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, people can request a finasteride prescription online and get the medication prescribed to a local or delivery pharmacy when appropriate.
What Is Finasteride Used For?
Finasteride is used for different clinical reasons:
Hair LossFinasteride is used in the treatment of androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern hair loss - similar to minoxidil (Rogaine). Finasteride, 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 a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is thought to accelerate male pattern hair loss.
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 if the medication is discontinued.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)Finasteride 5 mg (often marketed as Proscar) has been approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that sometimes develops in men as they age that can cause urinary symptoms. Finasteride is thought to work by reducing the size of the prostate gland through blocking DHT - the hormone primarily responsible for prostate enlargement. In clinical trials, finasteride 5 mg reduced the long-term risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery related to BPH. The medication is often prescribed alongside alpha-blocker medications such as tamsulosin (Flomax) for patients with moderate to severe symptoms.
Finasteride vs. Dutasteride and Minoxidil
| Medication | Role |
|---|---|
| Finasteride | Blocks type 2 5-alpha-reductase; labeled for hair loss (1 mg) and BPH (5 mg) |
| Dutasteride | Blocks types 1 and 2; labeled for BPH; hair-loss use is off-label in the U.S. |
| Minoxidil | Different mechanism (follicle stimulation); topical forms are OTC |
The different medication approaches for hair loss are sometimes combined. Dutasteride suppresses DHT more and stays in the body longer after stopping. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that stimulates hair follicle activity and prolongs the hair growth phase, regardless of DHT levels, and is available over the counter.
Finasteride - Dosage and Cost
Finasteride tablets are available in different dosages - 1 mg and 5 mg. For hair loss, finasteride is generally prescribed as 1 mg tablets. For BPH, finasteride is typically prescribed as 5 mg tablets.
Generic finasteride tablets are considered affordable, generally costing under forty cents per pill. Insurance plans may help cover costs and prescription savings cards may also be available online or from the manufacturer.
Can I Buy Finasteride Online?
Finasteride is a prescription medication and is not available over the counter. Push Health can connect people who might need a finasteride medication prescription with a medical provider who can prescribe the medication to a local or delivery pharmacy 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).
Is finasteride the same as Propecia?
Propecia is the branded version of finasteride 1 mg. Generic 1 mg is bioequivalent and usually much cheaper than the branded one.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Results 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 the medication is discontinued, any hair that grew or was preserved during treatment will typically be lost within 6 to 12 months. For BPH, prostate size gradually returns toward pre-treatment levels after stopping. This is why most patients who benefit from the medication 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). 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 and using both together may provide additive benefit.
Does finasteride cause permanent side effects?
Most side effects from the medication resolve after it is stopped. However, some patients report persistent side effects after discontinuing the medication - a condition referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Patients with concerns about long-term effects should discuss them with their medical provider before starting finasteride.
Is finasteride a controlled substance?
No, but it does require a prescription.
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. The most common long-term concern is the persistence of sexual side effects in a small subset of users.
How much does finasteride cost?
Generic 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 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 can cause side effects when used. Side effects that may result 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.
Prostate cancer trials. Finasteride reduced overall detected prostate cancer in a large prevention trial but was associated with a higher proportion of high-grade tumors. Whether that is detection bias is still discussed but review with a clinician if you have concerns about your prostrate cancer risk.
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). 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 the medication is stopped. Finasteride 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 the medication should tell any provider who is interpreting a PSA result so the lab value can be adjusted. Blood donations should be avoided for at least 1 month after the last dose. People with a known hypersensitivity to the medication should not use it. Prior to using finasteride, discuss concerns about side effects with a pharmacist or medical provider.
How to Get Finasteride 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 / BPH treatments.
- Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will review your information and evaluate whether finasteride is appropriate for your situation. Same-day consultations are available.
- Receive your prescription. If appropriate, your provider will send a prescription to a pharmacy of your choice - no office visit required.
- Pick up your medication. 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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More Finasteride Information
Last updated September 29, 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.