Medication Overview Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins (Minoxidil 1.5mg, Biotin 2.5mg, Zinc, Vitamin C, D, B5, and B6)
Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins is compounded by licensed pharmacists using active pharmaceutical ingredients, minoxidil, biotin, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6. Unless otherwise indicated, the safety information below is based on the known safety profiles of these active ingredients as used in the compounded medication. Like all compounded medications, Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins is not FDA approved. This means that the safety, effectiveness, and quality of this medication has not been verified by the FDA, as the FDA does not verify the safety, effectiveness, and quality of any compounded drugs. The following provides a medication overview of Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins, how the active ingredients work, and how to effectively and safely use it to support hair loss. It does not contain all possible information. You will also receive a physical document called a medication guide or patient drug information in the package with your medication when it arrives from the pharmacy which contains full information about Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins. Please read all of the information, specific to the medication(s) you were prescribed, before taking your medication and at each refill. It's important to take your medication as directed by your provider and to always read your prescription label and follow your healthcare provider's instructions. If you're not sure which medication you were prescribed, please reference the label on your prescription bottle or contact a member of your Care Team. This treatment plan reviews the risks and benefits of low-dose oral minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).
What is oral minoxidil?
In low doses, the ingredient, minoxidil, is used as a treatment for hair loss. Minoxidil works by boosting blood flow to hair follicles, which extends the hair growth phase and shortens the resting phase where strands are no longer growing.
How should I take Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins?
Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins tablets should be taken by mouth once daily or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The tablets should be swallowed, not chewed.
It can be taken with or without food.
If you experience lightheadedness as a side effect from oral minoxidil, take it at night.
Oral minoxidil medications can cause a small decline in blood pressure that may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or even fainting in people sensitive to blood pressure changes. Stay well-hydrated and in a safe, controlled environment the first time they trial their medication.
What should I expect during treatment with this medication?
You may experience hair shedding in the first 2-8 weeks as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is normal and means that the medication is working.
The full benefits of oral minoxidil are seen within 6-12 months, but results can be seen as early as 3 months.
Successful treatment is defined by both hair growth and hair loss stabilization (meaning hair loss isn’t getting worse), since female pattern hair loss tends to naturally worsen over time.
If there is no improvement after 6 months of use, please contact a medical provider through the Hers platform for a potential adjustment of your dose.
What happens when I stop using this medication?
Oral minoxidil treatment must be taken consistently to maintain progress.
If you stop treatment, hair density will revert to what it would have been had your hair loss naturally progressed.
Are there any dietary restrictions that I should follow while taking oral minoxidil?
We recommend that you do not take additional biotin, which is often found in hair and nail supplements. This tablet was formulated with dermatologists who determined that biotin at a dosage of 2.5 mg is appropriate when combined with oral minoxidil. It is not recommended that you take additional biotin supplements. High doses of biotin (5 mg or higher) may interfere with certain lab tests, including specific tests to aid in heart attack diagnoses.
You are not a candidate for treatment with Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins through the Hers platform if any of the following apply to you. Speak with a healthcare provider in-person about treatment if you are:
Anyone younger than 18 years of age
Anyone with pheochromocytoma
Anyone currently using a product containing minoxidil (Rogaine®, GainExtra®, Apo-Gain®, Loniten®), either topically or orally for hair loss or for treatment of high blood pressure.
Are allergic to minoxidil, biotin, or any of the ingredients in the tablets including: minoxidil, biotin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dextrose, lemon flavor, green coloring, vitamin C, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), vitamin B-6 HCl, zinc sulfate
Anyone with certain types of heart, kidney or liver disease, excluding fatty liver. Be sure to completely share details of any heart, kidney or liver conditions with your provider so they can determine if treatment is safe for you.
Anyone with a history of a mini-stroke (TIA) or stroke (CVA). Be sure to completely share details of any previous mini-stroke or stroke with your provider so they can determine if treatment is safe for you.
Anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding
Your compounded medication contains vitamins and/or supplements. Please use caution when taking additional over-the-counter vitamins or supplements and ensure that your total daily intake does not exceed recommended limits.
What are common side effects of low dose oral minoxidil?
Hypertrichosis, or increased hair growth on the face or body
Lightheadedness
Palpitations or tachycardia
Headaches
Leg swelling or fluid retention (edema)
Swelling around the eyes
Insomnia
Nausea and vomiting
If you experience any of the above side effects, let your provider know right away so they can adjust your treatment.
Oral minoxidil may also cause changes to your EKG. Tell your doctor prior to an EKG if you are taking oral minoxidil.
Stop taking Minoxidil + Hair Vitamins right away and seek emergency medical care if any of the following conditions or symptoms develop during treatment:
Heart problems such as new or worsening chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or heart attack.
Very low or very high blood pressure
Stroke
Liver problems
Kidney problems or require dialysis
Shortness of breath
Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
Very severe heartburn
These are not all of the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You can message a provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
Use & storage
Store your minoxidil tablets at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F) in the packaging provided by the pharmacy until you need it. Keep out of reach of children.
Accurate information
Your provider evaluated the specific health information you provided and made recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly or forgot to provide any information, your provider may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions you may have — which could affect their treatment recommendation. If you need to clarify or update any information about your health, please message a provider through the Hers platform.
Treatment failure
This treatment is not 100% effective. It may not work or may partially resolve the condition you are seeking treatment for. If you do not see any signs of improvement or if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, message a provider through the Hers platform anytime or contact your regular healthcare provider. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person.
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
There is also a risk that your provider will misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have, which could affect the treatment recommendation. The healthcare providers providing treatment through the Hers platform use evidence-based guidelines as well as clinical decision-making to minimize these risks.
Accepting or Declining The Recommendation
Your provider is recommending this treatment for you because the potential benefits outweigh the risks in their estimation. You’re encouraged to evaluate this information, including any input from your in-person healthcare team and any relevant sources to decide if this treatment plan is right for you. You are free to decline recommendations you received from the provider through the Hers platform.
Share with Your In-Person Healthcare Team
You can request access to your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person healthcare team about any new medicines that you are taking or other changes in your health.
You can also ask questions anytime by messaging a provider through the Hers platform. We are happy to help you share any information about your health with your in-person healthcare team.
FAQ:
Is it normal to see an increase in hair shedding when starting new hair loss treatment?
Shedding is a fairly common side effect when starting a new hair loss medication. It can occur with any treatment but is most common with minoxidil. While it can be a cause for alarm, it is part of the process and means the medication is working. Typically we don’t recommend adjusting therapy except for intolerable shedding or shedding that lasts longer than 2 months. If you have continued shedding after the first 2 months of treatment, please let us know so we can connect you with your provider who can go over the next steps. You can find more information about this here: https://www.hims.com/blog/how-long-before-minoxidil-starts-working#minoxidil-and-hair-shedding https://www.hims.com/blog/finasteride-is-working-now-how-to-keep-that-new-hair
When can I see results from hair loss treatment?
All hair loss medications take about 4-6 months to see results. If you are not seeing results after 6 months of treatment, or if you are experiencing any side effects, then please reach out for re-evaluation. Since hair growth is gradual it may be helpful to take a progress photo each month. Try to take photos in the same lighting at the same angle. If you always get the same haircut then right afterwards is a great time to take a progress photo so your hair is the same length. You can find more information about this here: https://www.hims.com/blog/finasteride-results-timeline https://www.hims.com/blog/how-long-before-minoxidil-starts-working
Can I use a dermaroller with my topical treatment?
You may opt to use a dermaroller to increase the efficacy of your topical formulation. Follow the instructions specific to the device. Make sure to apply the dermaroller with light pressure to minimize bleeding on your scalp for 2-5 minutes at night, preferably after showering, and before you apply your topical formula. It is recommended to wait a few weeks after starting your topical formula to let your skin adjust before trying a dermaroller. While dermarollers come in different needle sizes, starting with 0.25mm is the best to start with. Disinfecting the dermaroller after use by soaking in 70% isopropyl alcohol is very important to prevent infection. Most studies involve using a dermaroller one night a week. Be sure to avoid using a dermaroller if your skin feels irritated or swollen. You can find more information about this here: https://www.hims.com/blog/dermaroller-and-minoxidil
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking hair loss medications?
It’s safe to drink alcohol in moderation while taking your hair loss medications, however heavy alcohol consumption can affect your nutrient absorption to the point where you may develop nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair loss. Furthermore, drinking alcohol while taking oral minoxidil can potentially cause a decrease in blood pressure causing light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting. You can find more information about this here: https://www.hims.com/blog/alcohol-and-hair-loss https://www.hims.com/blog/finasteride-and-alcohol https://www.hims.com/blog/minoxidil-interactions
Does wearing my hair in tight hairstyles cause hair loss?
If you wear your hair in tight hairstyles this puts a lot of strain on your hair follicles. With continued use, it will eventually lead to scarring and permanent loss of hair, which we call traction alopecia. In order to prevent further hair loss, it’s important to avoid wearing tight hairstyles and give your hair breaks between artificial hair use or braiding. If it hurts while your hair is being styled, you should ask the stylist to stop and redo it since pain signals damage at the hair root. Combining tight hairstyles with chemically treated hair increases the risk of traction alopecia and should be avoided. Hair loss treatments will help the hair that you have to grow thicker, but it will not regrow hair where scarring has already occurred.
This information is intended to support, not replace, discussions with your healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your care should be made with a healthcare provider, considering your individual health needs and circumstances. This medication is only available to residents of the United States.