What is Oral Finasteride? Oral finasteride is an FDA approved medication for treating hair loss. It is the generic name for the brand Propecia®. Finasteride 1mg tablets are taken daily for hair loss. Patients typically see thicker, fuller hair around 6 months with daily use, as well as a reduction in hair shedding. Finasteride requires a prescription, so a medical consultation is required. Happy Head includes the medical consultation for free! How Does Finasteride Work? Finasteride is a medication that is referred to as a 5-alpha reductase (5AR) inhibitor. It selectively inhibits the testosterone hormone from being converted into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing male pattern baldness. By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride prevents follicular shrinkage, thus preventing hair loss. Dosage: Finasteride 1mg, taken once daily. How Does Happy Head Work? Since oral finasteride is a prescription medication, it requires a doctor's consultation and prescription. With Happy Head, the doctor's consultation is free and included when you purchase finasteride. Simply fill out the short medical survey, and a physician will review your medical history and determine your eligibility for finasteride. Once approved, the prescription is written, sent electronically to the pharmacy and the medication is shipped out to you in discreet packaging with FedEx 2nd day delivery. You will also receive free continuous support from our physicians in case there are any questions or issues. Oral Finasteride vs Oral Dutasteride? Oral finasteride and dutasteride are medications that are both 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They both prevent production of DHT, thus preventing miniaturization of hair follicles. Dutasteride is an FDA approved medication for enlarged prostate, with an off-label use for treating male pattern hair loss. It has been shown to be 100 times more potent in inhibiting type-1 5AR than oral finasteride, and overall more efficacious in treating male pattern baldness. Click here to read more about dutasteride. Caution: Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant should avoid contact with finasteride. Finasteride can have rare and uncommon side effects that you should be aware of. This includes sexual side effects (such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction), and psychological side effects (such as depression or anxiety). Please see the Drug Safety Information below for more information.