Hair Loss

Finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil: the options we carry

Pattern hair loss is treated with two approaches, and this category carries both. The 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors reduce the conversion of testosterone to DHT: finasteride is stocked at 1MG for hair loss and 5MG for prostate use, under brands including Finpecia, Finax, Fincar and F-pecia, while dutasteride is carried at 0.5MG in soft gels such as Dutas, Dutagen and Dutanol, and in a combination with tamsulosin. Minoxidil works differently, acting on the follicle directly, and is stocked as 2%, 5% and 10% topical solutions, sprays and foams in bottles of 60ML and 100ML, including combined minoxidil and finasteride topical preparations.

Three things to know before starting

Three things are worth knowing before starting either. First, they work only while used: results reverse over several months after stopping, so this is an ongoing commitment. Second, they are slow: three months is too early to judge, six to twelve months is a fair assessment point, and shedding during the first weeks of minoxidil is common and not a sign of failure. Third, the two can be used together and are often more effective that way than either alone.

Side effects, stated plainly

The side effects deserve straight treatment. Oral finasteride and dutasteride are associated with sexual side effects in a minority of users, along with reports of mood changes, and while most resolve on stopping, there are accounts of symptoms persisting. Neither is used by women who may become pregnant, and dutasteride stays in the body far longer than finasteride. Topical minoxidil mainly causes scalp irritation and unwanted hair where it runs.

Applying topical solutions correctly

Topical solutions are applied to a dry scalp rather than wet hair, left to absorb before anything else goes on, and measured with the dropper or pump supplied rather than poured, since the volume is what determines the dose delivered.

A doctor can tell you whether your pattern of loss is likely to respond at all. Every listing shows strength, volume or tablet count and the guaranteed minimum expiry date. All stock ships from India through licensed distributors.