Finasteride (Daily Hair Loss Tablet; also in the Hair Growth Gummy, 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Hair Growth Sprays)
What is finasteride?
Finasteride 1 mg is an FDA-approved medication used to treat male-pattern hair loss. It works by lowering DHT, the hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles. The Hair Growth Gummy and the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Hair Growth Sprays also contain finasteride. These are compounded medications. Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Who should not use it?
Do not use finasteride if you:
- Are a woman, especially if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Finasteride can cause abnormalities of the genitals in a male baby. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets or come into contact with the sprays.
- Are under 18 years of age.
- Are allergic to finasteride or any inactive ingredient in the product.
How should I use it?
- Daily Hair Loss Tablet and Hair Growth Gummy: take one dose by mouth once daily, with or without food.
- 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Hair Growth Sprays: apply to a clean, dry scalp as directed by your provider, then wash your hands.
- Use it consistently. Response to treatment varies from person to person, and benefits gradually reverse after stopping.
What should I tell my provider first?
Tell your provider about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter supplements, and if you have or have had liver disease, depression or other mood disorders, prostate problems, or plans to father a child. Finasteride lowers PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test results, so tell any provider ordering a PSA test that you take it. Leaving out or giving inaccurate health information can lead to serious harm.
What are the most serious side effects?
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Stop using finasteride and contact your provider right away if you have:
- Mood changes, including depression or thoughts of self-harm
- Breast lumps, breast pain or nipple discharge
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face
Finasteride may increase the risk of a more serious form of prostate cancer.
What are the most common side effects?
Decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving an erection, a decrease in the amount of semen, and breast tenderness or enlargement. With the sprays, scalp itching, redness or irritation can also occur.
Other important information
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This summary provides basic information about finasteride but does not include everything known about this medicine. Your ReformedRx provider can answer any questions about side effects before you start treatment. Please also read the information that comes with your prescription each time it’s filled.
Minoxidil (Women's Daily Hair Tablet, Women's Hair Complex Spray; also in the Hair Growth Gummy, 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Hair Growth Sprays)
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is used to treat hair loss by moving hair follicles into their growth phase. Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure; its use at low doses for hair loss is off-label. The Women’s Hair Complex Spray, Hair Growth Gummy, and 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 Hair Growth Sprays are compounded medications. Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review.
Who should not use it?
Do not use minoxidil if you:
- Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Have heart failure, a recent heart attack, chest pain (angina) or low blood pressure
- Have a rare adrenal tumor called pheochromocytoma
- Are allergic to minoxidil or any inactive ingredient in the product
Do not apply the sprays to broken, irritated or sunburned skin, and do not use oral and topical minoxidil together unless your provider directs you to.
How should I use it?
- Women’s Daily Hair Tablet and Hair Growth Gummy: take one dose by mouth once daily. If you feel lightheaded, your provider may recommend taking it at bedtime.
- Sprays: apply to a clean, dry scalp, directly on the thinning areas, as directed by your provider. Allow it to dry completely, wash your hands, and avoid washing your hair for at least 4 hours after application.
- Use it consistently. Response to treatment varies from person to person, and benefits gradually reverse after stopping.
What should I tell my provider first?
Tell your provider about every medicine you take, including over-the-counter supplements, especially blood pressure medicines. Also tell your provider if you have heart or kidney disease or a history of fluid retention. Products that contain biotin can affect some lab test results, so tell your provider and the lab that you take it. Leaving out or giving inaccurate health information can lead to serious harm.
What are the most serious side effects?
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Stop using minoxidil and get medical help right away if you have:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fast or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain or swelling of the face, hands, feet or ankles
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face
What are the most common side effects?
Unwanted facial or body hair growth, temporary increased shedding in the first 1 to 2 months, dizziness or lightheadedness, mild swelling of the feet or ankles, and headache. With the sprays, scalp itching, redness, dryness or flaking can occur; tretinoin can increase sensitivity to the sun.
Other important information
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This summary provides basic information about minoxidil but does not include everything known about this medicine. Your ReformedRx provider can answer any questions about side effects before you start treatment. Please also read the information that comes with your prescription each time it’s filled.
Licensed providers make all consultation and prescribing decisions. Purchasing does not guarantee a prescription. Prescriptions are issued only after a licensed provider reviews your information and determines that treatment is appropriate.
We serve patients in 46 states. We do not currently provide services in Alaska, Mississippi, New Jersey or Texas. Availability can vary by product, depending on whether the dispensing pharmacy is licensed to ship to your state.
