Clinical studies have shown that Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil is generally well-tolerated by most men who use it to treat male pattern baldness. However, it is important to keep in mind that as with any medication, there is a risk of side effects with Topical Finasteride.
The common side effects of Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil were found to be localised to the site of medication application (scalp) and include: itching, irritation, burning sensation, flaking of the scalp, and redness. Headaches and/or migraines have also been reported. These side effects are typically mild in nature, and should resolve without intervention.
If you are allergic or have a hypersensitivity to Topical Finasteride or Minoxidil, you may experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face. Seek emergency medical attention for an allergic reaction. If you are taking oral Finasteride or Dutasteride, a medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you should not use Topical Finasteride, as combining the medications could increase the chances of side effects.
Although uncommon, in clinical trials 3.8% of patients receiving a treatment of oral Finasteride tablets noticed some sort of sexual side effects, compared to 2.1% of patients who were taking the placebo. These side effects included less desire to have sex, difficulties with erectile function and decreases in the volume of semen released during sex. The side effects are usually temporary and disappear when the treatment is stopped. It is important to note that these side effects were observed in trials of oral Finasteride (tablet form), and that there is no conclusive evidence that the same symptoms are likely to occur with the use of topical Finasteride.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you do experience side effects with this medication, please message a clinician directly through your Care Portal to obtain further advice.
Warnings and Precautions
• Finasteride should not be used by women. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant should not come into contact with this medicine. If Finasteride is absorbed through the skin or taken by mouth by women pregnant with a male foetus, the child may be born with malformed genital organs. When the patient’s sexual partner is or may become pregnant, the patient should discontinue treatment with this medicine.
• Mood alterations such as depressed mood have been reported in patients treated with oral Finasteride tablets. If you experience any of these symptoms from using the topical treatment, stop using the treatment and contact your doctor for further medical advice.
• Finasteride may affect male fertility. Patients who are planning to father a child should consider stopping treatment.