Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride: Can micro-dosing (Mazzarella et al., 1997) really cause sides?

[hair2stay]

The systematic review is attached in link below

As per Mazzeralla et al. (1997), 0.05mg of finasteride was applied in a 1ml syringe two times daily for a total of 0.1mg per day OR 3 mgs total per month. The study with a small sample size albeit reported no significant side effects after 16 months

Yet people here report sides with this protocol and I believe you. Yet, help me understand. How could 0.7mgs per week - applied topically - still cause sides yet others seem to be able to use so much more....

I was experiencing sides on 1mg per day - not extreme but enough for me to question the safety in the long run. I would think 3 mgs per month (0.05mgs 2x daily) applied topically would not really cause sides..but I believe you. IS THIS RARE TO GET SIDES at this low a dose? Is there any dose low enough with some benefit where most people wont get sides.....?

I'm hoping this helps me to maintain but with no sides...if not I guess its RU58841.. My doctor is NOT hearing the avodart option...

Thank you - Is it rare to get sides even on such a low dose as .1mgs per day topically?

 

[debyne]

I believe it's very rare to get real sides on that low of a topical dose. Think of the % of people reporting sides when taking 1mg oral. Topical finasteride probably absorbs 10-15% (if that) into your system depending on the person. I had minor sides with 1mg oral daily, but I have zero sides on topical finasteride 0.025%, which is 0.25mg. If you're doing 0.1mg daily via topical, that's miniscule.

 

[hair2stay]

I believe it's very rare to get real sides on that low of a topical dose. Think of the % of people reporting sides when taking 1mg oral. Topical finasteride probably absorbs 10-15% (if that) into your system depending on the person. I had minor sides with 1mg oral daily, but I have zero sides on topical finasteride 0.025%, which is 0.25mg. If you're doing 0.1mg daily via topical, that's miniscule.

Yes that's my thought as well. I'm torn as I don't want to believe it's possible yet how can I discount what people are certain that they experience...

I had minor sides at 1 mg ED as well. Yet topical is highly effective and is clearly safer and I dont find it a hassle...so here goes

 

[debyne]

I had minor sides at 1 mg ED as well. Yet topical is highly effective and is clearly safer and I dont find it a hassle...so here goes

Yea man, don't waste any time. I'm on topical and my hair has never been better. It's hard to believe.

 

[PRIMEN]

Yea man, don't waste any time. I'm on topical and my hair has never been better. It's hard to believe.

Are you applying only 1ml? Is it enough for you? I need 3ml to cover all my scalp.

 

[losingbattle88]

Are you applying only 1ml? Is it enough for you? I need 3ml to cover all my scalp.

and I need 6ml. You guys must have super short hair or be badly diffused thin.

 

[hair2stay]

and I need 6ml. You guys must have super short hair or be badly diffused thin.

I use a glass syringe such that I dont have to part the hairs. It has a fine tip. It gets in... I find 1ml can get most of my scalp wet - I dont coat the hairs where balding doesnt occur - just the top areas where balding occurs.

My hair is quite thick BUT I keep my hair short... I also have a small head lol

 

[debyne]

Are you applying only 1ml? Is it enough for you? I need 3ml to cover all my scalp.

1mL is enough for me.