Frequently asked questions about Minoxidil prescription strengthMINOXIDIL: Questions and Answers
 
WHAT IS MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS?
Male pattern baldness,  androgenetic alopecia,  is a very common condition in which men begin to experience thinning of the hair on the scalp.  These changes often start slowly in men in their 20’s and often progress to a receding hairline and/or balding on the top of the head.  Male pattern baldness is believed to be hereditary and dependent on hormonal effects.  The primary cause of Male Pattern hair loss and baldness is due to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is produced by 5-alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to DHT and leads to miniaturization of the hair follicle.
WHAT IS MINOXIDIL & HOW DOES  IT WORK?
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine and it works at the level of the dermal papilla.  Minoxidil increases blood flow and works by gradually enlarging miniaturized follicles that have shrunk.  Also, Minoxidil appears to extend the hair's growth phase thus giving the hairs an opportunity to reach a longer length before falling out.  With more follicles in the growth stage, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp.
HOW DOES PRESCRIPTION STRENGTH MINOXIDIL DIFFER FROM ROGAINE?
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine the over-the counter preparation.  Rogaine contains only 2 - 5% Minoxidil and is 60%  alcohol which is very drying and damaging to the hair shaft.  Minoxidil effectiveness is dose dependent and the higher the dose the better the hair regrowth.  Therefore prescription strength Minoxidil  15% cream or 12.5% lotion is many times more potent than Rogaine and it is not drying and damaging to the hair shaft as is OTC Rogaine.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MINOXIDIL 15% -30% CREAM & 12.5% LOTION & 5% FOAM & 15% SOLUTION?
All Minoxidil preparations compounded exclusively by Murray Avenue Apothecary are formulated with micronized Minoxidil  which means the Minoxidil has been ground down from its normal crystals into very fine particles which can be more easily put into higher strength formulas.   These Minoxidil preparations are made without alcohol which is drying and irritating to the scalp and found in high concentrations in over the counter Rogaine.

In addition, you have the option customizing the Minoxidil cream or lotion with additives that promote hair growth and increase the effectiveness of the formulation.  The Minoxidil can be compounded with 0.025% Retinoic Acid (RA)  which can initiate cell growth and differentiation, Azelaic Acid (AA) which is a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor (decreased DHT which is responsible for male pattern hair loss) and Hydrocortisone a steroid which helps decrease any scalp irritation.  If you have glaucoma, increased intraoccular pressure, or sensitive to steroids the formulation must NOT be compounded with Hydrocortisone

Minoxidil 5% Foam  for those who prefer to use a foam (no additives).
Minoxidil 12.5% lotion is a clear light lotion with a liquid consistency in a 60 ml bottle with an applicator.
Minoxidil 15% or30%  cream is a smooth cream that is easily applied and comes in a 60 gram tube.

The choice is an individual preference and both the cream and the lotion can be prepared with no additives, with Retinoic Acid, or with Retinoic Acid, Azelaic Acid , Hydrocortisone, Progesterone 0.25%, finasteride 0.1%.
WILL MINOXIDIL WORK FOR ME? WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS?
Minoxidil is prescribed online for MEN 18 years or older experiencing gradual thinning and hair loss on the top of the head(vertex) - ANDROGENETIC  Male Pattern Baldness. Clinical trials have shown Minoxidil to be effective in regrowing hair on the top of the head but not proven efficacious in frontal hair growth.  The response to Minoxidil varies greatly for each person and can not be predicted. Minoxidil has been clinically proven and FDA approved as a treatment for male pattern hair loss and is dose dependent.  Therefore, prescription strength 15% cream or 12.5% lotion is significantly more effective than over-the-counter 2 - 5% Minoxidil,  Rogaine. 
CAN MINOXIDIL  BE USED ALONG WITH PROPECIA OR AVODART?
Treating male pattern hair loss with multiple modalities  - topical Minoxidil and systemic 5-alpha reductase inhibitors Propecia or Avodart may work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and promote hair regrowth.

Topical prescription strength Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow and enlarging miniaturized follicles and extending the hair's growth phase.   Propecia and Avodart, both 5 alpha- reductase inhibitors, work by inhibiting the enzymatic conversion of testosterone to DHT.  DHT is responsible for the miniaturization of the hair follicles in the balding areas.  Therefore topical Minoxidil and systemic Propecia or Avodart work synergistically on the key factors in the development of androgenetic male pattern baldness.   Propecia and Avodart  decrease  levels of DHT responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles, while Minoxidil works to increase blood flow to the area and enlarge and restore the follicles that have been miniaturized.

Although Minoxidil can be used as a sole treatment modality, combining topical Minoxidil with systemic DHT inhibitors - Propecia  or 
Avodart  would maximize  the effectiveness of both,  and result in the best opportunity to slow hair loss and regrow new hair.

Avodart or Propecia prescriptions are available through Medical Wellness Center
HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
Hair grows only about ½ inch per month, therefore patients start to notice results after first 3 months of treatment.  It takes time to see improvement.  Initially one may start to notice very fine, soft, colorless hairs.  With further use the new hairs will gradually become thicker and the same color as the other hairs on your scalp.   Up to 12 months of use may be needed to see your best results from Minoxidil.  Also, for those just starting to have hair thinning, using Minoxidil  in the early stages will yield the  most dramatic results. 
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE MINOXIDIL?
The underlying predisposition to baldness is always present. Therefore, if a patient discontinues use of Minoxidil , he will gradually lose the new hair that grew in response to Minoxidil  treatment and will experience the progression of his underlying predisposition to baldness.  Newly regrown hairs will probably be lost in 3  - 4  months after stopping medication  use.
WHEN & HOW DO I USE  MINOXIDIL?
Minoxidil prescription strength cream or  lotion/gel is applied once daily in the evening to a dry scalp.  Allow sufficient time for  the Minoxidil to be absorbed into the scalp and dry before going to bed.  Do not get scalp or hair wet for 4 hours after applying Minoxidil.  Only apply Minoxidil to the scalp in the hair loss  area.  Do not get in eyes.   Wash hands after applying. Using Minoxidil  more frequently or in higher doses will NOT make it work better or faster.  If you miss a Minoxidil  dose, just continue with your next dose in the evening.  DO NOT use  a double dose of the medication.
  • Only apply to the areas of hair loss on the scalp
  • Do NOT apply to any other part of the body
  • Do NOT use more frequently than prescribed
  • Always wash hands after use
CAN I CONTINUE TO USE SPRAYS, MOUSSES, GELS and STYLING AIDS  WITH MINOXIDIL ?
There is no need to change your usual hair care routine when using Minoxidil.  It is best to use Minoxidil on a dry scalp at night and to allow it to dry and absorb thoroughly before going to bed to prevent spread on the pillow and bedding.  Do not wet hair for 4 hours after applying Minoxidil to scalp.    If you do need to apply styling aids after applying Minoxidil, wait for the Minoxidil to dry completely before applying any styling aids.
CAN I HAVE MY HAIR CHEMICALLY TREATED - PERMANENTS, TINTS, RELAXED WHILE USING MINOXIDIL?
There is no evidence that chemical treatment of hair changes the effect of Minoxidil.  However, chemical treatments can result in scalp irritation.  Therefore the night before you plan to chemically treat your hair do NOT apply Minoxidil.  Also do NOT apply Minoxidil to the scalp for at least 24 hours after any chemical treatment to your hair to ensure no irritation occurs.  If you experience any irritation, sensitivity or scalp redness after a chemical treatment, wait until the scalp is 100% healed before applying Minoxidil. Do NOT make up for missed doses. 
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ABOUT MINOXIDIL?
  • Minoxidil is prescribed ONLINE for MEN only, although unlike Propecia or Avodart it has also been approved for women who are experiencing male pattern hair loss.  Minoxidil is NEVER prescribed for women online because in women male  pattern hair loss  could be a sign of a serious or life-threatening underlying medical condition from hormonal problems to even cancer.
  • Pregnant women should NOT use OTC Rogaine or prescription strength Minoxidil.
  • Minoxidil is indicated as a topical treatment for male pattern hair loss which occurs gradually and runs in families.  If you experience sudden hair loss, or you are experiencing patchy areas or hair loss or hair loss from medication or after pregnancy Minoxidil is NOT for you.
  • Minoxidil is for TOPICAL use ONLY!  Minoxidil is to be applied to the areas of hair thinning on the scalp only. Never take Minoxidil by mouth.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF MINOXIDIL?
The most common side effects are itching and other skin irritations of the treated area of the scalp.  Minoxidil should ONLY be applied to the scalp.  The risk of side effects increased if applied to other parts of the body.  Always WASH hands after use

Do not get in eyes - if accidentally gets in eyes flush with water immediately and if irritation persists seek immediate medical attention in an emergency room.

Stop taking Avodart and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue or face.

STOP USING MINOXIDIL AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU GET:

  • Unwanted facial hair
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Faintness and /or dizziness
  • Sudden, unexplained weight gain
  • Swollen hands or feet
  • Redness or irritation on treated areas of your scalp
 WHO SHOULD NOT USE MINOXIDIL?
WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MINOXIDIL?
  • Minoxidil  is prescribed online for Men over age 18 only. 
  • Do NOT use  Minoxidil if you are not sure of the reason for your hair loss. 
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if you experienced Sudden hair loss.
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if you experience or patchy hair loss.
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if you are experiencing hair loss secondary to medication use or a severe illness.
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if you have a red, inflamed, infected, irritated or painful scalp.
  • Do NOT apply Minoxidil if to a sunburned scalp. 
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if you have any scalp condition such as psoriasis or eczema as Minoxidil can be  very irritating.
  • Do NOT use Minoxidil if yo ever had an allergic reaction to ROGAINE.
  • Minoxidil will NOT prevent or reverse hair loss from use of some prescriptions medications.
  • Minoxidil will NOT prevent or reverse hair loss due to chemotherapy, or nutritional problems, low thyroid states, or disease which cause scarring of the scalp.
  • Minoxidil will not improve hair loss from damage to the hair or scalp from use of hair care products, chemical treatments or hairstyles such as ponytails or cornrows.
 CONTRAINDICATIONS:  In order to proceed to the medical consultation, you must proceed to the next page and read the contraindications and verify that you do not have any of the contraindications and understand that any pregnant or potentially pregnant woman must not use Minoxidil.  Minoxidil is NEVER indicated for hair loss due to childbirth.

Under NO circumstance do we prescribe Minoxidil to any woman or child under the age of 18 .
Next to read contraindications for Minoxidil Male Hair Loss Prescription

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