Medication questions Finasteride

What should I do if I miss a dose of finasteride?

Short answer

Do not take two tablets to make up for it. The NHS says that if it is less than 6 hours since your usual time, take it as soon as you remember; if it is later than that, skip the missed dose and take the next one as normal. The UK leaflet says never take a double dose. Then simply carry on with your usual routine.

Plain white tablets spilling from an unlabelled white bottle on a green background

Key facts

  • Under 6 hours late: take it when you remember (NHS).
  • Over 6 hours late: skip it and take the next dose at the usual time.
  • Never take a double dose.
  • Taking finasteride more than once a day does not make it work faster or better.

What the NHS and the leaflet say

The NHS medicines page for finasteride says: "If you miss a dose and it's less than 6 hours since you were due to take it, take your finasteride as soon as you remember." If it is more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. It adds that you should never take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

The Propecia patient leaflet gives the same core message: "Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose." The leaflet for generic finasteride 1 mg says the same.

Why doubling up does not help

More finasteride does not mean more benefit. The UK leaflet for generic finasteride 1 mg says it "will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day".

If you take an extra tablet by mistake, try not to worry. The NHS says "Taking too much is unlikely to harm you", but contact 111 if you have taken more than your prescribed dose and feel unwell. The generic leaflet says to contact your doctor if you take too many tablets.

If you have missed several days

The leaflets cover a forgotten tablet, not a longer gap, so there is no official guidance on what a missed week does. What is known: finasteride leaves the body quickly (its half-life is about 5 to 6 hours in adults under 60), and the product information says "continuous use is recommended to sustain benefit".

So the practical answer is to restart at your normal dose of one tablet a day, without catching up. If gaps are becoming frequent, tell your prescriber. If you are missing doses because of a side effect, such as low mood or a sexual side effect, tell your prescriber about that too. The MHRA's Drug Safety Updates of 29 April 2024 and 11 May 2026 advise stopping finasteride 1 mg immediately and contacting your doctor if you develop depression or suicidal thoughts.

If you are thinking about stopping altogether, our page on stopping finasteride explains how hair changes after stopping.

Making it easier to remember

The NHS suggests taking finasteride at around the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food, so pick a moment that is already part of your routine, such as brushing your teeth. A weekly pill organiser or a phone reminder helps, and ordering your next supply before you run out avoids gaps. Our guide to how long finasteride takes to work explains why steady daily use matters.

If you take dutasteride, the Avodart leaflet says: "Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Just take your next dose at the usual time." If you use a compounded topical, follow the instructions on your label and do not apply extra to catch up.

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Related questions

I took two finasteride tablets by mistake. What should I do?

The NHS says taking too much finasteride is unlikely to harm you. Do not skip your next dose to compensate; just carry on as normal. Contact 111 if you feel unwell, or your doctor if you have taken several extra tablets.

I forgot finasteride for a week. Do I need to start again?

You do not need to start a new course or take extra. Restart with one tablet a day at your usual time. There is no official guidance on what a week off does to hair, but the product information recommends continuous use to keep the benefit. Tell your prescriber if gaps keep happening.

Does it matter what time of day I take finasteride?

No particular time is required. The NHS advises taking it at around the same time each day, with or without food, which also makes it easier to remember.

What if I miss a dose of dutasteride?

The Avodart leaflet says not to take a double dose and to take your next capsule at the usual time. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew or open them.

Sources

Facts checked against these sources on 4 October 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice. Read our editorial policy.

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