Low Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
If you suffer from Male Pattern Baldness, simply once a day low-dose ORAL Minoxidil treatment along with oral Finasteride or Dutasteride may help reactivate your hair follicles and regrow hair!
- Low-dose ORAL Minoxidil for hair loss shows potential to help regrow hair in male pattern hair loss
- Low-dose oral Minoxidil may even regrow hair better than topical Minoxidil
- Studies support the efficacy and safety of low-dose minoxidil for hair loss to promote hair growth
- Oral Minoxidil may be used alone or along with Propecia (finasteride) or Avodart (dutasteride) and other topical hair loss prescriptions such as Nizoral shampoo, bimatoprost…
- Prescription called/Eprescribed to most any local, brick-and-mortar, United States local pharmacy of your choice.
Low Dose Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Although, topical Minoxidil is FDA-approved for hair loss, oral Minoxidil is only FDA-approved for high blood pressure. Nevertheless, physicians prescribe low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss as an off-label treatment for male pattern hair loss
Recent studies show that low-dose oral minoxidil may even regrow hair better than topical minoxidil. To explain, some men may not respond to topical minoxidil because their hair follicles lack or have low levels of the enzyme sulfotransferase. This enzyme converts minoxidil to Minoxidil Sulphate, the active form. Even though the hair follicles may lack this enzyme, the liver contains this enzyme. As a result, the liver sulfotransferase enzyme activates the minoxidil when taken orally.
For NEW ORAL Minoxidil clients only, to learn how to request an INITIAL Consult
REFILL consult for returning ORAL Minoxidil Medical Wellness Center clients only
IMPORTANT WARNING: Online Minoxidil prescriptions are for MEN ONLY! Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should NOT use or handle Minoxidil or finasteride or dutasteride.
IMPORTANT WARNING: Although Minoxidil is not contraindicated for women, Medical Wellness Center does NOT prescribe Minoxidil online for women as Male Pattern Baldness can be a sign of a serious underlying illness in WOMEN!
IMPORTANT WARNING: Do NOT use if you have underlying heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease
IMPORTANT WARNING: Do NOT use if taking high blood pressure medication!
IMPORTANT WARNING: Do NOT use if have Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla.
MEDICAL WELLNESS CENTER PROVIDES:
- Simple, Convenient & Confidential Online Physician consultations for low-dose ORAL Minoxidil for Male Pattern Hair Loss.
- RISK-FREE Online Physician Evaluation to determine eligibility for low-dose oral Minoxidil.
- If approved the medical consultation fee to the Medical Wellness Center is only $49.95 plus either Regular or Express 24 hour processing fee. Since oral minoxidil requires more frequent monitoring than topical, the initial consult provides a prescription for a three month supply. Your prescription for oral Minoxidil, #90 pills, is forwarded to a Local, United States Pharmacy of your choice. We provide only the consultation and prescription. We do not dispense or sell any medication.
- Oral Minoxidil can ONLY be filled at your local, United States pharmacy. It can not be filled or transferred to an internet or mail-order pharmacy such as Amazon.com, nor can it be filled at .COM version of a local pharmacy such as Costco.com or CVS.com.
- If you do not qualify for an oral Minoxidil prescription, your online visit is FREE and there is NO charge.
- Express service available: Your oral Minoxidil prescription will be forwarded to the pharmacy within approximately 24 hours. Regular Service takes approximately 3-7 business days to review.
HOW TO REQUEST A PHYSICIAN CONSULTATION FOR A MINOXIDIL PRESCRIPTION:
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- Read about low-dose ORAL Minoxidil for hair loss to learn more about its indications and contraindications.
- Read and Agree to the Waiver of Liability.
- Accurately and truthfully complete and submit a medical consultation questionnaire
- Your medical consultation will be reviewed by one of our Physicians, and if approved you will be prescribed low-dose ORAL Minoxidil which will be forwarded directly to your local pharmacy.
- This consultation is RISK-FREE, if the physician determines oral Minoxidil is not appropriate for you, then there is no charge.
- You can select either “regular” service (3-7 days to process) or “express” 24 hour processing for an express service fee.
- If approved you will receive an email confirmation from Medical Wellness Center after your prescription has been forwarded to your selected pharmacy.
- The initial consultation fee for the physician evaluation is only $49.95 for plus either Regular or Express 24 hour Service for a 90 day prescription, if you are approved for treatment, otherwise it’s free. If you find low-dose oral Minoxidil is working for you, refill consultations are only $59.95 plus processing for SIX months of refills.
- Unlike other medications we prescribe for hair loss, low-dose oral minoxidil requires more frequent monitoring since it can have systemic effects on your blood pressure. Therefore the initial consult is for only three months. Afterwards, since cardiovascular status can change, we require refill consultations every six months.
- If you have any health concerns in any way, you should contact your own physician for further advice
How Minoxidil Works for Hair Loss
Minoxidil, a vasodilator, dilates the scalp blood vessels and boosts blood flow to the hair follicle. As a result, minoxidil triggers a beneficial hair cycle which can sometimes cause temporary shedding early on in the treatment process. In other words, minoxidil extends the duration of the Anagen (growth ) phase. Simultaneously, it shortens the Telogen (resting) phase of the hair growth cycle. As a result of spending more time in the active growth phase, the hair increases in length and diameter and scalp coverage.
Oral low-dose minoxidil vs high-dose compounded topical minoxidil
Although topical minoxidil can be very effective, a subset of men lack or have low levels of the scalp enzyme necessary to convert topically applied minoxidil to the active form. Therefore, we recommend low-dose oral minoxidil in these men, because the activation enzyme present in the liver activates the minoxidil. In fact, there are studies showing low-dose oral minoxidil is more effective than topical. Many dermatologists and hair transplant physicians are prescribing oral minoxidil rather than topical.
- Oral minoxidil is a SYSTEMIC anti-hypertensive medication that has a “side effect” of hirsutism, meaning hair growth all over the body, not just on scalp.
- HIGH blood pressure medication (anti-hypertensive) MAIN physiological function is to DECREASE blood pressure which could have deleterious effects on even healthy people or individuals with known and unknown heart issues or are on other blood pressure medication
- Oral minoxidil is contraindicated in men with heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease and those who are already taking high-blood pressure medication.
Male pattern baldness is a chronically progressive condition. What begins as minor hair thinning in one’s early 20’s, can progress to typical male pattern baldness within a relatively short time. Low-dose oral Minoxidil alone or along with systemic Propecia or Avodart can stop the progression of further loss and result in hair re-growth. Therefore, genetically predisposed men can prevent significant hair loss by using prescription strength minoxidil alone or with other treatments at the first signs of hair thinning. Male pattern baldness is a life-long condition. Regardless of the dramatic effects you may experience from prescription treatment, you must continue to use this medication regularly. If you stop the treatment your genetic predisposition to baldness will result in eventual loss of the new hair re-growth and progression of further hair loss.
Minoxidil: FAQ
WHAT IS MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS?
Male pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia, is a very common condition in which men begin to experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. These changes often start slowly in men in their 20’s and often progress to a receding hairline and/or balding on the top of the head. Male pattern baldness is believed to be hereditary and dependent on hormonal effects. The primary cause of Male Pattern hair loss and baldness is due to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is produced by 5-alpha reductase conversion of testosterone to DHT and leads to miniaturization of the hair follicle.
WHAT IS MINOXIDIL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine and it works at the level of the dermal papilla. Minoxidil increases blood flow and works by gradually enlarging miniaturized follicles that have shrunk. Also, Minoxidil appears to extend the hair’s growth phase thus giving the hairs an opportunity to reach a longer length before falling out. With more follicles in the growth stage, it is possible to see improved coverage of the scalp.
WILL MINOXIDIL WORK FOR ME? ?
Minoxidil is prescribed online for MEN 18 years or older experiencing gradual thinning and hair loss on the top of the head, ANDROGENETIC Male Pattern Baldness. The response to Minoxidil varies greatly for each person and can not be predicted. But topical minoxidil does not work for everyone. Some men lack or have low levels of the sulfotransferase enzyme in their scalp that converts minoxidil to the active form. Therefore, in these men physicians recommend low-dose oral minoxidil because the sulfotransferase enzyme in the liver converts the oral minoxidil to the active form.
HOW DOES ORAL MINOXIDIL COMPARE TO TOPICAL?
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine the over-the counter preparation. Rogaine contains only 2 – 5% Minoxidil and is 60% alcohol which is very drying and damaging to the hair shaft. Minoxidil is many times more potent than Rogaine and it is not drying and damaging to the hair shaft as is OTC Rogaine.
Most studies claim low-dose oral minoxidil is superior to topical minoxidil.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORAL MINOXIDIL DOSE FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HAIR LOSS?
Oral minoxidil is approved to treat high blood pressure. The usual dose for high blood pressure is between 10 -40 mg daily, much higher that for hair loss. In contrast. Physicians typically prescribe up to 2.5mg oral minoxidil daily for hair loss.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM ORAL MINOXIDIL DOSE PRESCRIBED FOR MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS?
Although you may be able to get higher doses elsewhere, our physicians prescribe a maximum of 2.5mg daily for male pattern hair loss. Since even low doses can cause a decrease in blood pressure, lightheadedness and dizziness, this dose maximizes hair loss benefits and minimizes adverse systemic side effects. Often it is best to start with 1.25mg daily for men. If you tolerate this dose, after one week increase to 2.5mg daily dose.
CAN I USE BOTH TOPICAL AND ORAL MINOXIDIL?
Yes, but you have to start slowly and increase maximal topical minoxidil dose to only 15% not 30%. Combining topical and low-dose oral minoxidil can increase unwanted hair growth and potentially increase side effects. If on topical minoxidil and wanting to switch or add low-dose oral minoxidil, stop topical minoxidil. Take oral minoxidil and make sure you do not have any low blood pressure effects such as light headedness or dizziness. Then slow start with 5% minoxidil and increase to a maximum of 15% topical minoxidil. WARNING: Do not use multiple topical minoxidil formulas such as lotions, sprays and shampoos along with oral minoxidil. If you choose to combine low-dose oral minoxidil with a topical minoxidil, select either a shampoo, spray or topical compounded lotion or cream only!
CAN ORAL MINOXIDIL BE USED ALONG WITH PROPECIA OR AVODART?
Treating male pattern hair loss with multiple modalities – Minoxidil and systemic 5-alpha reductase inhibitors Propecia or Avodart may work synergistically to enhance the effectiveness of treatment and promote hair regrowth. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow and enlarging miniaturized follicles and extending the hair’s growth phase. Propecia and Avodart, both 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, work by inhibiting the enzymatic conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT is responsible for the miniaturization of the hair follicles in the balding areas. Therefore, Minoxidil and Propecia (finasteride) or Avodart (dutasteride) work synergistically on the key factors in the development of androgenetic male pattern baldness. Propecia and Avodart decrease levels of DHT responsible for the miniaturization of hair follicles, while Minoxidil works to increase blood flow to the area and enlarge and restore the follicles that have been miniaturized.
Although Minoxidil can be used as a sole treatment modality, combining Minoxidil with other hair loss treatment modalities is safe. In addition, it gives the best opportunity to slow and reverse hair loss and regrow new hair.
Avodart or Propecia prescriptions are available through Medical Wellness Center
HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?
Hair grows only about ½ inch per month, therefore patients start to notice results after the first 3 months of treatment. It takes time to see improvement. Initially one may start to notice very fine, soft, colorless hairs. With further use, the new hairs will gradually become thicker and the same color as the other hairs on your scalp. Up to 12 months of use may be needed to see your best results from Minoxidil. Also, for those just starting to have hair thinning, using Minoxidil in the early stages will yield the most dramatic results.
DOES MINOXIDIL CURE HAIR LOSS?
Because male pattern hair loss is a progressive condition, both oral and topical minoxidil slow the progression of hair loss. But, if you stop taking or using the medication, the hair regrowth stops and reverses. Therefore, as long as you want to maintain the hair thickening and regrowth, you have to continue to the treatment.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE MINOXIDIL?
The underlying predisposition to baldness is always present. Therefore, if a patient discontinues the use of Minoxidil, he will gradually lose the new hair that grew in response to Minoxidil treatment and will experience the progression of his underlying predisposition to baldness. Newly regrown hairs will probably be lost in 3 – 4 months after stopping medication use.
WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE CONSUMPTION WITH ORAL MINOXIDIL?
Since alcohol can lower blood pressure, cutting down on alcohol helps decrease and adverse low blood pressure effects. In addition, excess caffeine consumption can cause rapid heart beat or palpitations. Therefore, decreasing caffein consumption minimizes side effects.
FOLLOW UP CONSULTATION FREQUENCY?
Unlike other medication we prescribe for hair loss, low-dose oral medication requires more frequent monitoring. Therefore, the initial consult provides a prescription for a 90 day supply. (#90 with no refills). After the initial 3 months of treatment, refill prescriptions are for a total of six months: # 90 with one refill. Since cardiovascular status and blood pressure changes over time, we require refill consult every six months for monitoring.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MINOXIDIL?
- Minoxidil is prescribed ONLINE for MEN only, although unlike Propecia or Avodart, it is often used for women who are experiencing male pattern hair loss. Minoxidil is NEVER prescribed for women online because, in women, male pattern hair loss can be a sign of a serious or life-threatening underlying medical condition from hormonal problems to even cancer.
- Pregnant women should NOT use OTC Rogaine or prescription strength or oral Minoxidil.
- Low dose oral minoxidil or topical minoxidil is for treatment for male pattern hair loss which occurs gradually and runs in families. If you experience sudden hair loss, or you are experiencing patchy areas or hair loss or hair loss from medication or after pregnancy Minoxidil is NOT for you.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF LOW-DOSE ORAL MINOXIDIL?
The most common side of low-dose oral minoxidil occurring in about 15% of men, is increased hair growth on face and body. Stopping oral minoxidil reverses this side effect in one to six months.
Stop using the formulation and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue or face.
STOP USING MINOXIDIL AND SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU GET:
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- Chest pain
- Rapid heartbeat
- Faintness and/or dizziness
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain
- Swollen hands or feet
- Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
In order to proceed to the medical consultation, you must proceed to the next section and read the complete list of contraindications. Then you must verify that you do not have any of the contraindications and understand that any pregnant or potentially pregnant woman must not use Minoxidil. Minoxidil is NEVER indicated for hair loss due to childbirth. Under NO circumstance do we prescribe Minoxidil to any woman or child under the age of 18 .
Before Proceeding to the Medical Consultation Form please read
CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS and WARNINGS
and accept the Waiver of Liability
CONTRAINDICATIONS
DO NOT TAKE ORAL MINOXIDIL IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
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Minoxidil is contraindicated in patients with a history of minoxidil hypersensitivity or allergy
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Patients with underlying heart issues, kidney disease and liver disease should not use oral minoxidil
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Oral Minoxidil is contraindicated in patients taking high blood pressure medication.
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Do not use oral minoxidil if you have coronary artery disease, heart disease, previous heart attacks, angina, heart failure, afib, arrhythmia, left ventricular hypertrophy, history of stroke, or peripheral edema.
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Patients with severe liver disease or liver impairment should not use oral minoxidil.
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People with severe kidney disease, renal failure, kidney dialysis should not use oral minoxidil
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Patients with a history is low blood pressure, easy fainting, or orthostatic hypotension should not take oral minoxidil as it can lower your blood pressure even more.
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Oral minoxidil use is contraindicated with Pulmonary Hypertension with Mitral Stenosis
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Do NOT use if have Pheochromocytomas, a vascular tumor of the adrenal medulla
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Oral minoxidil should not be taken if have Porphyria
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Patients over 60 should only use oral minoxidil with direct physician supervision, because higher risk of unknown, underlying heart issues. In addition older people may be more sensitive to the systemic effects of minoxidil.
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Minoxidil should not be used by women who are pregnant, breast feeding or trying to conceive
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Low-dose Oral minoxidil in prescribed online for men only.
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Low-dose Oral minoxidil is not prescribed to anyone under the age of 18.
WHEN ORAL OR TOPICAL MINOXIDIL IS NOT PRESCRIBED:
- Do NOT use Minoxidil if you are not sure of the reason for your hair loss.
- Do NOT use Minoxidil if you experienced Sudden hair loss.
- Do NOT use Minoxidil if you experience or patchy hair loss.
- Do NOT use Minoxidil if you are experiencing hair loss secondary to medication use or a severe illness.
- Minoxidil will NOT prevent or reverse hair loss from the use of some prescription medications.
- Minoxidil will NOT prevent or reverse hair loss due to chemotherapy, or nutritional problems, low thyroid states, or disease which causes scarring of the scalp.
- Minoxidil will not improve hair loss from damage to the hair or scalp from the use of hair care products, chemical treatments, or hairstyles such as ponytails or cornrows.
- Pregnant or potentially pregnant women must not use Minoxidil.
- Minoxidil is NEVER indicated for hair loss due to childbirth.
- Under NO circumstance do we prescribe Minoxidil to any woman or child under the age of 18.
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF LOW-DOSE ORAL MINOXIDIL:
Low-dose oral minoxidil does not commonly cause major side effects. In fact, studies show that less than 5% of men had to stop treatment because of side effects.
- The most common side effect is hypertrichosis, increased hair growth on face or body, which occurs in about 15%. Within one to six months after stopping treatment, this excess hair growth reverses.
- Temporary shedding of hair often occurs when starting treatment due to new growth pushing out resting phase hairs. This shedding usually stops after 4-12 weeks and is not a reason to stop treatment.
Systemic Adverse effects occur in about 5.5% of patients:
- Lightheadedness, low blood pressure, feel dizzy
- Palpitations and increased heart rate
- Fluid retention and resulting rapid weight gain
- Ankle and Leg swelling
- Swelling around the eyes
- Headaches
- Rashes, itching
- Rarely pericarditis, breast tenderness, insomnia and difficulty sleeping.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS:
STOP MINOXIDIL USE AND IMMEDIATELY SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED RAPID WEIGHT GAIN: Rapid weight gain can be due to fluid retention and lead to serious health consequences. If you experience rapid weight gain, STOP the medication, contact your primary care physician and seek immediate medical attention. In addition, only after seeking immediate medical attention, contact us at wellnessmd@medicalwellnesscenter.com.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have new or worsening chest pain, shortness of breath, very severe heartburn or sudden changes to your vision or hearing.
- New or worsening chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, faintness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Severe heartburn
- Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
If allergic reaction occurs – seek immediate emergency medical attention
ORAL MINOXIDIL BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE MONITORING:
How do I prepare to start low-dose oral minoxidil treatment for hair loss?
First buy a wrist, finger or arm blood pressure monitor at your local pharmacy if you do not have one. You should record your blood pressure and heart rate before starting oral minoxidil and then check your blood pressure once a week and keep a record.
Since oral minoxidil, even in low doses, can lower blood pressure, you should get a baseline blood pressure reading before starting oral minoxidil. Click here for oral minoxidil monitoring chart which you can print out. You should record your blood pressure three times before beginning treatment. After starting treatment, monitor your blood pressure weekly. In addition, anytime you feel lightheaded or dizzy record your blood pressure and heart rate. Even though low-dose oral minoxidil does not lower blood pressure in most patients, you should monitor your blood pressure and heart rate for the first 3 weeks.
Since side effects correlate with dosage, higher doses of oral minoxidil increase the risk of low blood pressure and lightheadedness. When taking 2.5mg or less daily, systemic side effects are minimal. If you feel lightheaded or faint or notice a major change in blood pressure after starting oral minoxidil, contact us at wellnessmd@medicalwellnesscenter.com. If an emergency, contact your primary care physician or seek emergency medical treatment.
I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF THE ABOVE CONTRAINDICATIONS:
In order for Medical Wellness Center Physicians to provide you with the best care you need to reply honesty to all questions and you need to understand any and all risks and side effects associated with low-dose ORAL Minoxidil.
By accepting “I Agree” means that you have read the above contraindication and warnings and honestly acknowledge that you do not have any of the above contraindications to Minoxidil therapy and understand that insurance will not cover the cost of the medication.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.