This article will explore the potential benefits and side effects of using Finasteride and Minoxidil together.
What is Finasteride and Minoxidil?
- Minoxidil is a Health Canada-approved medication in men and women available over the counter and by prescription.
- Finasteride is a preferred treatment for men. Finasteride requires a prescription.
Minoxidil and Finasteride are available as an oral tablet and as a topical agent (foam, spray or dropper).
Can You Use Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?
Finasteride and Minoxidil complement each other: Finasteride focuses on the hormonal aspect, while Minoxidil positively affects blood flow.
Does Finasteride Work Better with Minoxidil?
Clinical results showed that combining oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil is the most efficient treatment with rare adverse reactions that quickly resolved after stopping the drug.
How Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Work Together?
Finasteride suppresses the production of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), a hormone.
Minoxidil increases scalp blood flow and activates hair follicles which eventually thickens hair and slows down balding.
Before and After Results
a) Hair at baseline, b) treatment with oral Finasteride, c) pause in treatment for eight months, d) treatment with topical Minoxidil (5%) fortified with Finasteride (0.1%).
Disclaimer: These photos have been selected for reference purposes.
- Clinical studies showed a significantly higher efficacy of combined use compared to the monotherapies with Minoxidil or Finasteride.
- Personal insights available online confirm this combined treatment effectiveness.
For those looking to maximize their hair loss treatment, some explore the possibility of combining Finasteride with Dutasteride. Discover the potential benefits and risks of taking Finasteride and Dutasteride together to see if this approach might work for you.
What is the Difference Between Finasteride and Minoxidil?
- Minoxidil improves hair density by enhancing blood flow to the hair follicles, extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle and increases hair follicle diameter, which can make hair appear thicker and fuller.
- Finasteride reduces hair loss and promotes regrowth by inhibiting the production of DHT. DHT has a negative effect on hair growth cycle resulting in hairs so short that they don’t exit the scalp at all.
Finasteride is the best solution for male pattern baldness and for women with female pattern hair loss.
Minoxidil is versatile and applicable in various types of hair loss.
What are the Side Effects of Combining Minoxidil with Finasteride?
The combined treatment of Minoxidil and Finasteride should be used under doctor’s guidance due to the greater risk of experiencing side effects.
- Topical Minoxidil and Finasteride are associated with unpleasant scalp itching, scaling and irritation.
- Oral Minoxidil acts as a systemic vasodilator and should be used with caution in patients at risk of heart conditions as it can provoke myocardial ischemia.
- Oral Finasteride can lead to problems like erectile dysfunction and lower libido.
- Topical Minoxidil and topical Finasteride are the safest beneficial treatment strategy.
- Oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil are also considered a safe and effective solution.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
The effectiveness of Finasteride and Minoxidil depends on family history, systemic illness, severity of the condition you are trying to treat.
If Finasteride isn’t delivering the desired results, some patients consider switching to Dutasteride for a stronger effect. Explore our guide on switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride to better understand the differences and benefits of making the switch.
Key Takeaways
- Minoxidil and Finasteride are both clinically proven treatments,, with their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
- Finasteride and Minoxidil don’t interact with each other and can be taken at the same time.
- Finasteride targets a key hormone while Minoxidil improves blood flow.
- Combining topical Finasteride and Minoxidil or oral Finasteride and topical Minoxidil offers a safe and effective first-line approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Finasteride and Minoxidil Take to Work?
Finasteride alone typically takes 3-6 months to work, while treatment with only Minoxidil takes 8-16 weeks to see results. Combined, these medications show best results after 12 months.
How Long Should I Take Finasteride and Minoxidil for?
It’s recommended to take the treatment for a year to give the body enough time to react.Do I Have to Use Minoxidil with Finasteride?
It is not mandatory to combine Minoxidil and Finasteride because both Minoxidil and Finasteride are successful on their own, especially if they’re applied early.
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