend using minoxidil and finasteride together. However, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider to determine which treatment plan is right for you. Your provider can give you personalized advice and an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs and condition.
References
1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/020788s020s021s023lbl.pdf
3. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/finasteride-patient-drug-information
4. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/male-pattern-hair-loss-androgenetic-alopecia-in-males-management
5. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/minoxidil-topical-drug-information
6. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/finasteride-drug-information
