What is minoxidil topical solution 5%?

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is a colorless liquid medication containing 5% minoxidil for use only on the scalp to help regrow hair in men.

Who may use minoxidil topical solution 5%?

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for use only by men. Minoxidil topical solution 5% may be appropriate for you if you are a male at least 18 years old and experiencing gradually thinning hair or gradual hair loss on the top of the scalp (vertex only, as shown in the leaflet). It is not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline. The common inherited thinning or hair loss process begins slowly and may become noticeable only after years of gradual loss.

Minoxidil topical solution 5% is for men with hair loss or thinning hair that begins on the vertex of the scalp. Minoxidil topical solution 5% is more likely to regrow hair in men with hair loss in the range shown in the leaflet. If men have more hair loss than shown, minoxidil topical solution 5% may not work.

Many of those experiencing hair loss have other family members with gradual thinning hair or hair loss. If you have no family history of gradual thinning hair or of gradual hair loss, or your hair loss is patchy, see your doctor.

How soon can I expect results from using minoxidil topical solution 5%?

Since normal hair usually grows only 1/2 to 1 inch per month, hair regrowth with minoxidil topical solution 5% also takes time.

Results may be seen as early as 2 months with twice daily use. For some men, it may take at least 4 months for results to be seen. If you do not see any results after 4 months, stop using minoxidil topical solution 5%.

When you first begin to use minoxidil topical solution 5%, your hair loss may increase temporarily for up to 2 weeks. This is likely a sign that you are getting rid of old hairs in order to regrow more new hairs. This temporary increase in hair loss is expected and is a part of the process for how minoxidil topical solution 5% regrows hair. Remember, this increased hair loss is temporary. However, if it continues after two weeks, see your doctor.

How long do I need to use minoxidil topical solution 5%?

If you experience hair regrowth, continued use of minoxidil topical solution 5% is necessary or the hair loss will begin again. In studies with minoxidil topical solution 5%, hair regrowth has not been shown to last longer than 48 weeks of continuous treatment in large clinical trials.

What happens if I completely stop using minoxidil topical solution 5%? Will I keep the new hair?

Continuous use of minoxidil topical solution 5% is needed to maintain hair regrowth.

If you stop using minoxidil topical solution 5%, you will lose your newly regrown hair in 3 to 4 months.

Directions:

■ apply one mL with dropper 2 times a day directly onto the scalp in the hair loss area

■ using more or more often will not improve results

■ continued use is necessary to increase and keep your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again