Product Safety Information for Minoxidil
Minoxidil is used to treat common hereditary hair loss in men aged 18-65 (otherwise known as male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia). Minoxidil reactivates and revitalises shrunken hair follicles and increases their size. Minoxidil is thought to work by dilating the blood vessels around hair follicles so increasing the nutrient supply to the follicles. With continued use, the hair follicles gain greater volume, which helps prevent further hair loss and promotes the regrowth of longer and thicker hairs.
The Hims Minoxidil solution is a proprietary extra strength formula, which does not contain alcohol or propylene glycol. This is a compounded, unlicensed product. Minoxidil products that are available without a prescription contain these additives, which are known to cause itchy scalps, irritation and dandruff.
Trade names
Minoxidil is sold under many different trade names around the world, including Regaine® and Rogaine®.
How do I use this medicine?
Apply 1 ml of the solution directly onto the scalp twice daily (once in the morning and once at night), using the dropper provided.
Make sure that the scalp is dry before applying.
No need to wash your hair before use.
Allow a few minutes for the solution to dry before wearing a hat or lying on a pillow.
This medicine is for external use only and should only be applied directly to the scalp.
Do not use more than 2 ml of the solution in 24 hours. Each bottle should last one month, if used as directed.
Additional information is included with the product.
What if I miss an application?
No worries! If you miss one or two applications, just carry on as normal, as if you had not missed the application. Using more often will not improve results.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Since normal hair grows approximately 1.25 cm per month, hair regrowth with Minoxidil also takes time.
You may need to use Minoxidil twice a day for 2-4 months before you see results. The best results will be achieved by following the instructions.
New hairs may initially be fine and soft (similar to baby hairs) but should eventually become the same colour and thickness as the other hairs on your scalp.
When you first begin to use the medicine, your hair loss may increase temporarily for the first 2-4 weeks. This is likely a sign that you are getting rid of old hairs in order to regrow new, better quality hairs. Remember, this increased hair shedding is temporary!
Once your hair has started to regrow, you need to continue using this medicine twice a day for the growth to be maintained. If you stop the treatment, the new hair is likely to disappear after 3 to 4 months.
If you have no improvement in your hair growth after 6 months of use, you should consider speaking to your doctor about stopping the treatment.
Is this medicine suitable for me?
This medicine is suitable for most men aged 18-65. Women should not use extra strength minoxidil products. Do not use this medicine if you have an allergy to minoxidil.
What if the medicine gets in my eyes, mouth or nose?
If the medicine comes into contact with the eyes, mouth, nose, or any broken or sunburnt skin, bathe the area with large amounts of cool tap water.
Are there any possible side effects?
Minoxidil is generally safe but, like all medicines, it can cause side effects. The most common side effects are itching and skin irritation of the treated area of the scalp. If scalp irritation continues, you should stop using the medicine and discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
Stop using the medicine and seek medical advice immediately if you experience any of the following:
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Chest pain.
Stop using the medicine and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following:
Dizziness, feeling faint due to low blood pressure.
Palpitations and/or fast heart beat.
Swelling in the hands, feet or legs, or shortness of breath.
Sudden, unexplained weight gain.
Changes such as skin rash and redness where the product is applied.
Other side effects which may occur, include:
Excessive hair growth on the face or body.
Headache.
Temporary hair loss (or shedding) may occur during the first 2-4 weeks of use. This is likely to be a result of a change in the natural hair growth cycle and should stop within a couple of weeks.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
How should I store the medicine?
Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the bottle.
Store upright, below 25°C and protect from light.
When the bottle is empty, the bottle and applicators must be disposed of safely.
Other important information
As with any medicine, this medicine does not work for everyone. Some people may not experience improvements in hair growth. If you have no improvement in your hair growth after 6 months of use, you should consider speaking to your doctor about stopping the treatment.
Minoxidil is suspected to be toxic to cats and dogs. Please do not allow cats, dogs, or other pets to ingest this medication or to come into contact with the treatment site after the medication has been applied. If these occur, consult your pet's veterinarian.
This telemedicine consultation should not replace your regular visits to a GP or doctor. Please keep your GP or doctor informed of any medicines you are taking (including this treatment from Hims), as it could interact with other medicines you may be taking.