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What Is the Difference Between 1mg, 1.25mg and 5mg Finasteride?

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Finasteride is a type of perspiration medication taken to treat benign prostate enlargement or male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It works by blocking an enzyme called ‘5-alpha-reductase’ which causes testosterone to convert into a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research suggests that DHT plays a key role in benign prostate enlargement and male pattern baldness. Finasteride is FDA-approved and UK-licensed for men only. It may be prescribed for off-label use to women with female pattern baldness in rare cases. 

Finasteride comes in film-coated oral tablets and is available in three different strengths or doses: 1mg, 1.25mg and 5mg. In this blog, we explain the use, cost and efficacy of each mg of Finasteride in the hope that patients become more familiar with the mg of Finasteride they are considering or taking.

 

Table of Contents

What is Finasteride 1mg Used For?

Finasteride 1mg is the recommended dose used to treat male pattern baldness. Symptoms of this hair loss condition include a receding hairline, hair thinning or baldness around the temple or the crown area of the head. To treat male pattern baldness, one tablet of Finasteride 1mg is taken daily with water. 

While Finasteride 1mg is the lowest dose available, there are many clinical studies that support its effectiveness in combating male pattern baldness. In one clinical study, 212 men aged between 18 and 40 years with androgenetic alopecia were randomly selected to take Finasteride 1mg daily or a placebo. After 48 weeks, the group of men on Finasteride showed a significant improvement in hair density and growth, compared to the placebo group. [1]

What is Finasteride 1.25mg Used For?

The least common strength available is Finasteride 1.25mg. As you can assume, it contains an additional 0.25mg of Finasteride than 1mg. There is not much research about Finasteride 1.25mg. However, it is believed that Finasteride 1.25mg is the equivalent of Finasteride 5mg, but cut into quarters instead of a whole tablet. 

It may be prescribed by healthcare professionals to treat male pattern baldness. However, Finasteride 1mg is the main strength prescribed for male pattern baldness because it contains the right amount of active ingredient to effectively treat it without increasing the risk of unwanted side effects. 

Does Finasteride Have Side Effects?

Finasteride works by inhibiting the production of the DHT hormone, therefore, it may cause potential side effects. 

Common side effects (affect 1 in every 100 people)  include:

  • Low sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased ejaculate volume

Less frequent side effects include:

  • Breast pain, tenderness or swelling
  • Nipple discharge
  • Low mood or depression

Not everyone who takes Finasteride 1, 1.25 or 5 mg will experience these side effects. In general, the higher the strength, the more likely side effects can occur. This is why Finasteride 1mg is well-tolerated by most users due to its lower dosage. 

If side effects do occur, they usually go away after a while. Less frequent side effects may be a sign of a more serious condition such as breast cancer in men. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning side effects. [2]

Like all medications, certain users may be allergic to Finasteride, no matter what strength is taken. If a user has swelling, hives, skin rashes, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness or feeling faint, discontinue use and seek medical help.

What is Finasteride 5mg Used For?

Finasteride 5mg is the highest strength available on a private prescription. It is the usual daily dosage for treating benign prostate enlargement (BPE) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. As Finasteride 5mg contains a higher amount of the active ingredient than 1mg or 1.25mg, it maintains DHT levels and shrinks the enlarged prostate gland, relieving signs of urination discomfort. Due to the higher dosage, it is not typically prescribed to patients with male pattern baldness. Taking Finasteride 5mg for hair loss may increase the risk of side effects and it is not recommended unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Which is More Expensive?

Finasteride can be expensive because it is only available with a private prescription and not on the NHS. Patients may need to pay the full price for the medication. [3]

The cost of Finasteride depends on the strength, brand and pharmacy. Propecia is the branded version of Finasteride 1mg, pharmacies can charge between £40 and £60 for a 28-tablet box (4-week supply). In addition, a 28-tablet box of unbranded Finasteride 1 mg can cost between £14 to £28. At Chemist Click, a 28-tablet box of Finasteride 1mg starts at £13.89. 
 
In terms of Finasteride 5mg, Proscar is the branded version and can cost between £30 to £50 for a 28-tablet box as of August 2024.

Is Finasteride 5mg More Effective Than Finasteride 1mg?

As Finasteride 5mg has a higher strength than Finasteride, this does not mean Finasteride 5mg is more effective. Both Finasteride 1mg and 5mg have been shown to effectively treat male pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate. It can take 3 to 6 months for Finasteride 1mg to improve hair growth. On the other hand, it can take up to 6 months for Finasteride 5mg to fully treat an enlarged prostate. [4]

One clinical trial was conducted to determine the optimal dose for male pattern baldness. Men aged from 18 to 36 years with moderate vertex male pattern baldness were randomised to receive Finasteride 5, 1, 0.2, 0.01 mg or a placebo daily. The study found that the efficacy was demonstrated at doses 0.2 mg and higher, with 1mg and 5mg showing similar efficacy that was superior to the lower dosages. [5]

Which mg of Finasteride Should You Take?

If you are suffering from male pattern baldness, Finasteride 1mg is the approved dosage and will most likely be the strength prescribed to you. Before you start taking Finasteride 1mg, 1.25mg or 5mg or if you are unsure which one you should be taking, please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right strength for your specific needs.

Sources

  1. National Library of Medicine (2000). Finasteride increases anagen hair in men with androgenetic alopecia. Retrieved on 22nd August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11069460/
  2. NHS (n.d.). Side Effects of Finasteride. Retrieved on 22nd August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/side-effects-of-finasteride/
  3. NHS (n.d.). About Finasteride. Retrieved on 22nd August 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/about-finasteride/
  4. NHS (n.d). Common questions about Finasteride. Retrieved on 22nd August, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/common-questions-about-finasteride/
  5. ScienceDirect (2006). Clinical dose ranging studies with finasteride, a type 2 5α-reductase inhibitor, in men with male pattern hair loss. Retrieved on 22nd August 2024, from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962299800528

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.

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