Side effects on topical finasteride 0.05%

Question

Hello so i tried 0.5ml of topical finasteride 0.05% solution with 5% minoxidil and after one use i got some bad side effects. These side effects have not got 100% better after 3 weeks however i have seen some improvements. My question is what would i do now to stop the progression of my hair loss? Should i go back on finasteride and give it another go? I have also been researching about Topical Dutasteride which apparently doesn’t go systematic, would this be a better option?

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

Side effects do occur in approx 10% of patients that use finasteride.  These side effects also occur in topical finasteride

F. (Farhan) Contractor, DO · Answer

Depending on what the side effects are, resuming Minoxidil may be a good option. If the side effects were redness and itching of the scalp consider trying Rogaine foam. The lack of propylene glycol in the solution makes it much more tolerable for patients. If you had any other side effects (e.g. sexual side effects) please speak with a physician to discuss your options moving forward.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It’s not possible to advise what to do without alot more information. What you are your doctors need to figure out is whether the side effects you are having are from finasteride or minoxidil or from the additives or none of the above. Every single topical hair loss medication goes systemic to some degree. Don’t let anyone advise you otherwise. The question is how much does it go systemic. It could be quite low of course but it is absolutely unwise to think that medicine A does systemic and yet medication B does not. I have no idea what bad side effects you had so it’s very difficult to offer much more.  If you are having side effects you need to review your issues thoroughly with a physician knowledgeable about the management of side effects from hair loss medications.

Neil Verma, HBSc, MD, FCFP - Account Suspended · Answer

Topical finasteride does get absorbed systemically so the side effects are the same as if taking it orally.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The dose of .05% is five to ten times higher than I use with the liposomal topical finasteride. i suspect a good amount of finasteride is getting into your blood stream

Side effects on topical finasteride 0.05%

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Side effects on topical finasteride 0.05%

Answers (5)

Answer: Topical finasteride

Answer: Topical finasteride

Answer: Topical finasteride

Answer: Topical finasteride

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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