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Finasteride for hair loss

In shortFinasteride is a prescription tablet for adult men with male pattern hair loss. One 1mg tablet a day lowers the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. In Ireland it costs €79 for 12 weeks, plus a doctor's fee. It takes three to six months to show, works only while you take it, and has side effects you should read about first.

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How it works

Male pattern hair loss is driven by DHT, a hormone made from testosterone. In men who inherit the tendency, DHT slowly shrinks follicles at the temples and crown. Finasteride blocks the enzyme that makes DHT, so the shrinking slows or stops. Most men who respond keep the hair they have, and some see thickening, mostly at the crown.

A doctor in a white coat holding a stethoscope

Who can take it

It is licensed for men aged 18 to 41 with early pattern hair loss. Doctors do prescribe it to older men. It is not for women who are or could become pregnant, and women who are pregnant shouldn't handle crushed or broken tablets. It is not for anyone under 18.

Side effects and the 2025 warning

A small number of men get a lower sex drive, erection problems or less semen. These usually stop when the tablets stop, though some men report that they lasted. Low mood and depression are also listed.

In 2025 the European Medicines Agency confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of finasteride tablets, how often is not known, and every pack of the 1mg tablet now carries a patient card. If your mood drops, stop taking it and talk to your doctor. Tell the prescriber if you've had depression before.

What it costs in Ireland

Finasteride 1mg costs €79 for 12 weeks (84 tablets) and €145 for 24 weeks at Irish pharmacies. You also need a prescription: an online doctor consultation starts from €20, or your own GP's usual fee. Your GP can tell you whether it's covered by your medical card or the Drugs Payment Scheme; for hair loss it usually isn't.

What to expect

Nothing for three months. From three to six months the shedding slows. At a year you can judge it against your starting photos. It only works for as long as you keep taking it. Stop, and the hair it held on to is lost over the following months.

Questions people ask

Do I need a prescription for finasteride in Ireland?

Yes. A GP, a dermatologist or an online doctor registered in Ireland can prescribe it after checking it suits you.

How long does finasteride take to work?

Three to six months to slow the loss, and about a year to judge the full effect.

What happens if I stop?

The hair it was protecting is lost over the next six to twelve months, and you end up where you would have been without it.

Is there a finasteride spray?

Some EU countries have a finasteride scalp spray. The 2025 European safety review found no evidence linking the spray to suicidal thoughts. Ask your doctor what is available here.

More guides

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