⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: All medicines and medicated hair products carry risks. Read this page carefully. This information does not replace the advice of your prescribing doctor or dispensing pharmacist. Always read the full prescribing information and patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.
1. Use Medicines Only as Directed
All prescription and OTC medicines and medicated products on Hairsncares must be used only as directed by your prescribing doctor, dispensing pharmacist, or the approved product labeling. Do not exceed the recommended dose, frequency, or duration of use.
- Do not use prescription products (Schedule H/H1) without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
- Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
- Store products as directed on the label (temperature, light, humidity).
- Do not use expired products — check expiry date before use.
- Do not share prescription medicines with others even if their symptoms appear similar.
2. Minoxidil — Safety Information
⚠️ Minoxidil is for external use only (topical formulation). For oral Minoxidil (where prescribed), specific cardiovascular precautions apply — use only under direct medical supervision.
Common Side Effects (Topical Minoxidil):
- Initial increased hair shedding (telogen effluvium) — typically resolves within 4–6 weeks of continued use
- Scalp irritation, dryness, flaking, or contact dermatitis
- Unwanted facial hair growth (hypertrichosis) — particularly in women using 5% formulation near hairline
- Headache (rare, usually with foam formulations)
Serious Side Effects — Stop and Seek Medical Attention:
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain (very rare; primarily with systemic absorption)
- Severe scalp allergic reaction: swelling, hives, difficulty breathing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
- Sudden unexplained weight gain (fluid retention — rare with topical)
3. Finasteride / Dutasteride — Safety Information
⚠️ Finasteride and Dutasteride are contraindicated in women of childbearing potential and pregnant women. Even handling crushed or broken tablets poses a risk to the foetus. These drugs must not be used by women, children, or adolescents.
Common Side Effects in Men:
- Reduced libido (sexual drive) — reversible in most cases after discontinuation
- Erectile dysfunction — reported in a small percentage of users
- Reduced ejaculate volume
- Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) — a reported cluster of persistent sexual and neurological symptoms; incidence is debated but acknowledged in literature
Monitoring Recommendation:
Consult your prescribing doctor before and during use, including for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) monitoring where relevant. Finasteride may artificially lower PSA levels.
4. Ketoconazole — Safety Information
- Topical Ketoconazole (shampoo/gel): generally well tolerated. May cause scalp dryness, irritation, or oiliness changes.
- Oral Ketoconazole: significant hepatotoxicity risk — not recommended for hair loss indications by CDSCO. Do not use oral Ketoconazole unless specifically prescribed by your doctor with monitoring.
- Avoid eye contact with shampoo formulations.
5. General Side Effects
All medicinal hair products carry potential for side effects. Common general side effects include: scalp dryness, itching, burning, or flaking; skin discolouration or localised irritation at application site; nausea or gastrointestinal upset (oral supplements); photosensitivity with certain formulations.
6. Contraindications
Do not use without consulting your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or hypertension (Minoxidil)
- Hepatic (liver) disease (Ketoconazole, Finasteride)
- Prostate cancer or elevated PSA (Finasteride/Dutasteride)
- Breast cancer, hormone-sensitive cancers
- History of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Known allergy to any ingredient in the product (check full excipient list)
- Inflammatory scalp conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis (active, severe)
7. Pregnancy & Lactation Warning
🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Finasteride and Dutasteride are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X). Topical Minoxidil should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless specifically advised by a qualified obstetrician or dermatologist. Most hair supplements should also be reviewed with your treating physician during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, disclose this information during your Hairsncares consultation and to any pharmacist before purchasing hair care products.
8. Drug Interactions
Certain hair loss medicines may interact with other medications. Always inform your prescribing doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbal products you are currently taking, including:
- Antihypertensive drugs (Minoxidil may enhance blood pressure-lowering effect)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (may affect Finasteride metabolism)
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin) with certain supplements (Biotin may affect lab test results)
- Other antifungal medications with systemic Ketoconazole
Our AI tool and teleconsultation platform do not replace a pharmacist's drug interaction review. Consult your dispensing pharmacist before combining any prescription products.
9. Allergy & Patch Test
For all new topical products (serums, shampoos, oils, solutions), perform a patch test before first use:
- Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear
- Leave for 24 hours without washing
- Observe for redness, itching, swelling, or blistering
- If reaction occurs: do not use the product and seek medical advice
- If no reaction: the product is likely well-tolerated for you (does not guarantee absence of reactions)
10. When to Stop Use and Seek Medical Care
🚨 Stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention if you experience: signs of severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing); chest pain or palpitations; sudden unexplained weight gain or swelling; severe scalp blistering, ulceration, or bleeding; severe mood changes or depression; jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes); persistent sexual dysfunction.
For non-emergency adverse effects, contact your prescribing doctor or pharmacist, or email pharmacist@hairsncares.com.
Report adverse drug events to the National Pharmacovigilance Programme via PvPI India (pvpi.gov.in) or call 1800-180-3024.