Finasteride (generic): Price, Pros & Cons in the UK
The cheapest, most widely prescribed hair loss tablet in the UK.
Quick Facts
- Hair Loss
- Typical cost: £10–£25/mo
- 17 providers currently offer this
- Content last reviewed 13 August 2026
This page provides general information, not medical advice — whether any treatment is right for you is a decision for a UK-registered prescriber after reviewing your individual history.
What it is
A daily tablet that blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss. Generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient as branded Propecia.
Pros and cons
Why it's good
- By far the cheapest effective oral hair loss treatment
- Strong evidence base — one of only two medically proven hair loss treatments
- Medically identical to the much pricier branded Propecia
- Once-daily tablet, easy to build into a routine
Why it's not for everyone
- Sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile difficulties) are reported by a minority of users and are worth discussing with a prescriber before starting
- Not suitable for women of childbearing age due to risk to a male foetus if handled or ingested
- Results take 3–6 months to become noticeable, and effects reverse if stopped
- Only slows or partially reverses loss — doesn't regrow hair that's been gone for years
Who it's best for
Men with early to moderate male pattern hair loss who want the most cost-effective, evidence-based tablet option.
Typical cost
Providers offering this
- Numan
- Voy (formerly Manual)
- ZAVA
- Asda Online Doctor
- Boots Online Doctor
- LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor
- Superdrug Online Doctor
- iQ Doctor
- Dr Fox
- Pharmacy2U
- Simple Online Pharmacy
- Chemist4U
- Oxford Online Pharmacy
- Happy Pharmacy
- My Private Pharmacist
- Hair Repair Clinic
- Phlo Clinic
Frequently asked questions
What is Finasteride (generic)?
A daily tablet that blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss. Generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient as branded Propecia.
How much does Finasteride (generic) cost in the UK?
Finasteride (generic) typically costs £10–£25/mo in the UK, though the exact price depends on dose and provider.
Who is Finasteride (generic) best suited to?
Men with early to moderate male pattern hair loss who want the most cost-effective, evidence-based tablet option.
Sources
- NHS website — medicines information.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) — Summary of Product Characteristics for the licensed product.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — UK licensing and safety information.
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See exactly which UK providers offer it, and at what price.
PickMyClinic is an independent comparison site, not a pharmacy or clinic. This page is not a personal recommendation and does not replace advice from a UK-registered prescriber. Some links on this site may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.