Description

What is minoxidil topical?

Minoxidil topical is used to help you regrow hair on your scalp.

minoxidil topical will not cause permanent regrowth of scalp hair. You must continue using the product to keep the regrowth of your hair.

Minoxidil topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use minoxidil topical if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

Check the medicine label carefully to make sure minoxidil topical will treat your specific type of hair loss.

Use only the minoxidil topical formula that is made for your gender. Women should not use minoxidil topical products that are made specifically for men.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use minoxidil topical if you have other medical conditions, especially:

heart disease.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether minoxidil topical will harm an unborn baby.

Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether minoxidil topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medicine on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.

How should I use minoxidil topical?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using more of this medicine than recommended will not speed up hair growth, and may cause dangerous side effects.

This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dry your hair and scalp before applying minoxidil topical.

Apply the recommended amount to the affected areas of the scalp. Minoxidil topical is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and at night.

Wash your hands after applying minoxidil topical.

Use minoxidil topical only on your scalp. Do not use on any other part of your body.

It may take up to 4 months or longer before you notice new hair growth. New hair may be soft, colorless, and barely visible. With further treatment, the hair should begin to have the same color and thickness as your existing hair.

Talk to your doctor if you do not see any hair growth after 4 months of treatment.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep the minoxidil topical foam canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of minoxidil topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using minoxidil topical?

Avoid getting minoxidil topical in the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse the area with water.

Avoid using other skin products on the areas you treat with minoxidil topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Minoxidil topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although the risk of serious side effects is low when minoxidil topical is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe scalp irritation;
unwanted growth of facial hair;
chest pain, fast heartbeats;
swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
headache, dizziness, confusion; or
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Common side effects may include:

changes in the color or texture of your hair.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Minoxidil topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alopecia:

Apply a half capful or 1 mL twice a day to the affected scalp areas
Maximum dose: 2 mL

Comments:
-Evidence of hair growth may take 2 months or more of twice daily applications.
-If hair regrowth occurs, use must be continued for continued hair growth; re-grown hair may disappear within 3 to 4 months of stopping and the balding process will continue.
-Discontinue if no improvement after 1 year of use

What is finasteride?

Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Finasteride (Propecia) is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men. Finasteride (Proscar) is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate.

finasteride is for use in men only.

Finasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child.

Finasteride can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use finasteride if you are allergic to it.

finasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Finasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle finasteride tablets.

Using finasteride may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease, or abnormal liver function tests;
prostate cancer;
a bladder muscle disorder;
stricture of your urethra;
urination problems; or
an allergic reaction to a similar medicine called dutasteride (Avodart).

Although finasteride is not for use by women, this medicine can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.

If a woman accidentally comes into contact with a broken or crushed tablet, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I take finasteride?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using finasteride.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Use finasteride regularly to get the most benefit.

It may take up to 3 months or longer before you receive the full benefit of taking finasteride. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine. Keep using the medication as directed.

You will need frequent medical tests. Your doctor will also test your prostate specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What should I avoid while taking finasteride?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Finasteride side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you notice any signs of male breast cancer, such as:

breast lumps;
breast pain or tenderness;
nipple discharge; or
any other breast changes.

Common side effects may include:

loss of interest in sex;
impotence;
trouble having an orgasm; or
abnormal ejaculation.

The sexual side effects of finasteride may continue after you stop taking finasteride. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these side effects.