Information Leaflet
1. Indications
This patient information leaflet contains important information about your prescribed hair loss treatment. Please read it carefully before starting treatment and keep it for future reference.
Leo Hair’s treatments are prescribed for:
Androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
Generalised hair thinning in men and individuals assigned male at birth
Hair loss is a long-term condition. Treatment works by slowing hair loss and, in some people, promoting regrowth. It must usually be continued to maintain benefits.
Results vary between individuals. Visible improvement usually takes 3–6 months.
Ingredients
You have been prescribed either minoxidil topically or orally, and/or finasteride topically or orally:
Minoxidil 6% + Niacinamide 2%, alcohol-free topical solution 60ml
Minoxidil 6%, Niacinamide 2%, finasteride 0.1% alcohol-free topical solution 60ml
Finasteride 1mg oral capsules or tablets
Minoxidil 2.5mg oral capsules or tablets
Your specific treatment will be confirmed by email and is printed on your dispensing label.
Minoxidil – increases blood flow to the scalp and helps keep hair in its growing (anagen) phase for longer. This may slow hair thinning and support regrowth.
Finasteride – reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone involved in male pattern hair loss. Lowering DHT helps prevent further shrinking of hair follicles and may support regrowth.
Topical solutions also contain inactive ingredients to maintain stability and support application:
Aqua (water) – solvent and carrier base.
Lactic acid – pH adjuster to maintain scalp-friendly acidity.
Polysorbate 20 – solubiliser to disperse oils evenly in water.
Phenoxyethanol – preservative to help prevent microbial growth.
Parfum – fragrance component.
Butylated hydroxytoluene – antioxidant to stabilise the formulation.
Propanediol – humectant and penetration-enhancing solvent.
Sodium thiosulfate – stabilising antioxidant to neutralise reactive compounds.
Topical solutions also include botanical extracts and essential oils to nourish and condition the scalp:
Olivamidopropyl betaine – mild surfactant and scalp-conditioning agent.
Rosemary leaf oil – antioxidant essential oil to support scalp stimulation.
Lavandula dentata water – soothing lavender floral water.
Juniperus communis fruit oil – aromatic oil with mild antimicrobial properties.
Juniperus virginiana oil – cedarwood oil traditionally used for scalp support.
Amyris balsamifera bark oil – sandalwood-type oil for fragrance and conditioning.
Lavender oil – calming essential oil with mild antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree leaf oil – antimicrobial essential oil to support scalp hygiene.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil – cooling essential oil providing fragrance.
Directions for use
It is important to use your treatment exactly as prescribed to achieve the best possible results.
Topical minoxidil and/or finasteride:
Apply 1ml to a clean, dry scalp on the affected area(s) TWICE daily. Part hair and apply directly to the scalp. Allow to dry naturally. Wash hands after use.
Oral finasteride:
Take one capsule ONCE daily. Swallow whole with water. Do not crush or chew. Take at the same time each day for best consistency. If you miss a dose, skip it and continue as normal.
Oral minoxidil:
Take one capsule ONCE daily. Swallow whole with water. Do not crush or chew. Take at the same time each day for best consistency. If you miss a dose, skip it and continue as normal.
Safety information
Topical minoxidil and/or finasteride:
For external use on the scalp only.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency.
Use only as prescribed. Do not share your prescription with anyone else, as it can cause harm.
Refrain from treatment 48 hours before hair colouring and restart 24 hours after.
Discontinue use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Stop treatment and seek urgent medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, widespread swelling, or severe itching.
This treatment must not be used by females or individuals assigned female at birth.
Oral finasteride:
For oral use only.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency.
Use only as prescribed. Do not share your prescription with anyone else, as it can cause harm.
Discontinue if you are taking finasteride, dutasteride, or another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.
Do not take if you have a personal history of prostate disease or testicular cancer, or a personal or family history of male breast cancer.
Stop treatment 12 weeks before trying to conceive. If your partner is pregnant or breastfeeding, use barrier protection during sexual intercourse.
This treatment must not be used by females or individuals assigned female at birth.
Oral minoxidil:
For oral use only.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency.
Use only as prescribed. Do not share your prescription with anyone else, as it can cause harm.
Inform your prescriber if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, fluid retention, or are taking medication for blood pressure.
Caution is required in individuals with heart conditions, kidney disease, or those prone to swelling.
Stop treatment and seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, swelling of the hands, ankles or face, or shortness of breath.
This treatment must not be used by females or individuals assigned female at birth.
Storage instructions
Keep this medication out of the sight and reach of children. Store below 25°C. Do not use this prescription after the expiry date shown on the bottle. Do not dispose of unused medication down the toilet, sink, or in household waste. Return any unused prescription to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
Side Effects
These treatments can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
Topical minoxidil:
The following side effects are uncommon to common. They are usually mild and often improve as treatment continues:
Scalp irritation, such as itching, redness, or dryness.
Temporary increased hair shedding during the first 2–6 weeks of treatment.
Headaches.
Unwanted hair growth on areas other than the scalp if the product spreads beyond the scalp.
The following side effects are rare to very rare. Stop using your treatment and seek medical advice immediately if you experience:
Persistent or severe scalp irritation or burning.
Dizziness or faintness, especially when standing.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling of the face, throat, hands, or feet.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pain, worsening angina, rapid heartbeat or palpitations.
Sudden unexplained weight gain.
Oral finasteride:
The following side effects are rare to very rare. Stop using your treatment and seek medical advice immediately if you experience:
Depressed mood, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling of the face or throat.
Any breast lumps, enlargement, nipple discharge, or pain.
Changes in liver function tests, detected on blood tests.
Reduced libido, testicular pain, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation changes.
Infertility or reduced semen, which usually improves after stopping treatment.
Blood in semen.
Persistent sexual, mood, or physical symptoms after stopping treatment, sometimes referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome. This condition is not yet fully understood.
Topical finasteride:
If you’ve been prescribed a topical Finasteride treatment, side effects are rare since the treatment is not systemic. It’s applied topically, directly to the affected area, and therefore does not typically produce any systemic effects.
Oral minoxidil:
The following side effects are uncommon to common. They are usually mild and may improve as treatment continues:
Increased hair growth on areas other than the scalp (hypertrichosis), such as the face or body.
Mild fluid retention, including swelling of the ankles or hands.
Headaches.
Dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly.
The following side effects are rare to very rare. Stop using your treatment and seek medical advice immediately if you experience:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
Chest pain.
Severe dizziness or fainting.
Shortness of breath.
Significant swelling of the face, hands, or legs.
Sudden unexplained weight gain.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or swelling of the face or throat.
Reporting
Your prescription has been prepared under Section 10 of the Medicines Act 1968 and is supplied as an unlicensed special medicinal product. This means it does not hold a UK marketing authorisation. It has been prescribed for you by Leo Hair and prepared by Monderma Limited (GPhC number 9012305).
Contact us immediately if you start any new medication or if your medical circumstances change, for example, new symptoms, medical conditions, or hospital treatment.
Stop using your prescription and seek medical advice immediately if you experience any severe or concerning side effects. Speak to your GP and contact us for further guidance.
Seek prompt medical advice from a GP, pharmacist, or nurse if you notice any raised, changing, bleeding, or irregular-shaped lesions or moles. Leo Hair does not diagnose or treat skin cancer.
You may also report side effects to the MHRA by completing a Yellow Card at any pharmacy or online.
