4
What is your blood pressure? *
10
Do you think that your hair loss is genetic? *
Hair loss is likely to be genetic if your father, grandfather or uncles suffer from hair loss, a receding hair line, or thinning of the hair.
13
Do you have any medical conditions (other than male pattern baldness), that could be contributing to your hair loss? *
Examples of conditions that could contribute to hair loss include iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, recent severe infection.
21
Do you understand that? *
For those taking finasteride:
- Finasteride can decrease serum PSA (prostate-specific antigen), and you should make your doctor aware that you are taking finasteride if you require a PSA test? (You have the right to a PSA test if you are over 50 and you’ve thought about the advantages and disadvantages. If you are over 45 and have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, for example, if you are Afro-Caribbean, have a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer, you may wish to speak to your GP about having a PSA test.)
- Although finasteride is generally well tolerated, sexual side effects are the most common adverse effects which tend to happen during the first year of treatment. These include decreased libido (1-2% of men), erectile dysfunction (1-2% of men) and ejaculation disorders. These effects are likely to decrease over time, and usually resolve when medication is discontinued.
- You should discontinue treatment and seek medical advice if you develop changes to your breasts, e.g. tenderness, enlargement, discharge. (The MHRA have reported 3 cases of breast cancer in men taking finasteride 1mg. Overall, the incidence is not increased but in view of these reports, a connection cannot be excluded).
- You should discontinue treatment and seek medical advice if you develop depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. These have been observed, and although rare, men are advised to stop therapy if they develop any such signs
- You should seek medical advice if a female of childbearing potential comes into contact with finasteride. This is due to the potential harm it may cause to a foetus.
- You should not use finasteride if you are planning to have a child. (Please note, finasteride is excreted in semen, but it is not known whether a male foetus may be adversely affected if its mother is exposed to the semen of a man being treated with finasteride. We therefore recommend the use of a condom if your partner is not using the contraceptive pill)
For those taking minoxidil:
- Increased hair shedding can occur within 2-6 weeks of starting treatment. You should discontinue treatment if shedding lasts longer than 2 weeks
- You should take care to apply the product to just the scalp to avoid unwanted hair growth in other areas of the body
- You should use the product as instructed. Using more will not necessarily yield better results
- The product may be flammable. Take care to stay away from fire after application
- You should wash hands thoroughly after application
- Minoxidil 6% solution is an unlicensed preparation. It is offered on the basis of a clinical need not being addressed by an exisiting product
22
Do you understand that you should stop using this treatment and seek urgent medical advice if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face tongue and throat; difficulty swallowing; lumps under your skin (hives) and breathing difficulties? *
Whilst you should seek urgent medical advice, you should also inform your GP and inform us if you experience any of the above. You should call 999 in the case of a medical emergency, or 111 for advice.
