Hair growth
Oral finasteride and minoxidil treatment guide
How to take your compounded capsule, monitor blood pressure and whole-body effects, and review progress safely.
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How to use
- 01
Step 1
What this compounded treatment does
Finasteride lowers the DHT signal involved in follicle miniaturisation, while minoxidil widens blood vessels and supports the hair-growth phase. This compounded capsule is not an authorised fixed combination; both ingredients are used off-label for hair loss under the prescriber’s supervision.
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Step 2
Take one prescribed capsule each morning
The prescribed strengths contain finasteride 1 mg with minoxidil 2.5 mg or 5 mg. Swallow the capsule whole, with or without food. Use only the strength on your pharmacy label and do not add separate oral dutasteride, finasteride, or minoxidil.
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Step 3
Monitor blood pressure and avoid double doses
Monitor blood pressure during the first month if prescribed the 5 mg minoxidil strength, and whenever your clinician asks. Tell them about heart, kidney, or liver disease and medicines that lower blood pressure. If you miss a dose, skip it when the next is near; never double it.
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Dose schedule
- 01
Step 1
Before the first dose
Your prescriber confirms the cause and pattern of hair loss, reviews other medicines and relevant medical history, and records any baseline monitoring needed for your formulation.
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Step 2
During the first months
Use only the prescribed amount. Take one scalp photograph each month in the same light and note any new symptoms. Do not change the strength or add another hair medicine before your review.
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Step 3
At follow-up
The clinician reviews tolerance and the photographs before deciding whether to continue, adjust, or stop. Do not judge the result from day-to-day changes.
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Side effects
Minoxidil-related effects
Dizziness, headache, ankle swelling, fluid retention, a faster heartbeat, and extra facial or body hair can occur. Rise slowly if light-headed and report persistent swelling or palpitations promptly.
Finasteride-related effects
Reduced libido, erection or ejaculation changes, breast tenderness or enlargement, and mood changes can occur. Contact your doctor if an effect persists or concerns you.
04 / 08 · Do not use if
- Pregnancy, possible pregnancy, or plans to conceive
- Phaeochromocytoma or heart, kidney, or liver disease not reviewed by the prescriber
- Allergy to finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, or a capsule ingredient
- Finasteride passes into semen in small amounts. If your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant, use a condom so she is not exposed to your semen. Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle crushed or leaking capsules.
05 / 08 · When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor if
- Chest pain, fainting, trouble breathing, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or sudden swelling — seek urgent medical care
- Persistent dizziness, ankle swelling, palpitations, breast changes, sexual symptoms, or a marked change in mood
- Any side effect that is worsening, troublesome, or makes you consider stopping treatment
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Storage
Keep the medicine in its original container, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children’s reach. Follow the temperature limit and expiry date on the pharmacy label.
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What to expect
Hair treatment is gradual. Early shedding can occur, and monthly photographs taken in the same light are more useful than daily checking. A first review is usually planned after several months; 6–12 months may be needed to judge the response, and any benefit is maintained only while treatment continues.
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