Patient Information Leaflet: Topical Finasteride, Dutateride, Minoxidil, Melatonin, 17 alpha Estradiol, Caffeine
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or trichology prescriber.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others as it may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
MHRA LICENSED (NO) | FDA APPROVED (NO) | OFF LABEL USE (YES) | DEMONSTRATED (YES)
AVERAGE COST PER DAY USE
What is Topical Finasteride and What is it Used For?
Topical Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It is a medication applied directly to the scalp that helps reduce hair loss and stimulates hair regrowth by lowering dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels locally in the scalp.
Male pattern hair loss is caused by the shrinking of hair follicles due to increased DHT levels. Topical Finasteride offers an alternative to the oral form, reducing the risk of systemic side effects while still being effective for scalp hair loss.
How Does Topical Finasteride Work for Hair Loss?
Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. By lowering DHT levels in the scalp:
Slows hair thinning: It reduces the rate at which hair follicles shrink, helping to maintain existing hair.
Promotes regrowth: It can also promote the growth of new hair in areas where hair has thinned.
Topical application targets the scalp directly, reducing the risk of sexual side effects that can occur with oral Finasteride.
How to Use Topical Finasteride
Apply the prescribed amount (usually 1ml) directly to the affected areas of the scalp once daily, unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.
Make sure your scalp is clean and dry before applying the solution.
Gently massage the medication into the scalp with your fingertips.
Wash your hands thoroughly after use to avoid transferring the medication to other areas.
Do not rinse or wash your scalp for at least 4 hours after application.
Results may begin to show after 3 to 6 months, but it may take up to 12 months for full results.
How Effective is Topical Finasteride?
Topical Finasteride has been shown to be effective in reducing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth, similar to its oral counterpart, with reduced systemic absorption.
Studies have demonstrated that the topical formulation effectively lowers scalp DHT levels and slows hair loss progression.
Visible improvements can be seen within 3 to 6 months, with optimal results at 12 months.
If the treatment is stopped, hair loss will likely resume within 6 to 12 months.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, topical Finasteride can cause side effects, although they are generally less common than with the oral form.
Common Side Effects (affecting 1 in 100 people):
Scalp irritation or redness
Itching or dryness at the application site
Rare Side Effects (affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people):
Skin rash or allergic reaction
Swelling of the lips or face
Mild sexual side effects (less likely with topical use)
If you notice any severe reactions or side effects, stop using the product and contact your healthcare provider.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy warning: Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle topical Finasteride as it may harm an unborn baby.
Regular check-ups: Your healthcare provider may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Missed dose: If you forget to apply a dose, do not double the next one. Simply continue with your regular application schedule.
Scientific References
Caserini M, et al. Efficacy of topical Finasteride in androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 2014;52(11):842-849.
Piraccini BM, et al. Topical finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2019;81(5):1422-1430.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or concerns about Topical Finasteride, please contact your healthcare provider or expert trichology prescriber.
Register for Personalised Hair Loss Treatment
For personalized treatment plans, advice, and ongoing support from an expert trichology prescriber, register today at:Register as a Patient
Expert Trichology Prescriber
GrowBack Clinics - Specialist in Hair Loss Treatments and Scalp Health
Patient Information Leaflet: Topical Dutasteride
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or trichology prescriber.
This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others as it may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
What is Topical Dutasteride and What is it Used For?
Topical Dutasteride is a treatment for male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Applied directly to the scalp, it helps reduce hair thinning and promotes hair regrowth by targeting dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
Male pattern hair loss occurs due to the sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT. Topical Dutasteride is an alternative to the oral version, with a more targeted action and reduced systemic side effects.
How Does Topical Dutasteride Work for Hair Loss?
Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, which convert testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels locally in the scalp, it:
Slows down hair loss: Helps to prevent further hair follicle miniaturization.
Promotes regrowth: Encourages thicker hair growth in affected areas.
Topical application targets the scalp, reducing the risk of systemic side effects such as sexual dysfunction.
How to Use Topical Dutasteride
Apply the prescribed amount (usually 1ml) to the affected areas of the scalp once daily, unless otherwise advised by your prescriber.
Ensure that the scalp is clean and dry before application.
Massage the solution into the scalp gently with your fingertips.
Wash your hands after use to avoid spreading the product to other areas.
Do not rinse your scalp for at least 4 hours after application.
Results may be noticeable after 3 to 6 months, with optimal effects seen after 12 months of continuous use.
How Effective is Topical Dutasteride?
Topical Dutasteride has been shown to be effective in reducing DHT levels in the scalp, slowing down hair loss, and promoting regrowth.
Clinical studies demonstrate significant hair regrowth and reduced hair thinning in patients using topical Dutasteride.
Visible results typically appear within 6 months, with continued improvement over 12 months.
Discontinuing the treatment will likely result in a return to previous hair loss patterns within 6 to 12 months.
Possible Side Effects
Topical Dutasteride, like any medication, can cause side effects, although the risk is generally lower than with oral Dutasteride.
Common Side Effects (affecting 1 in 100 people):
Mild scalp irritation
Dryness or flaking at the application site
Rare Side Effects (affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people):
Skin rash or allergic reaction
Facial swelling
Sexual side effects (lower risk than oral formulation)
If you experience severe reactions, stop using the product and consult your healthcare provider.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy warning: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle topical Dutasteride due to the risk of birth defects.
Regular monitoring: Your healthcare provider may monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as necessary.
Missed dose: If you forget to apply a dose, continue with your regular schedule without doubling the next application.
Scientific References
Araújo RF, et al. Topical Dutasteride for male pattern baldness. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2019;94(3):323-329.
Jung JY, et al. Topical Dutasteride for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Dermatologic Therapy. 2017;30(5)
.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or concerns about Topical Dutasteride, please contact your healthcare provider or expert trichology prescriber.
Register for Personalised Hair Loss Treatment
For personalized treatment plans, advice, and ongoing support from an expert trichology prescriber, register today at:
Register as a Patient
Expert Trichology PrescriberGrowBack Clinics - Specialist in Hair Loss Treatments and Scalp Health
Patient Information Leaflet: Topical Minoxidil
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or trichology prescriber.
This medicine has been
Comments