Finasteride

Is Finasteride FDA-approved?

Approved by the FDA. A licensed clinician has to decide it is right for you and prescribe it. Oral finasteride is FDA-approved, prescription only. There is no FDA-approved topical finasteride; FDA issued an April 2025 alert about adverse events with compounded topical products.

As of September 23, 2026.

How does Finasteride work?

What does the evidence say about Finasteride?

Randomized and long-term studies show it slows hair loss and regrows some hair in many men.

What to expect

What trials and prescribing information measured over time. Everyone responds differently.

1. About 3 to 4 months

   The label says it takes daily use for three months or more before you may see a benefit. The AAD says most people notice improvement at about four months.

2. About 6 to 12 months

   The AAD says if it is going to work, results usually show by about six months, and a fair trial is up to a year.

3. If you stop

   The label says the effect reverses within 12 months of stopping.

What do clinicians say about Finasteride?

Dermatologists consider finasteride one of the two best-proven treatments for male pattern hair loss, alongside minoxidil, with side effects that deserve an honest conversation.

• The American Academy of Dermatology says finasteride slows further hair loss in about 80% to 90% of men who take it, and that you have to keep taking it to keep the results.

  American Academy of Dermatology: Male pattern hair loss, treatment

• The FDA label lists decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation problems as the most common side effects, notes reports that some continued after stopping, and includes post-marketing reports of depression and suicidal thoughts.

  DailyMed: Propecia (finasteride) prescribing information

• The label notes finasteride lowers PSA readings, so anyone having prostate cancer screening should tell their clinician they take it.

  DailyMed: Propecia (finasteride) prescribing information

• In April 2025 FDA said there are no FDA-approved topical finasteride products, and reported adverse events with compounded topical versions, including erectile dysfunction, anxiety and depression, many continuing after stopping.

  FDA alert (Apr 2025): Potential risks with compounded topical finasteride

• The AAD says dermatologists may prescribe finasteride off-label for some women with hereditary hair loss who cannot become pregnant.

  American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss, diagnosis and treatment

Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.

Is Finasteride right for you, and who should avoid it?

Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.

What are the risks and side effects of Finasteride?

• Sexual side effects (lower libido, erectile or ejaculation problems) occur in a minority of men and have occasionally been reported to persist.
• The label warns about depression and suicidal thoughts; report mood changes.
• It lowers PSA test results, which your clinician needs to know for prostate screening.
• Pregnant people should not handle crushed or broken tablets because of risk to a male fetus.

What should you ask a clinician about Finasteride?

• Oral or topical, and what are the trade-offs?
• How long before I would know it is working?
• What should I do if I notice side effects?

These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.

How do people get Finasteride through telehealth?

1. 1

   Answer an online questionnaire about your hair loss and health. Many services ask for photos of your scalp.

2. 2

   A licensed provider reviews it, usually asynchronously, and prescribes if appropriate. Labs are not usually needed.

3. 3

   The medication ships to you, often in three-, six- or twelve-month supplies.

4. 4

   Message your provider with questions or side effects; most services include ongoing messaging.

Where can I get Finasteride?

9 providers list Finasteride on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.

† Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.

How much does Finasteride cost?

The listed price is $22 a month, from 1 provider, as checked September 23, 2026.

Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change. Membership or consult fees may be separate; see each provider.

Compare and learn

• Finasteride vs minoxidil (Propecia vs Rogaine): how do the two hair loss treatments differ?
• How do telehealth prescriptions work?
• Minoxidil for women: does it work, and what is different?

Finasteride: questions, answered

Sources

• DailyMed: Propecia (finasteride) prescribing information
• FDA alert: Potential risks with compounded topical finasteride (2025)
• Long-term (5-year) experience with finasteride 1 mg in men with androgenetic alopecia (2002)

Also checked for this guide

• DailyMed: Propecia (finasteride) prescribing information
• American Academy of Dermatology: Male pattern hair loss, treatment
• American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss, diagnosis and treatment
• Keeps: Our products
• Keeps: Finasteride
• Ro: Hair loss
• Hims: Hair loss
• Eden: Finasteride for men
• Amazon Pharmacy

Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.

Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.