Finasteride dos and don’ts
First of all, thank you for choosing Numan. If your prescription request for finasteride has been accepted, or if you considering whether this treatment may be suitable for you, we'd like to help you learn how to use it to its best effect, and give you some important information before you start taking it.
Do understand how it works
Finasteride works by reducing the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone thought to be responsible for male-pattern hair thinning and hair loss. By doing so, finasteride can help to reverse the balding process and prevent further hair loss.
Do know the facts
The MHRA has confirmed that finasteride is associated with depression and suicidal thoughts. These effects have been reported in men taking finasteride and may persist even after stopping treatment. If you develop symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, stop taking finasteride immediately and contact a healthcare professional. If you are at risk of serious harm, call 999.
Sexual dysfunction - including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems - has been reported. These effects can occur independently of any change in mood, and may continue after treatment is stopped.
Cases of male breast cancer have been reported. If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should promptly report this to your doctor.
Finasteride can affect the results of a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). If you have a PSA test done, you should inform your healthcare professional that you are taking finasteride.
Don’t take it if...
You are a woman. Finasteride 1mg is only licensed for male-pattern hair thinning and hair loss, and has been shown to be ineffective for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in women.
You are under the age of 18.
You are already taking finasteride or any other 5ɑ-reductase inhibitor.
You have had an allergic reaction to finasteride in the past.
Finasteride may not be suitable for you if you:
You are trying to conceive (have a baby) as finasteride may affect male fertility and foetal development. If your partner is already pregnant, use of a condom is recommended.
You have an intolerance to lactose or other sugars, as finasteride film-coated tablets contain lactose.
Have a personal or family history of depression or suicidal ideation.
Finasteride 1mg should only be used by men over the age of 18 who have male-pattern hair thinning or hair loss. If you have any questions or aren’t sure whether you have any of the conditions listed above, please consult your doctor.
Do take it correctly
Take one tablet each day. Daily use for three to six months may be necessary before you notice any increase in hair density or reduction in hair loss. If the treatment is stopped, you are likely to lose the hair you have gained within 9-12 months.
Finasteride will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day.
If you forget to take your tablet on a given day, do not take a double dose the next day.
Finasteride tablets can be taken with or without food.
Do be aware of the possible side effects
If you experience any of the following serious (but uncommon) side effects, you should stop taking finasteride and seek urgent medical attention:
an allergic reaction - symptoms include swelling of the lips, throat and eyelids, sudden difficulty in breathing or wheezing, dizziness, collapse, hives.
depression or suicidal thoughts - feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness, or unworthiness, or any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These effects may persist after stopping finasteride. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking finasteride immediately and contact a healthcare professional. If you are at immediate risk, call 999.
Here are a few useful numbers for you to contact if you need immediate support:
Emergency services — 999
NHS 111 — 111 (or 111.nhs.uk), available 24/7
Samaritans — 116 123, available 24/7
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) — 0800 58 58 58, available 5pm–midnight daily
If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should promptly report this to your doctor as these may be symptoms of a serious condition such as male breast cancer.
Sexual side effects:
The following sexual side effects have been reported with finasteride. They can occur independently of any change in mood, and may persist after stopping treatment:
Decreased sex drive
Erectile dysfunction (difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection)
Problems with ejaculation, including a decrease in the amount of semen released
If you experience any sexual side effects, contact Numan or your GP for advice.
If you experience these side effects to a significant extent, or if you notice any side effects not listed in your patient information leaflet (which will arrive with your medication), you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
When your finasteride does arrive (which should be within 48 hours from the time your order is accepted by our clinician), please make sure to read the patient information leaflet enclosed. It contains other important safety information as well as a complete list of possible side effects.
Treatment interruption
Hair loss and hair growth are slow processes. To be effective, finasteride needs to be used regularly for many months. However short breaks in use should not change the outcome as the treatments work over a long period of time. If you have any further questions, please contact [email protected].
In case of an urgent medical problem, please contact NHS 111 via 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.