Finasteride Prescription Online
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Finasteride - Overview
Finasteride, marketed under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is frequently used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Through Push Health, you can request a finasteride prescription online and get finasteride medication, including branded and generic finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg tablets, near you when appropriate.
Finasteride for Hair Loss
Finasteride prescription medication is used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss - similar to minoxidil (Rogaine). Hair loss is a common problem that can consist of symptoms ranging from slight thinning of the hair to full loss of most of the hair, exposing the scalp and resulting in an unwanted appearance. Finasteride for hair loss is often more effective than other over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for hair loss. Finasteride medication, like dutasteride (Avodart), belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase which converts testosterone to another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is thought to accelerate male pattern hair loss and finasteride can decrease levels of DHT in the scalp and the serum. Finasteride helps reverse hair loss in many men but it does not work for everyone. Also, people who have been taking finasteride can lose any hair that grew from taking finasteride if the medication is discontinued.
Finasteride for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
In addition to hair loss, finasteride 5 mg has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that sometimes develops in men as they age. BPH can cause urinary symptoms such as a weak urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. When marketed at 5 mg for BPH, finasteride is sold under the brand name Proscar.
For this condition, finasteride is thought to work by reducing the size of the prostate gland through blocking DHT - the hormone primarily responsible for prostate enlargement. Within several months, some men experience improved urinary flow and reduced BPH symptoms. In clinical trials, finasteride 5 mg also reduced the long-term risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgical intervention related to BPH. Finasteride for BPH is often prescribed alongside alpha-blocker medications such as tamsulosin (Flomax) for patients with moderate to severe symptoms.
Finasteride vs. Dutasteride and Minoxidil
Finasteride vs. Dutasteride. Both finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors but they differ in their selectivity. Finasteride inhibits only type 2 5-alpha-reductase - the form predominant in hair follicles and the prostate. Dutasteride (Avodart) inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha-reductase, producing greater overall DHT suppression. Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the United States but some clinical studies suggest it may be more effective than finasteride for hair regrowth. Both drugs carry similar sexual side effect profiles. Dutasteride has a longer half-life and takes longer to clear the system after stopping.
Finasteride vs. Minoxidil. Finasteride and minoxidil work through completely different mechanisms and target different aspects of hair loss. Finasteride reduces DHT - addressing the hormonal cause of androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that stimulates hair follicle activity and prolongs the hair growth phase, regardless of DHT levels. Neither drug cures hair loss and, as a result, both require continued use to maintain results. The two medications are sometimes prescribed in combination as they may provide additive benefit. While finasteride medication requires a prescription, minoxidil (2% and 5% topical) is available over the counter.
Finasteride - Dosage and Cost
Finasteride prescription tablets are available in different dosages - finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg. Finasteride medication is generally prescribed in 1 milligram tablets although the specific dosing depends on the prescribing medical provider. It can take several months before one starts seeing the benefits related to taking finasteride. People who discontinue finasteride after taking it for a period of time might lose any hair that grew while taking the medication. Finasteride 5 mg tablets are sometimes requested for cost reasons and then are cut up into the appropriate prescribed dosage. Generic finasteride tablets are considered affordable, generally costing under forty cents per pill. Insurance plans may cover the cost of finasteride, depending on what the medication is being used for and one's insurance plan. Finasteride prescription savings card may also be available online or from the manufacturer.
Can I Buy Finasteride Online?
Because finasteride is a prescription medication, one cannot simply buy finasteride online. Because of this, finasteride OTC (over the counter) is not available, either. The first step to getting a finasteride medication prescription is consulting a licensed medical provider. Push Health can connect people who might need a finasteride medication prescription, including generic finasteride 1 mg and finasteride 5 mg tablets, with a medical provider who can prescribe finasteride prescription tablets when appropriate to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions about Finasteride
What is finasteride used for?
Finasteride is used for two FDA-approved indications: treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) at the 1 mg dose (brand name Propecia), and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) at the 5 mg dose (brand name Proscar). It works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase - the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT - reducing DHT levels in the scalp (for hair loss) and the prostate (for BPH).
Is finasteride the same as Propecia?
Yes. Propecia is the brand name for finasteride 1 mg tablets - the dose used for male pattern hair loss. Generic finasteride 1 mg contains the same active ingredient at the same dose and is bioequivalent to Propecia. Generic finasteride is significantly more affordable than branded Propecia and is the most commonly dispensed form at pharmacies.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Results from finasteride for hair loss typically take 3 to 6 months to become visible. Initial signs of effectiveness may include reduced hair shedding before regrowth becomes noticeable. Some patients see maximum benefit at 12–24 months of continuous use. For BPH, improvements in urinary symptoms typically develop over 6 months of treatment.
What happens if I stop taking finasteride?
If finasteride is discontinued, any hair that grew or was preserved during treatment will typically be lost within 6 to 12 months, as DHT levels return to baseline. For BPH, prostate size gradually returns toward pre-treatment levels after stopping. This is why most patients who benefit from finasteride are advised to continue it long-term.
What is the difference between finasteride 1 mg and 5 mg?
Finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) is the FDA-approved dose for male pattern hair loss. Finasteride 5 mg (Proscar) is the FDA-approved dose for BPH (enlarged prostate). Some patients prescribed 1 mg for hair loss purchase the 5 mg tablet and cut it into approximately five pieces to reduce cost, as the per-milligram cost of the 5 mg tablet is substantially lower - this practice is sometimes discussed with and approved by a prescribing provider. The two doses have similar side effect profiles.
Can I take finasteride and minoxidil together?
Yes - finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used together for hair loss treatment. They work through different mechanisms: finasteride reduces DHT to slow hair loss at its hormonal root, while minoxidil stimulates hair follicle activity and promotes regrowth. Using both together may provide additive benefit. Minoxidil 5% topical is available over the counter; finasteride requires a prescription. A medical provider can advise on whether the combination is appropriate.
Does finasteride cause permanent side effects?
Most side effects from finasteride - including sexual side effects - resolve after the medication is stopped. However, some patients report persistent side effects after discontinuing finasteride, a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). The prevalence and mechanism of PFS are debated in the medical literature. The FDA updated finasteride labeling in 2012 to include information about reports of persistent sexual dysfunction after stopping the drug. Patients with concerns about long-term effects should discuss them with their medical provider before starting finasteride.
Is finasteride a controlled substance?
No. Finasteride is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication - meaning it requires a prescription from a licensed medical provider - but does not have the additional prescribing restrictions associated with controlled substances. It can be prescribed through a telehealth consultation when clinically appropriate.
Is finasteride safe for long-term use?
Finasteride has been used for more than 30 years and has an established long-term safety profile when used for hair loss and BPH. Long-term studies including the PCPT trial followed patients for up to 7 years. The most common long-term concern is the persistence of sexual side effects in a small subset of users, and the contested post-finasteride syndrome. Patients on long-term finasteride may benefit from periodic discussions with their provider about ongoing benefit and any emerging concerns.
Can women take finasteride?
Finasteride is not FDA-approved for use in women. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets, as finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may cause harm to a male fetus (specifically, abnormal development of external genitalia). Premenopausal women with androgenic alopecia are generally treated with different medications.
How much does finasteride cost?
Generic finasteride 1 mg tablets typically cost under 40 cents per tablet at most pharmacies. A 30-day supply at 1 mg daily typically costs under $15 without insurance. Generic finasteride 5 mg tablets - which some patients split into smaller pieces for hair loss treatment - are similarly affordable per tablet. Prescription savings cards can help reduce costs further.
Finasteride - Side Effects
While well tolerated in many people, finasteride medication can cause side effects when used. Side effects that may result from finasteride prescription tablet use include problems related to sexual function, including decreased libido, trouble with ejaculation, decreased sperm count, and erectile dysfunction. These sexual side effects occur in a minority of patients and typically resolve after discontinuing the medication. Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia) has been reported infrequently.
Possible cancer risk. Clinical studies have examined finasteride's relationship with prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial found that finasteride reduced the overall rate of prostate cancer but also found a higher proportion of high-grade tumors in the finasteride group. It is not clear whether these results reflect improved detection rather than a true increase in risk. Patients with concerns about prostate cancer risk and finasteride should discuss this with their medical provider.
Post-finasteride syndrome. Some patients report persistent sexual, neurological, and other side effects after stopping finasteride - a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). While the existence and prevalence of PFS is debated in the medical literature, the FDA updated finasteride's label to include mention of persistent sexual side effects. Patients with concerns about long-term side effects should discuss them with their medical provider before starting or continuing finasteride.
Most side effects will go away once finasteride tablets are stopped. Finasteride medication can cause birth defects and the medication should not be handled by women of childbearing age. Finasteride can reduce serum PSA levels so patients taking finasteride should tell any provider who is interpreting a PSA result so the lab value can be adjusted. Blood donations should be avoided while taking finasteride and for at least 1 month after the last dose. People with a known hypersensitivity to finasteride medication or similar medications should not use finasteride. Prior to using finasteride prescription medication, it is important to discuss concerns about side effects with a pharmacist or medical provider.
How to Get a Finasteride Prescription with Push Health
- Complete a brief health intake. Answer a few questions about your hair loss or BPH symptoms, medical history, current medications, and any prior use of finasteride or other hair loss treatments.
- Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether finasteride is appropriate for your situation - including the correct dose (1 mg for hair loss, 5 mg for BPH). Same-day consultations are available.
- Receive your prescription electronically. If finasteride is appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
- Pick up your medication same day. Generic finasteride is available at most retail pharmacies, typically under $15 for a 30-day supply. No health insurance or subscription is required.
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Last updated August 4, 2026. Given the evolving nature of medicine and science, this information might not be accurate and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis / treatment recommendations. Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions. Please call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.