Not the cheapest ever but they don't come on sale often. Cheapest online is around $110-$120.
Good to get at least a pack if you're running low.
Non foam version on sale as well but i prefer the foam version.
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/68714/regaine-men-s-…
Womens foam version also on sale:
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/78690/regaine-women-…
Look forward to the let it go and shave it off comments lol
How have been the results for you and what brand are you using?
Loniten by Pfizer
I only started it because my hair was thinning with no apparent cause but seems like it's doing the job.
Also with oral minoxidil, you guarantee it gets converted to the active form via Sulfotransferase. The hair follicles can produce it but not as effective as when taken it systematically
I also hated that greasiness of topical minoxidil.
The trick is get the GP to prescribe more than one bottle as you pay the same for one or 2 bottles ($30 for 1, $30 for 2)
Interesting, I'll do a bit more research on it. Thanks
I know what you mean about that the greasiness hence i use the foam which dries up quick and doesn't leave my residue.
@SpeedRunnerLink: Find a GP that will prescribe it for you. Had to go to a few before one agreed, he was new from overseas so maybe that's why.
The GPs trained in Australia are reluctant to prescribe it as it's not an approved drug in its oral form to regrow hair.
But once it's prescribed, it's easy to go back and get a new script
he was new from overseas so maybe that's why.
Will he also prescribe 'other' things?
He didn't really do any examination.
So how did he know you weren't of significant risk of heart issues using it?
Did he discuss Propecia with you?
@jv: He probably looked at my medical history on file before I walked in.
Nope. He didn't discuss anything.
But these are the GPs I like because they will prescribe you anything you ask for 🤣🤣
@easternculture: Ah I see, thanks.
Seems so convenient but I don't want to start growing hair out of my ears haha
@easternculture: it seems to be designed for lower the blood pressure… If your blood pressure is normal, would you end up with a low blood pressure?
@Asx10000: It's a very weak antihypertensive (rarely used these days as there are better alternatives)
At doses of <=2.5mg, it shouldn't affect your BP, but don't take this as medical advice and consult with your GP
@easternculture: It's actually used for resistant high blood pressure.
Just FYI it's avoided because of side effects and not because it's weak
@Chocobros: Weak in terms of mechanism of action and that you need high doses to achieve the desired effect.
It Just vasodilates blood vessels as far as I know.
If you have resistant blood pressure, there are better alternatives.
When I used to work in a hospital, I recall only seeing a few patients on minoxidil for the many years I worked there
@easternculture: It's genuinely not a weak antihypertensive. The mechanism you've stated means nothing in terms of weakness.
You saw it used infrequently because other classes are used first as they have less side effects and have other positive effects not solely linked to blood pressure control. Only when they fail and blood pressure is resistant are other options considered such as minoxidil
@Chocobros: I tend to disagree. Loniten is old school and you will find only the elderly that have been on it for ages and are against change will be using it. Also old school GPs.
But most cardiologists now will prescribe safer drugs based on evidence based practice.
For example I'm using 2.5mg and it hasn't touched my blood pressure at all. So weak in terms of dosage to effect ratio. However with beta blockers like metoprolol 12.5mg which is considered a low dose will lower the BP for most people, even with resistant antihypertensive and is first oral drug of choice in hospital for those cases.
@easternculture: You're welcome to disagree but what I'm stating is fact and not opinion.
Again you suggesting that the elderly use minoxidil and it being old school doesn't mean anything in terms of weakness. You suggesting cardiologist choose alternate drugs because they are safer again reiterates my point that minoxidil is not used first line due to its side effects. Not it's weakness.
You're entitled to your opinions but I felt it would be remiss of me to not point out the facts. Good luck with your minoxidil trial.
@Chocobros: Minoxidil Starting dose is 5mg for severe hypertension to a maximum of 100mg increased gradually. So you can see how dangerous this drug can be for BP being a weak vasodilator in low doses. You wouldn't want someone with multiple comorbidities walking in the community on high dose of a vasodilator mainly because it's hard to reverse and would need fluids and inotropes until the effects of the drug are out of your system
Don't trust what you read online before cause it's different in practice (unless you are getting your info from evidence based practice websites)
@easternculture: I am getting my information from evidence based practise.
Once again the facts are: Metoprolol is not first line to control blood pressure. 12.5mg Metoprolol does next to nothing in most individuals and is often the bane of healthcare workers lives as it literally equates to crumbs and not even half a tablet when administering doses…
As an aside you suggested metoprolol would lower blood pressure in individuals with resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension as the name suggests means the 3 first line therapies failed. Metoprolol may be used but if that fails then down the line minoxidil is used.
I'm not trying to ruin your minoxidil trial. I just feel you shouldnt be spreading misinformation however well intentioned it is
@Chocobros: Alright Dr Chocobros. Now you are spreading misinformation about how metoprolol is used and suggesting that minoxidil is used next.
Please show your evidence in a hospital or GP setting.
@easternculture: What an ill informed reply. If you were a healthcare worker you'd understand why I say this.
Please stop spreading misinformation.
12.5mg Metoprolol does next to nothing in most individuals and is often the bane of healthcare workers lives as it literally equates to crumbs and not even half a tablet when administering doses…
This just shows and proves how Misinformed you are.
No use discussing this with you.
Have a good night
@Chocobros: I take oral too, minoxidil 2.5mg bd.
You guys aren't right or wrong, kinda talking around each other. @easternculture is sorta in the ballpark.
It's a very old antihypertensive that doesn't come up under any line of therapeutic guidelines, it might be considered by a cardiologist in very specific circumstances for intractable hypertension. Most people would need 10mg for any significant effect, and then titrate up to 40mg. Metoprolol (beta blockers) don't typically have the strongest antihypertensive effect, they're more often employed for rate-control, i.e. tachyarryhthmia like atrial fibrillation, but atenolol is a commonly used one for hypertension and is typically used in conjunction with at least one other agent to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect.
Source: Am a doc
@muwu: Is minoxidil not the final oral agent option to treat resistant hypertension? 2.5mg tds in lieu of hydralazine 25mg tds?
@Chocobros: Using lines of therapies aren't hard 'n' fast like how you've described, it's more tailored / dynamic for the individual, considering multiple factors and weighing up risks and benefits.
Like, you're not strictly right or wrong, just not how treatment is considered, you know 🤷🏼♂️
@muwu: Yeah I understand that. AFAIK it's the latest Uptodate resistant htn guideline. I suspect most doctors would have sought renal input/done a secondary htn screen prior to commencing it as one would think this is not purely essential htn at this point.
Either way it is reckless to tell people online that minoxidil does nothing to lower blood pressure.
@Chocobros: Lol. I said it's a weak antihypertensive.
Then I went on and explained that it's weak in terms of dose to effect in that usually you need a high dose to achieve a desireable effect.
I continued to point out that you wouldnt want a person with multiple comorbidities on a high dose of a vasodilator (as there are better and safer antihypertensives).
Don't know what you want more but I feel like you are trying to discredit me after the real Dr pointed out I'm more in the ballmark
@easternculture: Honestly I'm not trying to argue with you and you're probably a nice guy. As I said you probably have good intentions.
You just can't dispense advice online about blood pressure medicines not having much of an effect when you are not medically trained and don't have any real understanding of what you are saying. You may be ok on this dose but others might not be and if it does lower their blood pressure they can fall and hurt themselves.
I am replying to you to in part educate you in why it is wrong to downplay medication effects and side effects just because you tolerate it well but also to keep the remainder of the public who read your comments safe
@Chocobros: Well if you read my comment properly, you would have saved yourself a hell lot of time
It's a very weak antihypertensive (rarely used these days as there are better alternatives)
At doses of <=2.5mg, it shouldn't affect your BP, but don't take this as medical advice and consult with your GP
What part of the bold text did you not understand.
@easternculture: I did read them. If anyone has the time to read all these comments they will realise that you aren't a doctor, minoxidil has side effects. See a real doctor.
That's a win for public health safety
@Chocobros: Which is exactly what I advised
but don't take this as medical advice and consult with your GP
@easternculture: Have a +1 for safety
Ps star trek prodigy season 2 is out. I'm hooked. You should watch it
@Asx10000: @Asx10000 yes you may. If wanting to try and concerned I suggest you discuss with a real doctor
discuss with a real doctor
And that is a what I advised lol https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15464615/redir
@easternculture: I didn't suggest that you said otherwise.
But you downplay the side effects and antihypertensive effect of this medicine and comment as if you have knowledge in this field but then write as a throw away line seek medical advice.
Honestly I'm not bothered what you do but harm can come to people if they are falsely reassured by your non medical backed comments.
@easternculture Sorry to put you in the spotlight again but I would like to make a comment on your prescription.
I switched to oral minoxidil. 200 tablets of 10mg (2 bottles) for $30 and would last 800 days at 2.5mg daily
The trick is get the GP to prescribe more than one bottle as you pay the same for one or 2 bottles ($30 for 1, $30 for 2)
Find a GP that will prescribe it for you. Had to go to a few before one agreed, he was new from overseas so maybe that's why.
The GPs trained in Australia are reluctant to prescribe it as it's not an approved drug in its oral form to regrow hair.
With reference to your prescription for Loniten (Minoxidil) 10mg 100 x 2 bottles for around $30 per script, your GP would have prescribed the drug under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). You didn't pay the full price as your Minoxidil tablets are subsidised by the PBS.
However, under the PBS, Minoxidil tablets are a restricted benefit for severe refractory hypertension (200 tablets & 5 repeats):
Clinical criteria:
The condition must be stable for the prescriber to consider the listed maximum quantity of this medicine suitable for this patient,
AND
The treatment must be initiated by a consultant physician.
https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/14041B-2313R
It seems unethical for a GP to be prescribing Minoxidil for hair loss to be subsidised under the PBS, when it is restricted to severe refractory hypertension, to be initiated by a consultant physician.
For off-label use, the GP can provide a private script for Minoxidil 10mg as it is not covered by the PBS. The full cost to the patient is $46.99 for 100 tablets (1 bottle) at Chemist Warehouse.
To those that are thinking of asking their GPs, please be aware that oral Minoxidil is a private script for hair loss and not meant to be subsidised under the PBS.
Just wanted to mention this PBS criteria in case people are not aware.
All the best in your trial of Minoxidil. Hope it works out for you :)
@trixieb: Weird hey.
When he prescribed it, there was 2 options.
10mg X 100 and 10mg X 200
He chose the later, I didnt ask him and was not expecting to pay $30 for 2 bottles either, it was the pharmacist that advised me of this.
As I mentioned before, he seemed to be a new GP from overseas so maybe that explains this.
I guess when I go back for another prescription in 800 days, I'll get the same one unless I go overseas, I'll buy a few bottles over the counter for a few bucks
@easternculture: You got the 'right' doctor lol. He chose the maximum quantity (200) allowed under PBS and is subsidised at a cost of $30.60 to you.
Edit: May I ask which country is this for a few bucks over the counter?
Might be worth noting that with foam and topical you can focus only on the areas where you need the hair to stay/ grow. With oral tablets, it will make you hairy overall. I have a friend that has been taking oral tablets and he mentioned how hairy their arms, ears etc. have become since he switched to oral tablets but he does now have head full of hair.
It's dose dependant. If you have excessive growth at 2.5mg, it might be worth going down to 1.25mg (1/8 of a tablet)
Research indicated excessive hair growth was in doses of over 5mg
You can also make your own minoxidil topical solution if you have ethyl ETOH as the solvent and something like aloevera cream to mix it with
Who perscribed yours? My doctor kept talking about it being off label
Can you please share where you purchase this from?
Have a big bald patch at the top of my head but long black hair everywhere else…would oral be a bad idea? I already need to trim haha…
Tablets should be last resort. You should try topical first. If no improvement after 6 months or you get sides, discuss with GP to convert to tablets
It's $81 here
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/68714/regaine-men-s-…
Or get the generic version 6 months supply for $65
https://pharmacysavings.com.au/products/minoxidil-extra-stre…
Just to note these are both topical solutions not foam. For me this caused extreme itchiness due to the propylene glycol and also made the hair very greasy.
The itch is normal. You can have it compounded to include some other compounds that can help with itchiness.
But that's why I switched to oral
why I switched to oral
So you prefer oral ?
Does it work? And if so in what condition? For regrowth if you are getting a bald spot or helps with recovery from thin hair? Or hair fall?
Appreciate some insights. Thanks.
minoxidil is mainly used for male and female pattern hair loss. However, there can be benefits for other types of hair loss, too, including telogen effluvium, traction alopecia and loose anagen syndrome.
Initially you will have some hair shedding, but the new hairs will have a longer life.
Also don't expect to see results immediately. Usually takes 6 months to 1 year to see significant improvement
I've got no hair after stressing over OzB too much.
Also $10 off $75+ spend if you buy with a 28 degrees card.
Probably best to take finasteride as well however the side effects are nasty.
Don't really need much, 0.5mg is enough for me and the side effects went away.
Same 0.5mg every 2 days but got some side effects unfortunately. Took about 3 months to get away when I stopped finasteride.
I'm on 1mg daily.
I haven't noticed any side effects, I've gotten fatter, but I think that's from work.
What side effects did you get ?
Less desire, taking a very long time to come which is good to make porn movie but not that great in real life 😂
1 mg/day over here and zero sides.
serious Q …does it affect Jr ?
Not Minoxidil alone but finasteride could.
it won't affect your son's hair unless he uses it too
From a "friends" experience
Can get it up easily and horny often.
how often are we talking?
whenever they're in the mood. which can be daily on some occasions
Is that what you call your thingymajiig
depends on the situation sometimes I call him the Flash becoz of the speed with which he gets the job done
becoz of the speed with which he gets the job done
Well that's not a good thing my friend
Are you asking negatively or positively?
has anyone had any luck with generic brand Minoxidil from ebay which is way cheaper?
How do you know it will really be Minoxidil and at the actual concentration advertised?
No C+C and delivery is $10, so takes it over $100 mark. Would have bit if pickup option available but already on finas + minox tablets once every couple of days - do prefer the foam though as spot coverage is good and as others have mentioned even with the dropper the topical seems to burn my scalp and generally doesn't give the same results, and yes the tablets do lower the libido - strength of erections etc. but for many including myself the hair is what matters
Is there really a difference between the men's and the woman's foam Minoxidil. The men's product is always cheaper. Thanks for your help.
I think it's the other way around. Women's Regaine is meant to be applied once a day, instead of twice a day for men. So 60g is a one-month supply for men, but marketed as "two-month supply" for women.
Thank you for your help. But when I look at the foam it states
Massage sparingly onto the affected area of dry scalp, once a day
for both men and women. The topical one is twice per day both men and women. From what I can see in the instructions are the same for both genders.
The topical treatment, 3 x 60mL for women costs $137.99 while the 4 x 60mL for men costs $80.99. That is a huge difference. I have looked at the ingredients but it's quite confusing. So I wondering if a female could use the men's one.
I have a level of scepticism regarding these products because there are plenty of rich dudes without hair. If it was that simple, they could just buy their hair back with this product or another?
Perhaps it works for some people and not others?
What would it take to convince me this stuff isn't a scam or ineffective? I would probably like to see an objective improvement in a friend's situation or government research.
Disclosure: it's probably way too late for me coz I have very little on top and so I don't need to believe in such products.
Perhaps it works for some people and not others?
Correct. Some people don't respond enough to finesteride and minoxidil to justify continuing treatment. This would be 2 years + of treatment.
Some people just accept MPB and continue with their lives. It's probably easier for them not having hair if they have a busy lifestyle.
And some people suit them the bold skin head look.
it's probably way too late for me coz I have very little on top
Depends if the hair follicles have died.
You can opt for a biopsy and see if any hair follicles are present. Then your doctor will Probabaly start you on finesteride to counteract the DHT
I admit that my scepticism probably led to me avoiding investigating treatment options 15+ years ago. I feel like this is an area where unscrupulous companies could prey on vulnerable people. Eg you need to pay us for two years to know if it has worked. If it doesn't work, that's sad but we still get the money.
I think that concern is logical but I admit I haven't looked into it.
I have a science background so I'd be inclined to apply to only one side of my head so that I can compare to the control! That might look a little strange if it did work.
@reu It is not that simple. The oral medications mentioned in this thread (minoxidil and finasteride) can have side effects and interactions with other medications or medical conditions that patients may have. They are not suitable for everyone.
Best to see a GP who may refer to a dermatologist.
Excellent info here from a reputable dermatology website DermNet.
Types of Hair Loss & Treatments: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/hair-loss
Male Pattern Hair Loss & Treatments: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/male-pattern-hair-loss
Deal expired
I switched to oral minoxidil. 200 tablets of 10mg (2 bottles) for $30 and would last 800 days at 2.5mg daily