Will stopping use of Minoxidil early on cause any adverse effects?

Question

40 years old male , used minoxidil 5% topical solution once a day for 16 days on one eyebrow , stopping cause I'm having swelling in fingers , heart racing , even though I didn't use on scalp hair , it's burning on spots and I can't sleep appropriate, waking up for no reason everytime I try.

Mustafa Aydinol, MD · Answer

There is no need to insist on minoxidil if you are experiencing side effects. Please stop and you can try using exosome treatments or hair stimulating treatments with less side effects.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It’s important to address any adverse effects experienced while using a medication like Minoxidil. While Minoxidil is typically used for hair growth, it can sometimes cause side effects, especially if there is sensitivity to the medication. The symptoms you describe, such as swelling in the fingers, heart racing, burning sensations, and sleep disturbances, warrant discontinuing use and consulting with a healthcare professional promptly.

Stopping Minoxidil use after a short duration, such as 16 days, is unlikely to cause any long-term adverse effects on your health, especially since it was applied to a small area like the eyebrow. However, the systemic symptoms you're experiencing should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out any serious reactions or underlying conditions.

In the meantime, it would be advisable to cease using the product and contact a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore alternative treatments that might be more suitable for you. They may suggest different options or perform tests to ensure your safety and well-being.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

For most people with a similar story, stopping minoxidil won’t cause any problems. There is a rare person that might experience a tiny bit of hair shedding or eyebrow shedding- but it’s temporary and not likely to be significant or serious. I would encourage you to see a dermatologist or expert hair loss specialist to determine why you are losing eyebrows. There are about 75 causes!

Will stopping use of Minoxidil early on cause any adverse effects?

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Will stopping use of Minoxidil early on cause any adverse effects?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.