Start here.

How to take it

• Topical solutions: apply to a dry scalp as your physician directs, usually once a day. Wash your hands with soap and water right after every use.
• Tablets: one a day, at the same time each day, as your pharmacy label directs.
• Ketoconazole shampoo: two or three times a week, lather into a wet scalp, leave three to five minutes, rinse well.

Your pharmacy label and your dashboard have your exact directions. Your physician set the dose.

What to expect

1. Week 1

   Your protocol arrives. Start as directed and note how you feel.

2. Month 1

   Your body adjusts. Early changes, if any, are usually subtle; mild side effects often ease in this window.

3. Month 3

   Many patients begin to notice change. Your physician checks in and adjusts the dose if needed.

4. Month 6+

   Progress is reassessed with your physician, who decides whether to continue, adjust or taper.

Side effects

Common

Finasteride and dutasteride: a small number of men notice lower libido, erectile changes or less semen, which usually resolve after stopping. Minoxidil: extra hair growth on the face or body, and a temporary early shed.

Tell your physician right away

Mood changes; with oral minoxidil, ankle swelling, lightheadedness or a faster heartbeat.

In a medical emergency, call 911.

How to take it

• Tretinoin and creams: at night, a pea-sized amount on clean, dry skin. Many people start every other night. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.
• Isotretinoin: as your pharmacy label directs. Complete your iPLEDGE steps each month before the next prescription is released; it is never taken during pregnancy.
• Tablets (spironolactone, doxycycline, tranexamic acid): as your label directs; take doxycycline with a full glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes.

Your pharmacy label and your dashboard have your exact directions. Your physician set the dose.

What to expect

1. Week 1

   Your protocol arrives. Start as directed and note how you feel.

2. Month 1

   Your body adjusts. Early changes, if any, are usually subtle; mild side effects often ease in this window.

3. Month 3

   Many patients begin to notice change. Your physician checks in and adjusts the dose if needed.

4. Month 6+

   Progress is reassessed with your physician, who decides whether to continue, adjust or taper.

Side effects

Common

Topicals: dryness, peeling and sun sensitivity early on. Isotretinoin: dry lips, skin and eyes; nosebleeds can happen; your physician orders blood work.

Tell your physician right away

On isotretinoin: mood changes or depression, severe headaches, vision changes, or stomach pain.

In a medical emergency, call 911.

How to take it

• Weekly injections: once a week, on the same day, as a small injection under the skin. Your care team walks you through your first dose.
• Daily pills and troches: exactly as your pharmacy label directs.
• Dose changes: your physician starts low and steps the dose up about every four weeks. Do not change it yourself.

Your pharmacy label and your dashboard have your exact directions. Your physician set the dose.

What to expect

1. Week 1

   Your protocol arrives. Start as directed and note how you feel.

2. Month 1

   Your body adjusts. Early changes, if any, are usually subtle; mild side effects often ease in this window.

3. Month 3

   Many patients begin to notice change. Your physician checks in and adjusts the dose if needed.

4. Month 6+

   Progress is reassessed with your physician, who decides whether to continue, adjust or taper.

Side effects

Common

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are common early and usually ease over time.

Tell your physician right away

Severe stomach pain that does not go away. Serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.

In a medical emergency, call 911.