The image shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual appearance of your specific compounded medication.
Follicle Fix
Follicle Fix Hair Solution offers a powerful combination for those struggling with hair loss. By stimulating new hair growth and reducing hair loss, it can help you achieve thicker, healthier hair with regular use.
Finasteride
- Inhibitor of 5α-reductase enzyme that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Minoxidil
Suggested dosing
Apply a small amount topically to the affected areas of the scalp at bedtime. Thoroughly massage into the scalp and wash hands afterwards. Consistency is the key to achieving desired results.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS
This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy. Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription from a prescribing healthcare practitioner and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. Compounded drugs are intended for patients whose prescriber has determined their medical needs are not met by an available FDA-approved drug. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This compounded preparation:
- Has not been approved by the FDA
- Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order
- Individual outcomes may vary
Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.
This compounded medication is only available when the commercially available product is unavailable or when a prescriber determines that there is a clinically significant difference for the patient.
Medicine Information
- Increased hair growth by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of hair cycle
- Increased hair thickness
- Stimulates proliferation of follicle matrix cells
- Promotes larger and more robust follicles
Topical application of finasteride and minoxidil is generally well tolerated and risks of systemic side effects are low.
Potential Side Effects
- Irritation, redness, or itching at the application site.
- Changes in hair color and texture may occur.
- Dizziness
Precautions
- Patients who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not touch or handle finasteride.
- This medication is a potential teratogen. Women of childbearing age must check with their provider before initiating. Contraception should be used during and for at least 30 days after the last finasteride dose.
- Minoxidil is excreted into breast milk and therefore should be avoided in nursing mothers.
- For topical use only on the scalp; do not apply to other parts of the body.
- Male infertility and reduced semen quality have been reported with oral finasteride use, though these effects are typically reversible and dose-dependent. This risk is considered low with topical application due to minimal systemic absorption.
Contraindications
Use is contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant.
Topical finasteride works by competitively inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase Type 2 in the scalp, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a major contributor to androgenetic alopecia, leading to the shrinkage of hair follicles over time. By lowering DHT levels specifically in the scalp, topical finasteride helps prevent further follicle miniaturization, supporting the maintenance of existing hair and potentially encouraging regrowth.
Topical minoxidil works as a vasodilator, enhancing blood flow and nutrient supply to the hair follicles. It reduces the length of the resting (telogen) phase, encouraging follicles to transition more quickly into the growth (anagen) phase, and extends the duration of that growth phase. Minoxidil may be exerting these effects by directly stimulating growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in dermal papilla cells (DPC), which promote blood vessel networks. Minoxidil may also be prolonging the survival of DPC via the phosphorylation of Akt signaling pathways and forestalling apoptosis (cell death).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT COMPOUNDED MEDICATIONS
This medication has been compounded (custom-prepared) by a pharmacy. Compounded medications are specially prepared for individual patient needs based on a valid prescription from a prescribing healthcare practitioner and, as such, are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or efficacy. Compounded drugs are intended for patients whose prescriber has determined their medical needs are not met by an available FDA-approved drug. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This compounded preparation:
- Has not been approved by the FDA
- Has not undergone FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality
- Is prepared specifically for you based on your prescriber's order
- Individual outcomes may vary
Dosing is determined by the prescribing provider based on patient-specific factors. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Compounded medications are not subject to FDA approval and lack the same safety and efficacy data as FDA-approved commercial medications. This medication should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional familiar with the condition being addressed and the specific applications of the medication.
Gupta AK, Talukder M, Venkataraman M, Bamimore MA. Minoxidil: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 Jun;33(4):1896-1906. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1945527. Epub 2021 Jul 20. PMID: 34159872.
Lexicomp. Finasteride (Topical): Warnings and Precautions. Wolters Kluwer. Updated 2025. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://online-lexi-com.mwu.idm.oclc.org/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6913
Nobari NN, Roohaninasab M, Sadeghzadeh-Bazargan A, Goodarzi A, Behrangi E, Nikkhah F, Ghassemi M. A systematic review of clinical trials using single or combination therapy of oral or topical finasteride for women in reproductive age and postmenopausal women with hormonal and nonhormonal androgenetic alopecia. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2023 Jul;32(7):813-823. doi: 10.17219/acem/157990. PMID: 36897103.
Piraccini BM, Blume-Peytavi U, Scarci F, Jansat JM, Falqués M, Otero R, Tamarit ML, Galván J, Tebbs V, Massana E; Topical Finasteride Study Group. Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution for male androgenetic alopecia: a phase III, randomized, controlled clinical trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Feb;36(2):286-294. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17738. Epub 2021 Oct 25. Erratum in: J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023 Feb;37(2):452. doi: 10.1111/jdv.18750. PMID: 34634163; PMCID: PMC9297965.
Lachgar, et al. "Minoxidil upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human hair dermal papilla cells." British Journal of Dermatology 138.3 (1998): 407-411.
Han JH, Kwon OS, Chung JH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Kim KH. Effect of minoxidil on proliferation and apoptosis in dermal papilla cells of human hair follicle. J Dermatol Sci. 2004 Apr;34(2):91-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2004.01.002. PMID: 15033191.
Q. How long will it take for Follicle Fix to work?
A. Although the medication starts acting at the follicular level immediately, it may take several months for visible results to appear. Many individuals begin to notice improvement around the 3-month mark, while others may require more time. This delay is due to the way the medication works—by modifying the natural hair growth cycle and extending the active growth phase. Adherence is key to ensure the the best results.
Q. There are oral forms of the medication with the same ingredients found in Follicle Fix. How do the two compare?
A. Medications that are ingested orally will have a systemic effect and pose a higher risk of side effects. Minoxidil, taken orally may increase heart rate, sharply decrease blood pressure, worsen heart failure in patients with the condition, and cause fluid gain. Oral finasteride can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction and breast tenderness. When Follicle Fix is applied topically, it permeates the skin to yield high concentrations of the drug in the target tissue, but without any significant systemic absorption. The risk of side effects with Follicle Fix is minimized compared to ingestion of an oral form.
