Formula 82F “Finoxidil” is a topical compounded prescription solution containing the FDA-approved hair growth medications finasteride 0.25% and minoxidil 5%, as well as retinoic acid for enhanced penetration of minoxidil and sebum reduction, a mild low-dose anti-inflammatory, oleanolic acid—a mild anti-androgen, and other beneficial ingredients such as powerful antioxidant algae extracts without any propylene glycol (a common irritant) at a neutral pH. Finasteride is the active ingredient in the FDA-approved drug Propecia. Minoxidil is the FDA-approved active ingredient in over-the-counter Rogaine and in compounded prescription Formula 82M.
Formula 82F “Finoxidil” offers the powerful DHT-reducing effect of finasteride along with a deeply penetrating minoxidil formulation in a non-greasy, user-friendly, hairstyle friendly, compounded topical prescription formula that may be appropriate for men and some postmenopausal women in the medical management of hair loss.
Twice daily minoxidil has been shown to regrow hair in up to 85% of men and 60% of women. Finasteride was FDA-approved as an oral prescription hair regrowth pill for men in 1998. While 90% effective orally, concerns about systemic side effects led researchers to explore the benefits of a compounded preparation of topical finasteride. Formula 82F “Finoxidil” offers the synergistic approach of the only two medications FDA approved for hair regrowth.
Dr. Tracy recommends that 30 drops of Formula 82F “Finoxidil” should initially be applied as directed—twice daily to the entire scalp that is “at-risk” and focusing primarily on the areas of hair thinning. Formula 82F Finoxidil should be distributed evenly and allowed to absorb for at least three hours before showering, swimming, or participating in heavy physical or other activity that may cause sweating. The special bottle allows for the accurate application of medication directly where you need it… on the scalp, not on your hair. Formula 82F topical “Finoxidil” should be applied to dry scalp, and also can be applied to towel-dried/mostly-dry scalp after showering, before styling.
It is well accepted that minoxidil is a potent hair growth stimulator, causing resting follicles to produce hair, and weak follicles to produce longer thicker, and more pigmented hair over time with consistent use. Oral finasteride is used to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a known trigger for hair loss, in order to enhance hair growth. New research suggests that topical finasteride can be an effective treatment for hair loss and may reduce the chance of side effects that may occur with oral treatment.
Formula 82F “Finoxidil” typically works to protect and enhance hair growth wherever there are weakened hair follicles or areas “at-risk.” Common treatment areas include the crown/vertex area, top of the scalp, as well as the frontal/temple areas.
In patients with a light complexion and skin tone, the scalp may appear slightly more pink than usual due to increased blood flow from the treatment. Redness, dryness, flaking, inflammation, and discomfort at the scalp can occur but are rare with Formula 82F “Finoxidil” because it has anti-inflammatory properties and contains absolutely NO propylene glycol (found in over-the-counter minoxidil solutions). For patients concerned about the risk of sexual side effects from oral
finasteride, research suggests that Formula 82F “Finoxidil” which contains topical finasteride may significantly reduce those risks. Discontinue therapy and notify Dr. Bauman immediately if you experience any side effects from treatment.
No. The sophisticated proprietary process used to create Formula 82F “Finoxidil” allows it to be absorbed more quickly, dry more quickly and leave no sticky residue common with over-the-counter minoxidil or other prescription solutions. Applied correctly, there should be little to no impact on your hairstyle. Because it is propylene glycol-free and formulated with a proprietary process, the result is a quick-dry, non-greasy, non-sticky experience.
Increases in hair growth can be seen as early as ten weeks. Cosmetic benefits may take six to twelve months to be noticeable in the mirror or in photos.
Formula 82F Topical Finasteride+Minoxidil is a powerful hair regrowth treatment for the vast majority of hair loss and hair thinning patients. However, the effects of topically-applied finasteride cannot completely duplicate the DHT lowering effects of a systemically absorbed oral finasteride dose. Every patient is different, but we would not typically expect the same hair regrowth results with topical finasteride as we would with consistent use of oral finasteride (propecia).
A one-on-one consultation with board-certified hair restoration physician, Dr. Tracy, is the best way to determine if you are a good candidate for Formula 82F “Finoxidil”. Routine medical tracking is recommended in order to achieve the best possible results with Formula 82F “Finoxidil” topical finasteride with minoxidil, or any hair restoration regimen.
Women of childbearing age should NOT use or come into contact with Formula 82F “Finoxidil” or areas topically treated with the medication for at least three hours due to a risk of birth defects in a developing male fetus. Like all topical medications, keep Formula 82F “Finoxidil” and treated areas safely out of reach of children. Please refer to the pharmacy product insert for further information.
Hereditary hair loss is a medical condition that responds very well to multimodality or multi-therapy approach. Formula 82F can be used in conjunction with PRP, Low-Level Laser Therapy (Capillus Rx LaserCap) as well as oral treatments because it works with a completely different, non-redundant mechanism than the other hair growth therapies mentioned. When used in conjunction with hair transplantation, Formula 82F should be avoided during the healing phase and resumed after the crusts are gone and the skin is healed completely.