Important drug information and warnings

Locklab is a 3-in-1 compounded medication containing Oral Minoxidil, Oral Finasteride, and Oral Biotin. The following is a list of important drug information and warnings.

Oral Minoxidil

About

Oral minoxidil is a prescription medication proven in clinical trials to stimulate hair growth. It is generally considered that the higher the dose, the greater the clinical effect; however, it is important not to take more than your healthcare provider has prescribed to you. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking oral minoxidil?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Currently taking a medication called guanethidine
  • Sudden or patchy hair loss
  • Unknown reason for hair loss
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil or any components of the medication
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medicine?

Minoxidil is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking guanethidine.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also, tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Potential side effects

Side effects that you should immediately report to your doctor or health care professional:

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, racing or irregular heartbeat
  • New or worsening chest, arm, or shoulder pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid weight gain, or swelling in the hands, legs, or feet
  • There is a rare chance of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Unusual hair growth, on the face and/or body

These are not all the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Contact your doctor if you have additional questions or concerns.

Finasteride

About

Finasteride is a prescription medication proven in clinical trials to stop hair loss in men. The 1mg version of finasteride was first FDA approved in 1997 under the brand name Propecia®. Locklab contains a slightly stronger 1.1mg of finasteride that has not been FDA approved, and thus, the clinical trials mentioned on this website relate only to the 1mg version.

Who should not take this medicine?

This medicine is for men only and should not be taken by women. Finasteride can affect hormone levels so it is very important that women who are pregnant or could become pregnant don't handle it, as it can lead to complications with pregnancy.

If you have the following conditions, do not take this medication before informing your doctor:

  • Liver disease or problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Prostate cancer
  • You are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to finasteride (including Proscar and Propecia®).

Potential side effects

Like all prescription medications, finasteride may cause side effects. Contact your doctor or a health care professional immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of serious allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing
  • Swelling or tenderness in the breasts or pain or fluids leaking from the nipple
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Inability to urinate
  • Depression

Though rare, in clinical trials, 3.8% of male patients noticed some form of sexual side effects (versus 2.1% of patients taking the placebo). It is important to note that only 1.2% of men taking finasteride actually stopped treatment (versus 0.9% of the placebo group) since the majority of side effects resolve themselves. So if the same percentage of men in the finasteride group also incorrectly attributed side effects to finasteride, then the total proportion of men who stopped treatment would be only 0.3%. It has been reported in general use with finasteride tablets that symptoms continue after stopping treatment.

These are not all the possible side effects of finasteride. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Contact your doctor if you have additional questions or concerns.

Oral Biotin

About

Biotin is a B vitamin that is often used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails. It's affects on hair health are widespread, although the majority are anecdotal. Locklab uses Biotin as a binding agent in addition to being a supplement.

Potential side effects

Biotin is a vitamin naturally found in a variety of foods and as such does not generally interact with other medications. However, it's advisable to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before introducing any new supplements. Seeking guidance from a medical professional ensures a thoughtful approach to incorporating dietary enhancements into your daily routine, prioritizing your health and well-being.

Other Important Information

How to take Locklab

  • This is an oral tablet taken by mouth once a day.
  • You can take it with or without food.
  • Try to take your doses at the same time every day to maximize effectiveness.
  • Do not take this medicine more often than directed.
  • If a tablet ever becomes crushed or broken, make sure that it is not handled by women.

What should I watch for while using Locklab?

Locklab must be used on a regular basis for your hair to regrow. It typically takes 4 months to notice any improvement and may take up to 12 months of regular use before you reach peak regrowth. It is important to continue to use this product to maintain regrowth of hair. Once you stop using it, the regrown hair will usually fall out within 1-6 months. 

Where should I store Locklab?

  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store at room temperature (between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Protect from moisture and keep the container tightly closed.
  • Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Blood donations

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medicine.

PSA tests

This medicine can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your doctor or healthcare professional that you are taking this medicine.

Inform your healthcare providers

Telemedicine does not replace your primary care physician. It is important to keep your primary care and other healthcare providers, and your pharmacists informed of all medications you are taking, including Locklab, as they can interact with other medicines you may be taking.

This page is a summary and may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.