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At present, Finasteride 1mg for hair loss is not available on the NHS; only Finasteride 5mg is available on the NHS, however, this is prescribed for conditions such as an enlarged prostate.
In this article we will look at:
- Can you get finasteride on the NHS?
- Finasteride for hair loss vs benign prostate enlargement
- Can you get Finasteride without a prescription?
- Can you get help with Finasteride side effects on the NHS?
- What to consider when getting a private prescription for Finasteride
- Where to get Finasteride
Table of Contents
- Can you get Finasteride on the NHS?
- Finasteride for hair loss vs benign prostate enlargement
- Can you get Finasteride without a prescription?
- Can you get help with Finasteride side effects on the NHS?
- What to consider when getting a private prescription for Finasteride
- Finasteride costs
- Finasteride results
- Where to get Finasteride
- Get expert advice about Finasteride
Can you get Finasteride on the NHS?
Though Finasteride is available in two dosages, only the 5mg dosage, which is used to treat conditions such as an enlarged prostate, is available on the NHS at present.
The 1mg dosage for male pattern baldness is not available on the NHS and needs to be obtained privately.
Finasteride 1mg is not available on the NHS because male pattern baldness is a largely cosmetic condition. It doesn’t usually cause health problems if untreated, whereas an enlarged prostate can lead to many medical issues (including cancer) if left untreated [1].
Finasteride for hair loss vs benign prostate enlargement
Finasteride works to inhibit the body’s conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Excessive DHT production can cause conditions such as male pattern baldness or an enlarged prostate. Finasteride reduces the hormone levels, and therefore slows or halts these conditions [2].
The medication works in the same way for both male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate. However, a stronger dose is usually needed for an enlarged prostate [3].
This can be disheartening to hear as we know that many men can experience mental distress due to hair loss. When Rob Holding had a hair transplant at the Wimpole Clinic, he was very open about the effects of hair loss on his mental health.
While he has received a lot of praise for his hair transplant result, medications following his procedure played a vital role.
Can you get Finasteride without a prescription?
No, you can’t get Finasteride without a prescription from a medical professional. Finasteride cannot legally be sold without a prescription.
You must be deemed medically suitable by your GP or a hair transplant clinic before you can get Finasteride. Without accurate and professional medical advice and monitoring, you won’t know if Finasteride is suitable for you.
Finasteride has been linked with several side effects, so it’s important to mitigate the risk of these with support from a health professional.
Buying Finasteride from an unlicensed supplier can put your health at risk. Speaking to a reputable hair loss clinic is the best way to get a Finasteride prescription to tackle male pattern baldness.
Can you get help with Finasteride side effects on the NHS?
Yes, you can get help for Finasteride side effects on the NHS. Though it’s not usually prescribed on the NHS, you can still access NHS care for any complications.
See your GP if you experience any of the following when using Finasteride:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Anxiety, depression or general low mood
- Skin rash
- Gynecomastia
- Breast lumps, nipple discharge, or breast changes.
Post-Finasteride syndrome (PFS), is a condition characterised by finasterise side effects continuing after someone stops taking the drug and is emerging area of clinical concern.
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What to consider when getting a private prescription for Finasteride
Here are three areas to consider when getting a private prescription for Finasteride.
Supplier licensing and reputation
One of the most important things to remember when obtaining a private prescription for Finasteride is to check that the supplier is licensed and reputable. Choosing a reputable clinic is important as you need a medical assessment to ensure Finasteride is suitable for you.
Any clinic that you attend should be registered with the CQC (Care Quality Commission). If you’re obtaining a prescription from an online pharmacy, check that the pharmacy is registered with the GPhC (General Pharmaceutical Council).
Finasteride costs
Private prescriptions can be expensive, so it’s important to consider how much Finasteride costs.
A private consultation can cost anywhere from £100-£200. A monthly prescription for Finasteride typically costs £20-30, though online pharmacy prices tend to be cheaper at around £15 per month.
When you start taking Finasteride, you may need to continue taking it indefinitely to maintain the hair regrowth effects. So prescription costs are ongoing, and usually add up to around £180-£360 per year.
Finasteride results
It is important to remember that a Finasteride before and after results can be different for each individual, and depends on the stage of your male pattern baldness.
It is also important to be realistic about the results you can expect from Finasteride. If you’re in the early stages of hair loss, or your hair loss is localised on the crown, you can expect to see better results with Finasteride than someone on the latter stages of the Norwood Scale.
If you can’t get a private prescription for Finasteride, either due to cost or unsuitability, there are alternatives to Finasteride available.
Where to get Finasteride
There are a few options for where to get Finasteride:
- Reputable UK hair transplant clinics like Wimpole Clinic
- Reputable online pharmacies
- High street pharmacies
A specialist hair clinic can help to assess your hair loss and prescribe you Finasteride if needed.
Get expert advice about Finasteride
If you need more advice or a face-to-face consultation about Finasteride, our trichology team is on hand to offer guidance and support. We can prescribe treatments such as Finasteride alongside various surgical treatments.
As a reputable clinic providing quality hair restoration services for over 45 years, we have a plethora of experience. Book your free consultation with Wimpole clinic today.
The Wimpole Clinic offers FUE Hair, Beard & Eyebrow Transplants & Trichology.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
Talk to a specialist ☎ 020 7935 1861.
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