Learn the differences between Formula 82F and Strut's Topical Finasteride hair loss treatments.
There has been buzz around topical Finasteride and the Formula 82F for the past few years.
But, just what is the difference between Finasteride 82F and other topical Finasteride formulations like our Strut Topical Finasteride Formula?
Below, we will cover the similarities and differences of Formula 82F Vs. our compounded topical Finasteride formula.
The combination of Minoxidil with Finasteride has been a pairing that has proven to be stronger than the sum of its parts.
Studies show that combining topical Minoxidil with either oral or topical Finasteride can help with hair restoration more than just using one or the other.
These are currently the only 2 FDA-approved medications for male pattern hair loss, so the realization that they play well together and may even work synergistically is encouraging to hair loss patients and hair restoration specialists.
Both Formula 82F and Strut Topical Finasteride Formulas contain Minoxidil and Finasteride as the main active ingredients.
The goals for both of these formulations are to provide hair loss patients with one inclusive formula that can help improve hair regrowth, reduce addition losses, and potentially have fewer side effects than oral Finasteride.
Minoxidil has always come in a topical formulation (this is the active ingredient in Rogaine), but Finasteride is currently only manufactured and approved in its tablet formulation.
For most men, the Finasteride tablet works well to reduce DHT in the body (a hormone known to shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss). But, a small percentage of men who use Finasteride tablets (<2%) experience sexual side effects like ED, ejaculatory disorders, and decreased libido.
The idea of applying Finasteride to the scalp instead of tablet form is to potentially reduce these systemic (whole-body) side effects.
More studies need to be done to confirm that topical Finasteride can improve your hair just a well as oral while causing fewer sexual side effects, but the initial results seem promising.
With both of these formulations, you may still have mild to moderate local side effects like skin redness, irritation, or flaking at the application site. These may go away with continued use, but talk to your doctor that prescribed the medication if they persist, are severe, or bother you.
Also Watch: Dr. Bauman: Does Topical Finasteride Have Fewer Side Effects Than Oral? (Video)
Minoxidil is approved for over-the-counter use, but Finasteride is a prescription medication in any formulation you find it in, whether it is a tablet or topical medication. Both Formula 82F and Strut Topical Finasteride Formula are compounded medications with Finasteride.
This means that they are made up at licensed compounding pharmacies only after receiving a valid prescription from a doctor.
You should be wary of any source that is claiming to sell Finasteride medications without a doctor’s prescription, as this is a prescription-only medication in all situations.
Minoxidil is approved for use in both men and women, but Finasteride is approved for use in men only. This is because Finasteride is a category X medication, meaning that it is known to cause birth defects in a developing male fetus.
Finasteride medications are sometimes prescribed off-label for postmenopausal women, but should not be used in women of child-bearing age due to this risk.
Women should also avoid contact with the tablets and formulations containing Finasteride. Formula 82F recommends that men who use the formula on their scalp make sure that women of child-bearing age do not come in contact with the area for 3 hours after application.
Formula 82F also contains an additional active ingredient, a steroid called Fluocinolone. This topical steroid is meant to help reduce inflammation of the area during treatment.
This may be a fine addition for some men, but for others that need to avoid steroid medications due to current regimens or other conditions, or just prefer to avoid steroids, this may not be the formulation for you.
Strut Topical Finasteride Formula does not include a topical steroid, unless it is specified and chosen to be included by you and your doctor.
Our standard Topical Finasteride Formula includes a little bit of Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) in order to help the penetration of Minoxidil into the scalp.
This medication is commonly used in dermatology preparations and helps increase cell turnover while exfoliating the skin. Formula 82F does not include Tretinoin in its formulation.
However, if you would rather take Tretinoin out of your Strut formula, we can easily make adjustments as each medication’s strengths and ingredients can be customized to your personal preferences and what the doctor feels will have the best results for you.
Strut Topical Finasteride Formula is made up on a patient-by-patient basis, meaning that each formula is customized to your current hair status, your ultimate goals, and what has worked or not worked for you in the past. I general, we can add Finasteride ranging from 0.1%-0.25%, Minoxidil up to 7.5%, and Tretinoin up to 0.25%.
For men who have tried Finasteride with no success, our doctors can sometimes prescribe the stronger 5-alpha reductase blocker, Dutasteride, for your formulation off-label. Formula 82F is a more standardized formula that contains 5% Minoxidil and 0.25% Finasteride with Fluocinolone.
Learn More: Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil: Can This Combination Help With Hair Loss?
Here at Strut Health, we specialize in compounded hair loss solutions for men and women. For men, we offer oral and topical medications, and build your formula based on your specific situation -- we don’t just rely on a standard formula for every person.
If you would like to see if a Strut Health hair loss prescription is a good fit for you, you can start by having a free online questionnaire and image-based consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors.
If you are a good candidate for treatment, your medication will be put together at a U.S. licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped to your front door with our free shipping.
If you have questions during your treatment or need dosing adjustments, our staff and doctors are available to help you through your treatment with free and unlimited follow-ups.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
