Access to finasteride is becoming more complicated...

It's official: it will become mandatory to present a certificate signed by his doctor to obtain finasteride from a pharmacy from April 16, 2026. 

Finasteride subject to new obligations

In France, a new measure will regulate the issuance of finasteride 1 mg (prescribed primarily for hair loss).

From April 16 2026It will no longer be enough to have a prescription:
👉 The pharmacist will also need to receive an annual information certificatesigned by the patient and the prescribing physician.

This decision follows the recommendations of theNational Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM).

From when ?

The implementation will take place in two stages:

• April 16, 2026 : obligation for all new treatment initiation

• 16th June 2026 : obligation also for the patients already undergoing treatment

This gives the patients concerned time to consult their doctor and obtain the required document.

Why this certificate?

Finasteride 1 mg is effective against the'androgenetic alopecia'but it is associated with certain potential side effectsIncluding:

• Mood disorders (depression, suicidal thoughts in rare cases)

• Sexual problems (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction)

• Effects that may sometimes persist after stopping treatment

The purpose of this certificate is therefore simple:
✅ Ensure that the patient has been fully informed of the risks
✅ To formalize a clear exchange between doctor and patient
✅ strengthen surveillance and prevention

So, how exactly will this work?

To receive your treatment:

1. Medical consultation

2. Signature of a annual information certificate

3. Present this certificate and prescription to the pharmacist.

Without this certificate, the pharmacist will not be able to dispense the finasteride 1 mg.

⚠️ Note: this measure only applies to the finasteride 1 mg prescribed for hair loss, and not the other tests used for prostate pathologies.

What are the alternatives to finasteride?

For patients who do not wish to take medication or who have questions about the side effects of finasterideThere are some interesting alternatives.

A credible alternative: the DHT Blocker MakeMyMask

For those who wish to avoid finasteride, the MakeMyMask DHT Blocker represents the most technical and advanced natural alternative in France. Developed by the dermoPilaire laboratory MakeMyMask, founded by Dr. Julie Pernet, a pharmacist and trichologist, hair health expert, trichology trainer, speaker, and creator of educational content on social media.

Its strength? One Concentrated extract of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) dosed at 300 mg, equivalent to 1200 mg of plant, standardized to 35% active fatty acids — the fraction known to act on the androgenic mechanisms responsible for follicle miniaturization.
Without this precise titration, saw palmetto is of little biological relevance.

The formula goes further by combining:

• probiotics → improved bioavailability of active ingredients

• Green tea & ginseng → stimulation of microcirculation

• Zinc + vitamins B6, B8, D3 → supports keratin synthesis and hair growth

Result: an approach non-hormonalrespectful of the natural balance, which targets androgenetic alopecia at the source while promoting regrowth.

Otherwise, The MakeMyMask dermopile laboratory is the leading French expert in natural treatments (alternatives to medication) for hair loss. It offers comprehensive protocols to combat different types of hair loss, and this is what sets it apart. Its concept: to offer a dermocapillary diagnosis capable of identifying the type of hair loss and to propose a protocol adapted to the type of fall, complete, and so on.proven results.

You could be a victim of reactive hair losstriggered by various factors and temporary. But you can also experience a hormonal hair lossIn both cases, while hair loss can naturally slow down during a reactive loss, regrowth is not automatic if the root of the problem is not addressed.

To better understand your hair loss, we recommend you complete our online diagnosis.