Although side effects with topical formulations may be less common than oral medication, they are still possible.
Please note: the treatments offered may be unlicensed medicines ('specials'), prepared specifically for you following clinical assessment.
Finasteride/ Dutasteride (oral and topical): may cause: sexual side effects including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume, breast tenderness/enlargement (gynecomastia); reduce sperm count, motility, or semen volume in some men; psychiatric side effects including depression, anxiety, mood changes, and — in rare cases — suicidal thoughts; these sexual and psychiatric side effects have been reported to persist even after stopping treatment in a minority of cases.
Finasteride/Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, must avoid contact with the treated area of my scalp and with any semen exposure during sex, as absorption may cause harm to a male unborn baby's genital development. Avoid sexual contact with a pregnant partner without a barrier method (e.g., condom) while using this product, and tell any female partner of childbearing age about this risk. Please see NHS information
Minoxidil (topical): may cause: scalp irritation, itching, dryness or flaking; unwanted hair growth on adjacent skin (face, ears) if the product spreads beyond the scalp; initial shedding in the first weeks of use (a known, usually temporary effect); rare cases of lightheadedness or rapid heartbeat if absorbed systemically. Please see NHS information
Cetirizine / Melatonin (topical): may cause: local scalp irritation, redness, itching, dryness, or burning at the application site; contact dermatitis or sensitivity to the active ingredient or other ingredients in the formulation may occur. Topical cetirizine has generally been well tolerated in the limited clinical studies available, with few treatment-related adverse effects reported. Topical melatonin has also generally shown good tolerability in clinical studies, although evidence on long-term safety remains limited.
Because these treatments are applied to the scalp, systemic effects are expected to be limited, but systemic absorption cannot be assumed to be zero. If you develop persistent or severe irritation, swelling, a rash, or other unexpected symptoms, stop treatment and speak to your prescriber.
Tretinoin (topical): may cause: skin redness, peeling, dryness, and irritation, particularly in the first weeks ("purging"); increased sensitivity to sunlight and sunburn risk; avoid other exfoliating/retinoid products concurrently unless advised; must not be used if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid direct contact with pregnant partners.