Health Guides
Finasteride Price: Generic Finasteride 1 mg for Hair Loss Explained
What affects the finasteride price, why generic finasteride 1 mg costs less than the brand, how long it takes to work and which side effects to know about.
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If you are thinking about treatment for male pattern hair loss, the finasteride price is worth understanding, because finasteride only keeps working for as long as you keep taking it. Generic finasteride 1 mg, the generic for Propecia, contains the same active ingredient as the brand and usually costs far less. That makes long-term use much easier to plan.
This guide explains how finasteride works, how to take it, what to expect and when, the side effects to know about, and what changes the price. It also explains why the 1 mg and 5 mg tablets are not the same thing.
Key takeaways
- Finasteride 1 mg once a day is used for male pattern hair loss in men. The 5 mg tablet is a different product used for an enlarged prostate.
- It usually takes 3 to 6 months of daily use before you notice a change, and the benefit fades if you stop.
- Possible side effects include lower sex drive, erection or ejaculation problems, and mood changes. Tell your doctor about any of these.
- Finasteride lowers PSA test results, so tell any doctor checking your prostate that you take it.
- Women who are or may be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets.
- A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine.
What is generic finasteride used for?
Male pattern hair loss is driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men who are prone to it, DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles on the crown and front of the scalp, so the hairs grow thinner and shorter until some stop growing.
Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. Lower DHT levels in the scalp can slow hair loss, and in many men it helps some hair to regrow, especially on the crown. It works best when started early, while the follicles are still active. It does not bring back hair in areas that have been completely bald for a long time.
Finasteride 1 mg is for men only. It is not used for women or for children and teenagers. For a closer look at how it works and who it suits, read our guide to finasteride for hair loss.
How to take finasteride 1 mg
The usual dose for hair loss is one 1 mg tablet once a day, with or without food. Swallow it whole. Taking it at the same time each day helps you remember.
- Be patient: it usually takes 3 to 6 months of daily use before you see a difference. Hair may even shed slightly in the early weeks as the growth cycle resets.
- Keep going: if finasteride is helping, you need to keep taking it to keep the benefit. If you stop, the hair you kept or regained is usually lost again over the following months.
- Missed dose: just take the next tablet at the usual time. Do not take two at once.
- Review: if you see no change after about a year, talk to your doctor about whether to continue.
1 mg vs 5 mg: do not cut up 5 mg tablets
Finasteride 5 mg tablets are made for a different condition: an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Some people try to save money by cutting a 5 mg tablet into pieces for hair loss. This is not recommended unless your prescriber specifically tells you to. The tablets are coated and are not designed to be split evenly, so the dose is hard to control, and broken tablets carry a handling risk for women who are or may be pregnant (see below). Use the 1 mg strength your prescription is written for.
Safety: side effects, warnings and interactions
Many men take finasteride without problems, but it is important to know the possible side effects.
Sexual side effects
Some men notice lower sex drive, difficulty getting or keeping an erection, or changes in ejaculation, such as a smaller volume of semen. These often settle if the tablet is stopped, but some men have reported that they continued after stopping. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these effects, so you can weigh up the benefits and risks together.
Mood changes
Low mood, depression and, rarely, thoughts of self-harm have been reported in people taking finasteride. If you notice changes in your mood, or anyone close to you does, stop taking it and speak to your doctor straight away. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get urgent help.
Other side effects and when to get help
- breast tenderness or enlargement: tell your doctor about any lump, pain, nipple discharge or other change in the breast area
- allergic reactions such as rash, itching, or swelling of the lips, face or throat: get urgent help if you have swelling or trouble breathing
- testicular pain
PSA tests and prostate checks
Finasteride lowers the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA tests are used to check for prostate problems, including prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test, tell the doctor that you take finasteride so they can interpret the result correctly.
Pregnancy and handling tablets
Finasteride can affect the development of the genitals of a male baby in the womb. Women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, because the medicine can be absorbed through the skin. Whole, coated tablets are safe to touch in normal handling. If contact with a broken tablet happens, wash the area with soap and water and speak to a doctor.
Other precautions
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. Do not donate blood while taking finasteride and for a period after stopping, so it is not given to a pregnant woman. Finasteride has few known interactions with other medicines, but always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take, including supplements and other hair-loss treatments.
Finasteride price: why generic costs less
Generic finasteride 1 mg contains the same active ingredient, in the same strength, as the original brand. Generic makers do not repeat the long and costly research behind the first version of the medicine, and many companies compete to supply it. Both factors keep the finasteride price low.
Hair-loss treatment is long term. Because the benefit only lasts while you keep taking the tablet, a lower monthly cost makes a big difference to whether treatment is realistic over the years.
What affects the finasteride price?
These are the main factors that change what you pay:
| Factor | How it changes the price | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Branded vs generic | Generic finasteride is usually much cheaper than the original brand. | The active ingredient (finasteride) and strength on the label. |
| Strength | 1 mg (hair loss) and 5 mg (prostate) tablets are priced as different products. | Your prescription is for 1 mg if it is for hair loss. |
| Pack size | Larger packs, or several packs at once, often cost less per tablet. | Only order the quantity your prescription covers. |
| Maker | Different generic makers set slightly different prices for the same strength. | Compare the cost per tablet, not just per pack. |
| Delivery | Shipping cost and timing vary by destination. | Delivery details shown before you pay. |
The fairest way to compare the finasteride price is the cost per month. With one tablet a day, that is about 30 tablets.
Our generic finasteride 1 mg tablets
At RxPillTab we stock three generic finasteride 1 mg tablets. Each tablet contains 1 mg of finasteride, the same active ingredient and strength as Propecia, and is taken once a day as prescribed:
- Finax 1 (Finasteride 1 mg Tablets), a generic for Propecia
- Finalo 1 (Finasteride 1 mg Tablets)
- Finpecia 1 mg
The main differences between them are the maker and the pack. For more on how the generic compares with the brand, read our guide to generic Propecia, or browse all treatments on our hair loss medicines page.
How to buy generic finasteride online safely
When you buy medicine online, use the same care you would anywhere else:
- Have a valid prescription. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine, and finasteride always needs one from your doctor.
- Check the strength. For hair loss, make sure the product is finasteride 1 mg, not 5 mg, and matches your prescription.
- Check the pack and quantity. Plan for at least several months of daily use, since it takes 3 to 6 months to judge the effect. Read the patient leaflet when it arrives.
- Plan for delivery time. Orders are shipped worldwide by EMS or registered mail in discreet packaging. Reorder before you run out to avoid gaps. Our how to order page explains each step.
- Tell your doctor. Let your prescriber know you are taking finasteride, mention it before any PSA test, and report any side effects.
To buy generic finasteride online with confidence, and to check customs rules for your country, see our guide to buying generic medicines online. If you have a question about your order, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the finasteride price lower for generic tablets?
Generic finasteride has the same active ingredient and strength as the brand, but makers do not repeat the original research and many companies compete. This keeps the finasteride price low. Pack size and delivery also affect the total.
How long does finasteride take to work for hair loss?
Most men need 3 to 6 months of daily use before they notice less shedding or some regrowth. Give it time before deciding whether it is working, and review progress with your doctor.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
The benefit gradually wears off. Hair that was kept or regrown is usually lost again over the following months, and hair loss continues as before.
Can I cut a 5 mg tablet instead of buying 1 mg?
This is not recommended unless your prescriber tells you to. The 5 mg tablet is for an enlarged prostate, splitting it gives an uneven dose, and broken tablets should not be handled by women who are or may be pregnant.
Can women take finasteride 1 mg?
No. Finasteride 1 mg is for men only. Women who are or may be pregnant must also avoid touching crushed or broken tablets.
Do I need a prescription to buy finasteride online?
Yes. A valid prescription is required for every order of a prescription medicine. Your doctor can also check that finasteride is right for you and review any side effects.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace professional advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any medicine. Read our full medical disclaimer.
Medicines mentioned in this guide
All medicines are supplied only against a valid prescription. Prices shown are for the smallest pack.
About this guide
Written by the rxptteam8. We base our guides on official sources such as the NHS, the US FDA, the EMA and MedlinePlus, and we update them when guidance changes. Last updated .