Hair Loss Formulas

The Hair Loss Formula is a customized prescription blend that targets the main symptoms of hair loss. It is a topical solution typically applied twice daily to the scalp.

What is the Hair Loss Formula?

The Hair Loss Formula combines prescription ingredients in a proprietary base developed specifically to deliver ingredients to the scalp. It uses a unique delivery system designed to feel light with a pleasant finish on the scalp. It is also not tacky or oily, leaving a light and silky feel on the skin. The Hair Loss Formula is specifically made without fragrance or gluten.

Topical vs. Oral

Topical applications are known to have a lower-side effect profile when compared with systemic administration. Because the drugs are being applied directly to the skin, there is no first-pass metabolism by the liver. As a result, lower doses of the drugs may be used to get the intended response compared to the oral route. Research has shown topical application may reduce the risk of serious gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular adverse events compared with oral treatment options. However, you should always discuss the benefit to risk ratio with your healthcare prescriber.

Common Ingredients

Finasteride

Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen responsible for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Research has shown it promotes scalp hair growth and prevents further hair loss.

Ketoconazole

Ketoconazole is in a class of medications called Imidazole antifungals. Research has shown that ketoconazole is active against the scalp microflora and shows some intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity might improve alopecia.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is considered a vasodilator that increases blood flow. It is applied to the scalp and is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with a certain type of baldness.

Spironolactone

Spironolactone slows down the production of androgens. These are male sex hormones, including testosterone. Reduced production of androgens can slow down the progression of hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, has been shown to help promote your scalp's natural exfoliation process. This exfoliation process encourages the shedding of dead skin cells. Tretinoin has been shown to promote and regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in the epithelium and may promote vascular proliferation. These factors are important for hair growth promotion.

Frequently asked questions

What is a compounded medication?

One size doesn’t fit all and every patient is unique. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a patient by a pharmacist as the result of a practitioner’s prescription drug order. While compounded medications are not FDA-approved, they serve an important patient need—especially when FDA-approved medication is not available for treatment. Our formulations are made to order in small batches to ensure freshness. The specific ingredients in your compounded formula will depend on your specific concerns and goals. It should be understood that your personal healthcare practitioner will make the final decision.

Are compounded medications FSA & HSA eligible?

Yes! All of our compounded formulations, regardless of ingredients, are eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Accounts (HSA).

What is female pattern hair loss?

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is progressive thinning of hair with gradual decrease in the number of hair, especially in the frontal, crown, and hairline of the scalp. Multiple factors play a role in FPHL including genetics, inflammation, hormone, and the environment. The prevalence of FPHL increases with advancing age, affecting 50% of women during their lifetime.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Also known as pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia is a genetically determined, patterned, progressive loss of hair from the scalp and occurs in both men and women. Both androgens and genetics play a role in its pathogenesis. The term androgenetic alopecia is best used only when referring to male-pattern hair loss, as most females likely do not share the androgenic pathway. The term pattern hair loss will be used when referring to hair loss affecting both sexes. Men present with hair thinning in the temporal areas that advances to the crown (vertex) area as the alopecia progresses.

How does the Hair Loss Formula work?

The Hair Loss Formula combines multiple prescription ingredients meant to target the main symptoms associated with female pattern hair loss. Minoxidil, a vasodilator, has been shown to reduce shedding, increase hair growth, and thicken the hair. The combination of topical minoxidil and finasteride appears to act synergistically and be superior compared with monotherapy. Spironolactone has been shown to stop hair loss progression with long-term safety profile. Tretinoin has been shown to stimulate hair regrowth by promoting vascular proliferation and anti-inflammatory effects. Ketoconazole has anti-androgenic properties and has been shown to improve both hair density and size.

When should I see improvement in my symptoms?

Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 2 months; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.

How should I use the Hair Loss Formula?

  • The Hair Loss Formula is for topical use only on your scalp. Do not use it on any other part of your body. If this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.

  • Follow all directions on your prescription label. Using this medicine in larger amounts or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and it may increase side effects such as irritation, inflammation and darkening of skin.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. Do not allow other people to get this medicine on their skin. If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.

  • Apply 1 dose to the affected scalp area twice daily, in the morning and at night.

  • Gently part your hair to expose your scalp, making sure your head is completely dry. Do not get hair wet for at least 4 hours, it is meant to stay in for 8 to 12 hours.

  • Rub the medicine into your scalp and gently massage it throughout the affected area.

  • Allow the medicine to air dry before following your normal styling routine.

Who should not use the Hair Loss Formula?

Do not start using the Hair Loss Formula if you have a history of hypersensitivity to the prescribed ingredients. The prescribed ingredients may include, but are not limited to; minoxidil, finasteride, tretinoin, spironolactone and/or ketoconazole. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby. You should not use spironolactone if you have Addison’s disease, hyperkalemia, or unable to urinate.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

How should I store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Safety Information

Research has shown, topically applied medications are less likely to cause the same systemic side effects or drug-to-drug interactions as oral medications; however, there is never an absolute zero chance that side effects or drug interactions will not occur. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

What should I avoid while using the Hair Loss Formula?

  • Do not use the Hair Loss Formula if the skin on your scalp is red, swollen, irritated, or infected. This may allow more of the medication to be absorbed by your body, which could be dangerous.

  • Do not use it on open wounds.

  • Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair coloring or permanent chemicals.

  • Avoid using other products that may contain minoxidil, finasteride, tretinoin, spironolactone or ketoconazole.


What are the common side effects of the Hair Loss Formula?

Common side effects may include application site reactions of:

  • Scalp irritation (contact dermatitis)

  • Headaches

  • Burning, stinging or warmth

  • Itching or tingling

  • Redness, dryness, or peeling


Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. These are not all of the possible side effects of the Hair Loss Formula. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.


What happens if I overdose?

Risk of serious side effects is low when a topical is applied to the skin, side effects can occur if the medicine is absorbed into your bloodstream. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

References

  • Iamsumang, W., Leerunyakul, K., & Suchonwanit, P. (2020). Finasteride and Its Potential for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: Evidence to Date. Drug design, development and therapy, 14, 951–959. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S240615.

  • Olsen EA, Messenger AG, Shapiro J, Bergfeld WF, Hordinsky MK, Roberts JL, Stough D, Washenik K, Whiting DA. Evaluation and treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Feb;52(2):301-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.008. PMID: 15692478.

  • Rathnayake D, Sinclair R. Innovative use of spironolactone as an antiandrogen in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Dermatol Clin. 2010 Jul;28(3):611-8. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2010.03.011. PMID: 20510769.

  • Bazzano GS, Terezakis N, Galen W. Topical tretinoin for hair growth promotion. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Oct;15(4 Pt 2):880-3, 890-3. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(86)80024-x. PMID: 3771854.

  • Piérard-Franchimont C, De Doncker P, Cauwenbergh G, Piérard GE. Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia. Dermatology. 1998;196(4):474-7. doi: 10.1159/000017954. PMID: 9669136.

  • Abdel-Raouf H, Aly UF, Medhat W, Ahmed SS, Abdel-Aziz RTA. A novel topical combination of minoxidil and spironolactone for androgenetic alopecia: Clinical, histopathological, and physicochemical study. Dermatol Ther. 2021 Jan;34(1):e14678. doi: 10.1111/dth.14678. Epub 2020 Dec 25. PMID: 33320406.

  • Yousef A, Abdelshafy A, Almabrouk M. Topical Finasteride versus Topical Spironolactone in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Med. J. Cairo Univ., Vol. 88, No. 3, June: 1017-1022, 2020 www.medicaljournalofcairouniversity.net

  • Starace M, Orlando G, Alessandrini A, et al. Female androgenetic alopecia: an update on diagnosis and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020 Feb;21(1):69-84.[Abstract]

  • Kanti V, Messenger A, Dobos G, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men - short version. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018 Jan;32(1):11-22.[Abstract][Full Text]

  • Olsen EA, Whiting D, Bergfeld W, et al. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of a novel formulation of 5% minoxidil topical foam versus placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Nov;57(5):767-74.[Abstract]

  • Kaufman KD, Olsen EA, Whiting D, et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Oct;39(4 Pt 1):578-89.[Abstract]

  • Lucky AW, Piacquadio DJ, Ditre CM, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Apr;50(4):541-53.[Abstract]

  • Blumeyer A, Tosti A, Messenger A, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2011 Oct;9 Suppl 6:S1-57. [Abstract][Full Text]

Disclaimer

All prescription medications require a valid and complete online consultation prior to approval and final pricing is determined. All compounded medications in the U.S. are considered off-label use. Licensed healthcare practitioners have the ability to prescribe compounds for off-label treatment, if they believe that it is an appropriate course of treatment.


The drug and medical information provided on this website is not meant to cover all adverse effects, drug interactions, warnings, medical uses, directions and precautions. The information provided is a medical resource and the judgment of your physician and/or healthcare practitioner should not be substituted. Premier Pharmacy has made every effort to ensure the information on the website is accurate and current based on present medical literature.


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If you have questions or concerns about your medications, please do not hesitate to contact us and/or your medical practitioner, including your pharmacist. Compound prescription products have not been tested or approved by the FDA for their intended use. No claims are made as to the safety, efficacy or use of this compound.