Who should avoid certain hair regrowth medicines?

There is no single safety rule for every product in this category. Your physician needs to review the exact ingredients, your health history, and other medicines before prescribing. Do not start treatment using someone else's prescription.

Finasteride and dutasteride can harm a developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. People who are pregnant or could become pregnant should avoid contact with these medicines as directed by the product's handling instructions. Spironolactone also raises pregnancy concerns. Tell your physician if you are trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

Minoxidil needs careful review if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, swelling, or take blood pressure medicines. Oral minoxidil has risks that differ from topical use. Damaged or inflamed scalp skin may also affect whether a topical treatment is appropriate.

Eye disease or eye medicines may affect your eligibility for a lash serum. Sudden, patchy, painful, or scarring hair loss may need an in-person exam. A licensed physician in your state decides whether to prescribe or recommend another type of care.