Patient Information Leaflet: Combination Therapy for Hair Loss (Oral Minoxidil with Oral Finasteride or Oral Dutasteride)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this combination treatment.
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or trichology prescriber.
This combination therapy has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others, as it may not be suitable for them.
MHRA LICENSED (NO) | FDA APPROVED (NO) | OFF LABEL USE (YES) | DEMONSTRATED (YES)
AVERAGE COST PER DAY USE
What is This Combination Therapy and What is it Used For?
This combination therapy involves using Oral Minoxidil together with either Oral Finasteride or Oral Dutasteride to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). The combination of these medications works synergistically to reduce hair thinning, stimulate hair regrowth, and improve overall hair density.
Both Oral Minoxidil and Oral Finasteride/Dutasteride target different aspects of hair loss, making this combination an effective approach for men experiencing moderate to advanced hair thinning.
How Does This Combination Therapy Work for Hair Loss?
The combination of Oral Minoxidil with Oral Finasteride or Oral Dutasteride targets hair loss from different angles to maximize results:
Oral Minoxidil:
Works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.
Extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, helping hair grow thicker and stronger.
Oral Finasteride (1mg) or Oral Dutasteride (0.5mg):
Both medications work by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the primary hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles and causing hair thinning in male pattern hair loss.
Finasteride inhibits type II 5-alpha-reductase, while Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase, making Dutasteride more potent in reducing DHT levels.
By combining these two types of medications, the therapy:
Reduces hair loss: Finasteride or Dutasteride reduces DHT, which helps stop the miniaturization of hair follicles.
Promotes hair regrowth: Minoxidil improves blood flow to the hair follicles, helping them grow thicker, healthier hair.
How to Take This Combination Therapy
Your prescriber will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual hair loss profile. A common regimen may include:
Oral Minoxidil: Typically 0.25 mg to 5 mg once daily, taken at the same time each day.
Oral Finasteride: Standard dose is 1mg once daily.
Oral Dutasteride: If prescribed, the typical dose is 0.5 mg once daily.
General Instructions:
Take the tablets with water, with or without food.
Stick to the recommended schedule and do not exceed the prescribed dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up doses.
It may take 3 to 6 months to see visible improvement, with continued benefits seen over 6 to 12 months.
How Effective is This Combination Therapy?
Combining Oral Minoxidil with Oral Finasteride or Dutasteride has been shown to be highly effective for male pattern hair loss:
Finasteride/Dutasteride can reduce DHT levels by up to 70-90%, slowing or halting hair thinning.
Minoxidil helps to promote new hair growth by increasing blood flow and revitalizing shrunken hair follicles.
Clinical studies have shown that patients using this combination see:
Significant reduction in hair loss within the first few months.
Improvement in hair thickness and density after continued use for 6-12 months.
Consistent use is required to maintain the benefits. If you stop the therapy, hair loss may resume within a few months.
Possible Side Effects
While this combination therapy is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. These are typically mild, but it is important to monitor any symptoms.
Common Side Effects:
Oral Minoxidil:
Fluid retention or swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
Dizziness or light-headedness
Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Mild headaches
Excessive hair growth in unintended areas (hypertrichosis)
Oral Finasteride/Dutasteride:
Reduced libido (decreased interest in sex)
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Decreased semen volume
Rare Side Effects:
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of the face or lips)
Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia)
Testicular pain
Persistent sexual side effects (rare, especially with Finasteride/Dutasteride)
If you experience any of these side effects, particularly severe or persistent ones, consult your doctor or trichology prescriber immediately.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy warning: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Finasteride or Dutasteride tablets, as they may cause harm to a male fetus.
Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are important to track progress and manage any side effects.
Interactions: Inform your prescriber if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements.
Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, proper scalp care, and reducing stress can complement this treatment and improve results.
Scientific References
Sinclair R, et al. Combination treatment with oral Minoxidil and oral Finasteride for male androgenetic alopecia. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2018;79(3):547-551.
Trüeb RM. Management of androgenetic alopecia with oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride: A synergistic approach. International Journal of Trichology. 2020;12(1):36-42.
Rossi A, et al. Low-dose oral Minoxidil combined with oral Finasteride: A novel approach to male pattern hair loss. Dermatologic Therapy. 2019;32(3)
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Need More Information?
If you have any questions or concerns about your combination therapy, please contact your healthcare provider or expert trichology prescriber.
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