Topical Finasteride + Minoxidil Spray — Important Safety Information
Compounded topical for men only. Do not handle if pregnant. Possible sexual side effects and scalp irritation.
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. Your EOS Health-affiliated provider may recommend this medication based on your individual medical evaluation.
This compounded scalp spray contains topical finasteride, topical minoxidil, and topical tretinoin. The compounded treatment is for men only, and should not be used or handled by women or children.
Topical Finasteride
Finasteride is FDA-approved as an oral medication to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men only.
Who should not use topical finasteride?
- You are a woman — not to be used or handled by women, especially if pregnant or trying to become pregnant. In animal studies, finasteride caused abnormal development of genitalia in male fetuses.
- Your scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful
- You have a known allergic reaction to topical finasteride
How to use
Spray 4 sprays max onto bald areas of the scalp. Massage in, wipe excess from face, wash hands, let dry. Avoid contact with eyes.
What to tell your provider
Share all current medications and your medical history, especially any history of: erectile dysfunction, depression, thoughts of self-harm, prostate cancer, or breast cancer.
Most serious side effects
If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
- PSA effects: Finasteride can decrease PSA levels. Tell your provider you are taking finasteride when getting a PSA test.
- High-grade prostate cancer: Studies of 5α-reductase inhibitors found an increase in high-grade prostate cancer.
Common side effects
- Scalp irritation: burning, itching, redness, bumps, flaking
- Temporary shedding in the first weeks
- Changes in hair texture
Systemic side effects can include: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, mood changes, decreased sperm count.
Topical Minoxidil
Who should not use topical minoxidil?
- Known allergic reaction
- Scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful
- You are a woman
What to tell your provider
- All topical and oral medications you are using
- Medical history, especially of heart disease
Most serious side effects
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, faintness, dizziness
- Sudden unexplained weight gain
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Scalp irritation or redness
- Unwanted facial hair growth
- Inflammatory reaction with blistering
Common side effects
- Itching
- Skin irritation
Topical Tretinoin
Who should not use tretinoin?
- Known allergic reaction
- Scalp is red, inflamed, infected, irritated, or painful
- You are a woman
What to tell your provider
- All topical and oral medications
- Tretinoin makes scalp more sun-sensitive
- Medical history of eczema, sun sensitivity, lupus, albinism, porphyria
Most serious side effects
- Skin discoloration
- Inflammatory reaction with blistering
Common side effects
- Dryness, itching, burning, redness, peeling
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This information is not comprehensive. Please reach out to your EOS Health-affiliated provider with any questions or concerns.