Finasteride Prescription Switzerland: Application, Access & Online Prescription

Legal Status in Switzerland

Clear legal regulations apply to the dispensing and use of finasteride in Switzerland. Here's an overview of the most important points. For scientific details on efficacy, see Finasteride in Switzerland and for information on side effects, consult our finasteride side effects guide.

Prescription Requirement and Regulation

Finasteride is subject to prescription requirements in Switzerland according to the Therapeutic Products Act (HMG) and is regulated by Swissmedic. ^{[1] [2]} This means you need a medical prescription as it falls under dispensing category B. Self-medication is not possible as the medication is not freely available in pharmacies. Finasteride is specifically approved by Swissmedic for hair loss treatment. The prescription requirement serves your safety so a doctor can assess your medical suitability, exclude contraindications, determine the correct dosage, and advise on side effects.

Available Formulations

Since 2022, two dosage forms have been approved in Switzerland. ^[4] Oral tablets with 1 mg are available as Propecia (original) or as generics and represent the standard dosage for hair loss, taken daily. Topical solutions with concentrations from 0.005% to 0.2% are manufactured as individual prescriptions, with various concentrations possible and 1-2 mL applied daily.

How to Obtain a Prescription

There are different ways to get a finasteride prescription. Both options are legal and safe in Switzerland.

Option 1: Personal Doctor Visit

The classic route consists of three steps:

1. Appointment with GP or dermatologist: Schedule an appointment and explain your concern. Most doctors are familiar with finasteride and can issue a prescription.

2. Medical evaluation: The doctor will inquire about your medical history, assess hair loss, and exclude possible contraindications.

3. Prescription issuance: If suitable, you'll receive a prescription for finasteride. You can redeem this at any pharmacy.

The advantage of this option lies in personal contact and direct consultation. The disadvantage is time investment and often multi-week waiting times.

Option 2: Online Prescription via Telemedicine

The modern route via specialized telemedicine providers like orva:

1. Online medical questionnaire: Complete a structured questionnaire (approximately 5-10 minutes). This captures your medical history, current medications, and hair loss stage.

2. Medical review by Swiss doctor: A licensed Swiss doctor reviews your information within 24-48 hours and assesses your medical suitability.

3. Prescription issuance if suitable: With positive evaluation, the prescription is created digitally and transmitted to a partner pharmacy.

4. Discreet delivery: The pharmacy prepares the treatment and delivers it discreetly packaged within 2-5 business days to your home.

What You Need for the Prescription

Regardless of the route, you need the following information: your current medical history, a list of current medications, information about hair loss (duration, pattern, stage), any pre-existing conditions (especially liver and prostate), and proof that no contraindications exist.

Finasteride Dosage

The correct dosage depends on the dosage form and your individual needs. Here's an overview of proven dosages.

Standard Dose of 1 mg Oral Daily

The clinically established and Swissmedic-approved dose for hair loss is 1 mg finasteride daily. ^{[3] [7]} Administration is independent of meals, always at the same time of day, and continuously without breaks.

Alternative Oral Dosages

For individuals with side effects or who want to start cautiously, there are lower daily doses: 0.5 mg daily is often sufficiently effective with fewer side effects, while 0.25 mg daily represents a minimal effective dose for some users. With pulse dosing (less well studied), 1 mg is taken three days per week (Monday-Wednesday-Friday) or every other day alternating. ^[6] Important: Dose adjustments should always be discussed with a doctor, as the 1-mg dose is best studied and shows the best results.

Topical Dosages

For topical application, various concentrations are possible: ^{[4] [5]}

Option 1: Ultra-Low Dose

• 0.005% finasteride, 2 mL daily
• Total dose: 0.1 mg/day
• Minimal systemic effects
• Ideal for beginners

Option 2: Standard Dose

• 0.2% finasteride, 1 mL daily
• Total dose: 2 mg/day
• Moderate systemic absorption
• Proven standard dosage

Application of Finasteride

Correct application is crucial for treatment success. Here are detailed instructions for both dosage forms.

Oral Administration (Tablets)

Choose a time of day you can easily maintain (e.g., morning at breakfast or evening before bed). Regularity is important. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Administration can be with or without food. Take finasteride every day at the same time. Set a smartphone reminder if needed.

Important notes: Do not split or break tablets (especially important if pregnant women are in the household). If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the usual time, but never a double dose.

Topical Application (Solution)

Application of topical finasteride occurs in four steps:

1. Preparation: The scalp must be dry and clean. Ideally apply in the evening before bed.

2. Dosing: Use a pipette or dropper for accurate dosing (1-2 mL depending on concentration).

3. Application: Apply the solution directly to the scalp (not into the hair) on affected areas. Distribute with fingertips.

4. Contact time: Let the solution work for at least 8-12 hours (overnight). Don't wash out immediately the next morning.

Application tips:

• The solution absorbs after 5-10 minutes
• Can be slightly sticky - normal
• With oily hair: Wash with mild shampoo in the morning
• Wash hands after application
• No skin contact with partner/children before contact time

Combination with Other Active Ingredients

Finasteride can be excellently combined. With minoxidil, there's a synergistic effect through different mechanisms of action. With topical application of both active ingredients, apply finasteride first, wait 2-3 hours, then minoxidil. Alternatively, apply finasteride in the evening and minoxidil in the morning. With microneedling, combine as follows: Perform microneedling once per week and apply finasteride normally on all other days, but not directly after microneedling (24-hour break). With ketoconazole shampoo, there's no interaction; you can use it 2-3 times per week.

Costs and Reimbursement

Financing finasteride treatment is an important topic for many. Here's an overview of prices and possible cost coverage.

Prices in Switzerland

Costs vary depending on provider and dosage form:

Finasteride generics are bioequivalent to the original (Propecia) and cost significantly less. Efficacy is identical as they contain the same active ingredient in the same dosage.

Cost Coverage by Health Insurance

Important to know:

• Basic insurance: Does not cover finasteride for hair loss
• Supplementary insurance: Some supplementary insurances partially cover
• Prostate treatment: For prostate enlargement, basic insurance covers

Finasteride for hair loss treatment is considered an aesthetic treatment and is therefore not covered by mandatory health insurance.

Timeframe Until First Results

Realistic expectations are important:

Months 0-3: Stabilization

Active hair loss stops. You lose fewer hairs when washing and combing.

Months 3-6: First Improvements

First fine hairs become visible. Hair density begins to improve.

Months 6-12: Significant Improvement

Hair density increases visibly. Fine hairs become strong terminal hairs.

Months 12-24: Maximum Effect

Maximum effect is achieved. Hair density stabilizes at the new level.

Long-Term Therapy with Finasteride

Finasteride only works with continuous application. After discontinuation, hair loss returns within 3-6 months, the hair picture develops to the level without treatment, and gained hair is lost again. Finasteride is a permanent treatment. If you want to maintain results, you must apply the medication long-term. The good news: Over 25 years of clinical experience show that finasteride is well-tolerated even with long-term use.

Strategies for Long-Term Use

Option 1: Continue Lifelong

• With good tolerability, simply continue
• Regular doctor checks (once yearly)
• Dose adjustment if needed

Option 2: Maintenance Dose After 2-5 Years

• After achieving maximum effect
• Reduction to lower dose (e.g., 0.5 mg or every 2nd day)
• Monitoring if effect is maintained

Option 3: Gradual Discontinuation

• If you want to discontinue
• Gradual reduction over several months
• Minimizes abrupt hair loss rebound

Online Prescription with orva

orva offers a modern, uncomplicated route to finasteride. The entire process runs digitally and is tailored to Swiss needs.

The Process

1. Online questionnaire (5-10 minutes)
2. Medical review (24-48h by Swiss doctor)
3. Prescription issuance if suitable
4. Discreet delivery (2-5 business days)

Available Options at orva

• 0.005% topical (Low Dose, 2 mL daily)
• 0.2% topical (Full Strength, 1 mL daily)
• 1 mg oral (tablets daily)
• Combination with minoxidil possible

Advantages

• Swiss doctors with Swissmedic approval
• Same medical standards as practice visit
• Discreet packaging and delivery
• Flexible delivery intervals
• Personal support for questions
• Prescription renewal without re-consultation

Conclusion on Access to Finasteride in Switzerland

Obtaining finasteride in Switzerland is uncomplicated - whether via classic doctor visit or modern telemedicine. The most important points:

• Prescription requirement: Protects your safety
• Multiple options: Oral or topical, various dosages
• Flexible access routes: Pharmacy or online with home delivery
• Long-term therapy: Continuous application for lasting results
• Good tolerability: Over 25 years of clinical experience

With the right approach - gradual escalation, realistic expectations, and continuous application - finasteride is an effective solution against hair loss.