Complete Hair Kit

The complete Hair Kit contains Finasteride 1mg tablets and Topical Spray containing minoxidil 6%.

Finasteride Safety information

Finasteride works by reducing the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone thought to be responsible for male-pattern hair thinning and hair loss. By doing so, finasteride can help to reverse the balding process and prevent further hair loss.

Know the facts:

• The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) has received reports of depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts in men taking finasteride. If you develop symptoms of depression, you should immediately stop taking finasteride and inform a healthcare professional.
• Cases of male breast cancer have been reported. If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should promptly report this to your doctor.
• Finasteride can affect the results of a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). If you have a PSA test done, you should inform your healthcare professional that you are taking finasteride.

Don’t take it if...

• You are a woman. Finasteride 1mg is only licensed for male-pattern hair thinning and hair loss, and has been shown to be ineffective for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in women.
• You are under the age of 18.
• You are already taking finasteride or any other 5ɑ-reductase inhibitor.
• You have had an allergic reaction to finasteride in the past.

Finasteride may not be suitable for you if you:

• You are trying to conceive (have a baby) as finasteride may affect male fertility and foetal development. If your partner is already pregnant, use of a condom is recommended.
• You have an intolerance to lactose or other sugars, as finasteride film-coated tablets contain lactose.

Finasteride 1mg should only be used by men over the age of 18 who have male-pattern hair thinning or hair loss. If you have any questions or aren’t sure whether you have any of the conditions listed above, please consult your doctor.

Do take it correctly:

Take one tablet each day. Daily use for three to six months may be necessary before you notice any increase in hair density or reduction in hair loss. If the treatment is stopped, you are likely to lose the hair you have gained within 9-12 months.

Finasteride will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day.

If you forget to take your tablet on a given day, do not take a double dose the next day.

Finasteride tablets can be taken with or without food.

Do be aware of the possible side effects:

If you experience any of the following serious (but uncommon) side effects, you should stop taking finasteride and seek urgent medical attention:

• an allergic reaction - symptoms include swelling of the lips, throat and eyelids, sudden difficulty in breathing or wheezing, dizziness, collapse, hives.
• depression - feelings of severe sadness, hopelessness and unworthiness

If you notice any changes in breast tissue such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge, you should promptly report this to your doctor as these may be symptoms of a serious condition such as male breast cancer.

Some uncommon side-effects of finasteride (experienced by up to 1 in 100 people) are:

• less desire to have sex
• erectile dysfunction (problems obtaining or maintaining an erection)
• problems with ejaculation, for example a decrease in the amount of semen released

If you experience these side effects to a significant extent, or if you notice any side effects not listed in your patient information leaflet (which will arrive with your medication), you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.

When your finasteride does arrive (which should be within the next 48 hours), please make sure to read the patient information leaflet enclosed. It contains other important safety information as well as a complete list of possible side effects.

Minoxidil safety information

Minoxidil (6%) scalp solution is a cutaneous solution that is applied to the scalp. For external use only. Minoxidil (6%) is an unlicensed medication - you can find more information on unlicensed medications here.

What minoxidil is used for

Minoxidil is used to treat male pattern hair loss in men aged 18-65 years. It is thought to work by dilating the blood vessels and supplying nutrient-rich blood to the hair follicles. The exact process by which this occurs is not known.

How to tell if minoxidil is suitable for you

Minoxidil works best in men with hair loss or thinning at the top of the scalp (see diagrams). It is also suitable for men who have:

• Noticed gradual hair loss or thinning over time
• A family history of hair loss
• Hair loss with no other symptoms

If you have been bald for many years or have a large area of hair loss, it is unlikely that minoxidil will be an effective treatment for you.

When minoxidil should not be used

Minoxidil should not be used:

• If you suffer from a problem with blood pressure
• If you have any condition that affects your scalp including sunburn and psoriasis or if you use other creams, ointments, lotions etc. used to treat scalp conditions e.g. dithranol, tretinoin, corticosteroids (steroids) and petrolatum products (soft paraffin) or have any kind of dressing or bandage on your scalp
• For sudden, unexpected hair loss which may be linked to thyroid or other medical problems
• Total baldness or complete loss of all body hair
• Hair loss caused by drug treatment
• If you have a shaved head
• If you are allergic to minoxidil, ethanol or propylene glycol
• If you are under 18 or over 65 years
• If you are a woman

If you suffer from heart disease (including abnormal heart rhythms or rates, angina or chest pains) and/or circulation disorders you should seek the advice of your doctor before using minoxidil.

There is a risk that minoxidil may interact with certain blood pressure medicines called “vasodilators”, and alter their effect. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking such medication.

It is very important that you use minoxidil as recommended on this safety information page. Using too much minoxidil can cause it to be absorbed into the blood, which may result in side effects such as rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness, or swollen hands or feet. However, when minoxidil is used as recommended it is extremely unlikely that any of these side effects will occur.

Minoxidil can also be absorbed into the blood if you are unusually sensitive to minoxidil, or if it is used when there is a scalp condition (such as psoriasis) present. Therefore, it is important that you follow the recommendations and advice on this safety information page when using minoxidil.

How long minoxidil takes to work

It usually takes 2 or more months to notice hair regrowth. This is because hair growth is a slow process, so it takes time for regrown hairs to become noticeable. Regrown hair will be soft and downy at the start but should eventually become the same as normal hair. The time it takes to notice hair regrowth may vary from person-to-person.

Please be aware that some slight hair loss may occur after 2-6 weeks of use. This is likely to be a result of the hair re-growth cycle and should subside within a couple of weeks. If shedding persists for longer than 2 weeks you should stop using minoxidil and consult your doctor.

If there is no hair re-growth after 12 months it is very unlikely that you will respond and you should stop using minoxidil. Please consult your doctor if you are concerned at any time during treatment.

For the best results, you should continue to use minoxidil every day if hair regrowth occurs, to maintain the hair you re-grew. If you decide to stop using minoxidil, it is likely that you will lose any re-grown hair within 3-4 months.

How to use minoxidil

Precautions

Minoxidil must only be used on the scalp. Make sure your scalp is normal and healthy before applying minoxidil. Do not use minoxidil on other parts of the body. If accidentally applied to any other part of the body, rinse thoroughly with water.

To use minoxidil:

• Make sure your scalp is dry before applying the solution
• Apply 6 sprays (1ml) to the affected area/s of the scalp twice daily (once in the morning and once at night)
• Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

Avoid contact with the eyes, broken skin and sensitive areas. If accidentally applied to these parts, wash with plenty of water.

Do not use more than 2ml minoxidil daily (do not spray it on your scalp more than twice a day). Exceeding the recommended dose will not re-grow your hair any more quickly and you may risk side effects.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying minoxidil and rinse other areas that have come into contact with it.

Side-effects of minoxidil

Stop using minoxidil if you get any of the following:

• Blood pressure changes
• Rapid heartbeat
• New or worsening pain in the chest
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• Unexplained rapid weight gain of more than 2 kg or 5 pounds
• Swelling or puffiness of the hands or feet
• Persistent redness or irritation of the scalp

Minoxidil can cause skin irritation (e.g. local redness, itching, dryness, scalp flaking). Although this might only be a temporary effect, stop using the product if it persists.

Stop using minoxidil if you notice changes in hair colour and/or texture.

Minoxidil may cause a burning sensation and irritation if you get it in the eye. If you get minoxidil in your eye, mouth or on a cut or damaged skin, wash the area well with lots of cool tap water.

Unwanted non-scalp hair has sometimes been reported after using minoxidil. Always wash your hands thoroughly after application and if accidentally applied to parts of the body other than the scalp, rinse thoroughly with water.

Keep minoxidil out of reach of children. If anyone (cluding a child) ingests minoxidil, take them to the hospital immediately with the minoxidil bottle (so the doctor can see how much they have ingested).

If you experience any other side effects not mentioned on this safety information page, you should consult your doctor.

How to store minoxidil

Keep the bottle in a safe place, below 25°C (normal room temperature).

Keep out of the reach and sight of children. When empty, dispose of the bottle safely. To properly dispose of a partially-used bottle, empty as much of the contents as you can into a sink, and wash away with running water. Never try to burn a bottle of minoxidil.