How to get finasteride for hair loss? 

Table of Content:
Can you get finasteride OTC? | Do you need a prescription to get finasteride? | How to  get a finasteride prescription? | What is finasteride? | What is it used for? | How does it work? | Benefits | Side effects | Warning and precautions | Finasteride brand names | How to use finasteride | FAQ

In this article, we will explain how you can get finasteride for hair loss, the recommended dose for hair loss, if it requires a doctor’s prescription, and the necessary steps you need to take to get it as hair loss treatment.

Understanding the benefits, side effects, and mechanism of action of this and other medications for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia (such as minoxidil and dutasteride) can help you and your online dermatologist make a more informed decision about your treatment options. 

Can you get finasteride over the counter (OTC)?

No, you need a doctor’s prescription to buy finasteride.

Do you need a prescription for finasteride?

Yes, you need a doctor’s prescription to buy finasteride.

So, how to get finasteride pills for hair loss?

By having a consultation with an independent online dermatologist, the doctor will evaluate your type of alopecia. If finasteride is suitable for you the doctor will write you a prescription. The consultation price is $59 and you get an answer in 1-2 working days.

Where to get a finasteride prescription online?

If you are looking for an online prescription of finasteride for hair loss, you have come to the right place! You just need to to have a remote photo consultation with one of Miiskin’s dermatology providers. The price of the virtual consultation is $59 and you will receive a reply in less than 2 days.

What is the price of finasteride (Propecia) ?

The price of oral finasteride is approximately $15 to $35*.

*The price range listed here is just an estimation. Medication prices may vary depending on the state and the pharmacy selected. Miiskin is not responsible and cannot influence the price of the medication as it is independent from these entities.

What is the finasteride (Propecia) dose typically used for hair loss?

The finasteride dose typically used for hair loss is usually 1 mg per day vs 5 mg per day which is the recommended dose for benign prostate hyperplasia. Although it is the same medicine, the doses and the follow up with the doctor are different. That is why it is important to start treatment with a dermatologist.

Want to know more about finasteride (Propecia) for hair loss?

What is finasteride used for?

Finasteride is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (the most common type of hair loss) and benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)².  

It is also used off-label for the treatment of hyperandrogenism (a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of androgens (male sex hormones) in men and women³.  It is taken by mouth every day at the same time, with or without food.

How does finasteride work?

Androgens play a significant role in hair loss, altering the hair cycle development, causing inflammation, and follicular miniaturization⁴ which is a condition that causes thinner and weaker hair that eventually stops growing⁵. 

This process is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors that affect the hair follicles’ sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)⁶. 

Finasteride works by reducing the levels of DHT in the body by approximately 70%. This effect reduces hair loss, stimulates hair growth, and it is used to regulate abnormal prostate growth⁷.

Common side effects of finasteride

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased libido
• Reduction in semen volume
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)¹¹

However, these symptoms tend to disappear once treatment is stopped.

Warning and precautions when using finasteride

This medication is not suitable for women or children. Pregnant women should not handle the tablets, as the active ingredients may be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in babies. If a woman does come into contact with the medication, the affected area should be washed immediately with soap and water and consult a doctor.

It is also recommended to have regular follow-up appointments with your online dermatologist to monitor your progress and determine whether the medication is working and if you should continue taking it. It is also possible that before starting treatment, your doctor recommends you have some blood tests, depending on your medical history¹². 

Brand names of oral finasteride

• Proscar
• Propecia

How to use finasteride?

To ensure the effectiveness of the medication, the tablet should be taken by mouth every day at the same time, with or without food and it is essential to swallow it as a whole.

Who can take finasteride?

Men with a diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia, who do not present contraindications, which an evaluation by a dermatologist is necessary.

Who cannot take finasteride?

Women or children and men who are being treated with any other medication containing finasteride or any other 5-alpha reductase enzyme inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia or any other disease. For example if they have some prostatic pathology.

Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12724020/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278957/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/exd.13029
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs./finasteride./drg-20063819?p=1