Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil for Women
(Delivered every 3 months)
How the Treatment Works
When applied, our gel forms a mesh-like layer on top of the skin that holds medications in place. This mesh helps control what reaches the layer of the skin where hair follicles are found.
Ingredients
Finasteride: Reduces a hormone called DHT, one of the possible hormonal causes of pattern hair loss in women.
Minoxidil: Promotes blood flow to the scalp, boosting oxygen and nutrient flow to support hair growth. Stimulates hair follicles to stay actively growing for longer.
SiloxysSystem™ Gel: Patented silicone gel base formulated to deliver medications in a safer, more controlled way.
How to Get a Prescription
- Share your hair goals via a virtual consultation.
- A specialist doctor will review the info and photos you provide to decide if you’re a good fit for finasteride and minoxidil.
- If the doctor recommends the treatment, we'll deliver it to your door.
Safety Information
Before you start using finasteride and minoxidil and each time you get a refill, please review this important safety information. This information may be updated. It does not replace discussing your medical condition or treatment with your doctor or healthcare provider. Safety information for both finasteride and minoxidil is contained within this document. Please take care to review this entire document.
What is the FDA approved use of finasteride?
- Finasteride is FDA-approved as an oral medication to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (Proscar) and androgenetic alopecia (Propecia) in men.
- Finasteride has not been FDA-approved for topical use in men or women. However, it may be prescribed off-label in topical compounded formulations to treat hair loss. Please note that oral finasteride has also not been approved for use in women, for any indication.
What is the FDA approved use of minoxidil?
- Topical minoxidil is FDA approved at concentrations of 2% and 5% as topical formulations to treat hair loss in women and men (Rogaine®). All other topical compounded strengths of minoxidil are considered off-label uses.
- Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of symptomatic high blood pressure. Low-dose oral minoxidil may be prescribed off-label to treat hair loss.
What is topical finasteride and minoxidil?
Topical finasteride and minoxidil is a compounded prescription medication used for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). This compounded treatment is not approved by the FDA and is only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a licensed physician through the XYON Health platform.
Data from small scale and case studies suggests that taking finasteride in combination with minoxidil may increase the effectiveness of hair loss treatment in some patients. This may be due to different mechanisms of action that help address the various causes of pattern hair loss.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking finasteride and minoxidil?
Please inform your doctor or healthcare provider if any of the following apply:
- You have a personal or family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer
- You have prostate or urinary symptoms such as reduced urine flow, difficulty urinating or pain
- You have a history of heart conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, heart failure, previous heart attack, pericarditis, abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain/angina)
- You have a history of vascular conditions (e.g., stroke, severe lower leg swelling, pulmonary hypertension)
- You have a history of liver or kidney disease or dysfunction
- You have a history of any serious mental health conditions
- You are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding
You should be aware that minoxidil has the potential to be toxic to some animals. Please ensure that pets do not come into contact with minoxidil or lick your hands after application.
Who should not take finasteride and minoxidil?
You should not take finasteride and minoxidil if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to finasteride, minoxidil or any other ingredients in the treatment
- Have a history of liver disease or dysfunction
- Finasteride and minoxidil should not be used by women who are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Finasteride and minoxidil should not be used by infants or children
Black box warning: Serious cardiac effects associated with oral minoxidil
- Oral minoxidil has a black box warning because the medication is a powerful antihypertensive agent. Serious cardiovascular side effects have been observed in clinical trials where the drug has been used to treat symptomatic high blood pressure. When used off-label for hair loss, oral minoxidil is typically dosed at less than 5mg to help reduce the likelihood of experiencing an adverse cardiovascular event
- Oral minoxidil can cause pericardial effusion, which can progress to a condition called tamponade which increases pressure on the heart and keeps it from beating properly. This can result in sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency treatment if this occurs
- Chest pain warning: Minoxidil can increase your heart rate and cause or worsen chest pain. If you have new or worsening pain in the chest, arm, or shoulders, tell your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency department.
- Heart function warning: Minoxidil can cause poor heart function or worsen existing heart problems like heart failure. When tested on animals, minoxidil caused several kinds of lesions of the heart muscle as well as other adverse heart effects. Patients with malignant hypertension and those already receiving guanethidine should be hospitalized when minoxidil is first administered so that they can be monitored to avoid too rapid or large decreases in blood pressure
What are the possible side effects of finasteride and minoxidil?
The following side effects have been reported with finasteride use:
- Breast tenderness and enlargement. You should inform your doctor or healthcare provider if you notice any breast lumps, pain or nipple discharge
- Depression, anxiety, brain fog, suicidal ideation
- Decrease libido (sex drive)
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face)
- Problems with ejaculation
- Testicular pain
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Male infertility and/or poor semen quality
Please note that finasteride has only been formally studied in male patients, so the side effect profile above is specific to clinical studies in men. Preliminary data on the use of finasteride in female patients has shown the following possible side effects:
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Breast tenderness and enlargement
- Mood changes (e.g., depression)
- Fatigue
- Muscle soreness
- Weight gain
There is some evidence that finasteride can increase the risk of some breast and prostate cancers.
When used off label in a topical form, systemic side effects of finasteride and minoxidil are expected to be less frequent/severe. The following is a list of possible side effects associated with the use of topical finasteride:
- Itching
- Irritation
- Dry and flaky scalp
- Increased scalp oiliness
The following side effects have been reported with topical minoxidil use:
- Itchy scalp or skin rash
- Dryness, scaling, or flakiness
- Redness or irritation at the application site
The above lists do not represent all potential side effects, medication interactions or study data relating to the safety of finasteride and minoxidil. It is important to talk to your doctor, healthcare provider and/or pharmacist if you are experiencing any side effects. A comprehensive review of the potential safety risks of using finasteride and other similar medications can be found at this link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27672412/. A review of minoxidil, its clinical applications and safety can be found at this link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or allergic reaction, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Additional safety information can be found here, in the Digital Prescriber’s Reference for finasteride: https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=378 and Digital Prescriber’s Reference for oral minoxidil: https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=774.
* This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Christina Han, MD FRCPC.
* Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil is a compounded medication that is not FDA-approved. Finasteride is not FDA-approved for use in women. Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a licensed healthcare provider, for off-label use.
How topical finasteride and minoxidil treats female hair loss.
Experiencing female pattern hair loss? You’re not alone. It impacts approximately 40% of postmenopausal women. Potential contributors include genetics, hormonal changes and even environmental and lifestyle factors. Our combination treatment helps by:
Stopping Hair Loss
Finasteride lowers levels of the hormone DHT, preventing it from shrinking the hair follicles and causing hair loss.
Promoting Hair Growth
Minoxidil increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the scalp and stimulates the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
Increasing the Effectiveness
Targeting the cause while also boosting growth, increases chances of success when dealing with complex hair needs.
Is topical finasteride and minoxidil safe for women?
SiloxysSystem™ Gel is designed to be a safer way for women to use topical finasteride and minoxidil because it helps reduce the risk of side effects. However, women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should still avoid taking finasteride. Women who are pregnant or have a history of heart disease should avoid taking minoxidil.
See how SiloxysSystem™ Gel compares.Mesh technology helps limit amount of medication absorbed into the body.
Difficult to control absorption of ingredients into the body.
Exposes entire body, greater potential for side effects.
Slowly throughout the day to minimize absorption into the bloodstream.
All at once. May be messy and require multiple daily applications for effectiveness.
Through the bloodstream. Impacts entire body, which may not be needed.
How to use topical finasteride and minoxidil gel.
Make the most of your hair loss treatment.
Application
1) Check that the safety lock is in the open position.
2) Pump once for a single application.
3) Move hair away from the affected part of the scalp (it’ll be most effective if you apply only to the affected areas).
4) Gently rub the gel into the target area for 20-30 seconds.
5) That’s it! Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
6) Style your hair as usual.
Frequency
Your prescription will tell you how often to use your hair loss treatment. We typically recommend applying the gel in the morning and leaving it on for about 8 hours. This avoids the gel transferring to your pillow and/or sheets, which can happen if you apply at bedtime.
Other Tips
Missed a dose? Don’t worry. Simply restart your routine as soon as possible, no need to double up on doses.
Need to dry your hair in a hurry? The gel is heat stable, but we generally recommend blow drying first and then applying your treatment for better control over application. If you absolutely need to dry your hair after you've applied your treatment, make sure to maintain a safe blow drying distance of at least 30 cm to protect the scalp from excessive heat.
Take control of your hair health.
Our library of medically-reviewed resources is designed to equip you with the information you need to start your journey with confidence.
A process that prioritizes you.
Hair loss feels personal, so we made our journey to match.
Accessible Care
From connecting with physicians to accessing treatment plans, our process is 100% online and designed for convenience.
Custom Treatments
We've partnered with pharmacies that specialize in providing specially made treatments, so you get the care you deserve.
Automated Deliveries
Enjoy peace of mind knowing we'll take care of refilling your prescriptions and making sure they get to your door.
Have questions? We have answers.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about using topical finasteride and minoxidil for female hair loss.
How long should I use the product before seeing noticeable results?
In some cases it could take 6-12 months or more before you see noticeable results. Remember, a successful treatment response is measured through both regrowth and the maintenance of existing hairs (i.e. no further hair loss). Patience is key.
Is a prescription required to purchase products from XYON?
Yes, a consultation with a specialist physician and prescription are required to purchase certain treatments through XYON.
XYON also offers a selection of OTC (over-the-counter) products such as shampoos and conditioners. These do not require a prescription to purchase.
Can I put the gel on my already styled hair?
XYON treatments can be used in conjunction with styling products. But for better control over application, we generally recommend that you apply your topical treatment as a final step, after styling.
Although the gel is considered heat stable, it's a good idea to avoid exposing it to excess heat (e.g., using a hairdryer, while the gel is on your scalp). If you need to blow dry your hair, it's best to do that first, before applying the gel. Remember to maintain a safe distance from the scalp (about 30 cm) when blow drying.
How do the online consultations work and are they confidential?
Absolutely. XYON uses secure encryption to protect your data. The online intake process involves answering a few questions about your medical history. This information will only be accessible by the specialist physician reviewing your case. You can begin your consultation here.
Do you offer international shipping for your hair loss solutions?
At this time, XYON only services Canada and the United States. Our team is working on plans to extend our services internationally.
How do I get in touch with XYON's customer support?
Please email help@xyonhealth.com with any questions or queries for the XYON Experience team.
Our business hours are: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm PT
Please log into your XYON account for order and subscription management.
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