Finasteride
Three finasteride products sit on this shelf: Propecia and Finpecia tablets for Androgenetic Alopecia, and Morr F, a spray combining finasteride with minoxidil.
Key points
- Finasteride may cause decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder; the label lists sexual dysfunction that continued after stopping, and notes depression and suicidal ideation under postmarketing reactions.
- Propecia is indicated for male-pattern hair loss in men only and is not indicated for use in women or children.
- Propecia and Finpecia both come in 1 mg and 5 mg tablets; Morr F is a 5% spray in a 60 ml bottle, the only topical option here.
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In men with male-pattern hair loss, the balding scalp contains shrinking follicles and higher DHT levels than hairy scalp. Finasteride lowers DHT in the scalp and blood, and appears to interrupt a key factor in the progression of hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed.
Brands and forms in this catalogue
Propecia is the brand-name tablet, marketed by Merck and available in 1 mg and 5 mg strengths. Finpecia, made by Cipla, is a generic finasteride tablet in the same strengths, also listed for hair loss. Morr F is the only non-tablet on this shelf: a 5% spray you apply to the scalp, pairing finasteride with minoxidil.
Several brands exist for one molecule because patent expiry lets different manufacturers produce the same active ingredient under their own names. The spray form matters for someone who cannot or does not want to swallow a tablet, and the minoxidil pairing means Morr F addresses Hair Loss through two mechanisms at once.
Further reading
What is finasteride used for?
Finasteride is used for androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How does finasteride work for hair loss?
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It lowers DHT in the scalp and blood, and appears to interrupt a key factor in the progression of hair loss in men who are genetically predisposed.
How long does finasteride take to work?
Finasteride usually takes 3 months to show its full effect.
What are the side effects of finasteride?
Finasteride may cause decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorder. The label also notes depression and suicidal ideation, and sexual dysfunction that continued after stopping. If you experience any of these, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not take finasteride?
Finasteride is contraindicated in pregnancy and in people who have a hypersensitivity to finasteride.
What finasteride products are available?
On Direct Meds, finasteride comes as Propecia, Finpecia and Morr F. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
How much does finasteride cost in South Africa?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars.
Payment and prices →Do I need a prescription for finasteride in South Africa?
No, not online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order finasteride. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Can I buy finasteride online in South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Related articles
22 Sept 2026 ⋅ 4 min read
Finasteride vs dutasteride for hair loss
Compare finasteride and dutasteride for male pattern hair loss: trial evidence, sexual and mood side effects, and what to discuss before switching.
Read guide