Hair Loss ServiceSpeak to your pharmacist to fi nd out how we can help

for one month’s supply

£28

Hair Loss ServiceWhat is hair loss?Hair loss or baldness is a type of hair loss which follows a distinctive pattern. Generally, a little thinning of the hair may be noticeable first from the temples and the crown of the head, followed by wider hair loss allowing more of the scalp to become visible. This may happen to some men as early as the later teenage years, but for most it happens in their late 20s and early 30s.

What causes hair loss?Hair loss – in the form of male pattern baldness – is a genetic disorder. Male pattern baldness occurs when hair follicles convert testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Affected hair follicles (typically at the sides and the top of the head) become more sensitive to DHT, which causes the hair follicles to shrink, weaken, and eventually die. This slows down hair production and can stop hair growth altogether.

How can this service help me?At Asda Pharmacy you can seek advice on ways to address your Hair Loss.

Hair Loss Treatment AvailableWhilst there is no cure for hair loss or baldness, hair loss treatment can prevent further hair loss and even lead to renewed hair growth.

The two most effective hair loss treatments available in the UK are Finasteride and Minoxidil.

Finasteride comes in the form of an oral tablet and is available from Asda Pharmacy following a consultation with a pharmacist.

Minoxidil is a topical lotion or foam which can be obtained from Asda Pharmacy without a prescription.

How the Hair Loss treatment worksOur hair loss treatment Finasteride 1mg works as a long-term method of decreasing the effect of DHT on hair follicles. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into the hormone DHT, thereby reducing the negative effects of DHT on hair follicles.

How long do you need to take the treatment for?Patients normally take one tablet daily and the treatment needs to be taken for a continuous period, often a minimum period of 3 months, before any results are likely to be noticeable. Your initial consultation will be for 1 month’s supply of Finasteride. You will need to have a follow up consultation after the first month to check that the service is suitable for you at which point, if suitable, your pharmacist can provide up to 6 months supply.

Should I inform my GP?

It is important that your GP has an overview of any medicine you take. If you are supplied Finasteride 1mg tablets please use this leaflet

Who can use the service?To use this service, you must be at least 18 years old and male. The service is only suitable for male pattern baldness.

If you think you’re experiencing any other form of hair loss, please speak to your GP for advice

You cannot use this service if:• Patients under 18 years of age• Chronic medical conditions which

may be associated with hair loss - i.e.cancer and chemotherapy

• Women• Hypersensitivity to Finasteride or to

any of the excipients• You have certain other medical

conditions or are taking certain othermedicines (the Pharmacist will giveyou advice about which ones)

How effective is Finasteride 1mg?

Clinical studies on Finasteride have indicated good results for the majority of men (aged between 18-41 years) who took it for 5 years, with a stabilisation of hair loss reported in 93% of cases, based on investigator assessment. (https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25803)

Studies have shown that best results occur after 2 years, with hair growth at its thickest. Finasteride has proven most effective in reducing hair loss on the top of the scalp.

You need to stick with the prescribed treatment for it to work. The effect of Finasteride only lasts whilst you are taking it. If you stop taking Finasteride, your hair loss will go back to being the same as it was before you started the medication. As part of this, you will lose any hair that you have gained during treatment within six to twelve months.

How does the service work?The Asda Hair Loss Service is a private medical service meaning you can purchase the tablets without a prescription from your GP.

In the privacy of your Asda Pharmacy consultation room the Pharmacist will assess whether you could benefit from taking the tablets. If you try the tablets and find them to be effective, then you can purchase ongoing supplies from your Asda Pharmacy.

The Asda Hair Loss serviceThis service is delivered by Asda in partnership with PharmaDoctor. PharmaDoctor is registered with the Care Quality Commission under the name eScripts Marketing Limited and with provider ID number 1-2899633105. You can telephone the Care Quality Commission on 03000 616161.

How to provide feedbackWe encourage all patients to provide feedback so we can improve our service. To provide feedback please speak to your Asda Pharmacist.

How do I make a formal complaint?In the event that you wish to make a formal complaint about the service please write to Asda Customer Service and Contact Centre Team at the address:

Asda Stores Ltd Great Wilson Street SouthbankLeeds LS11 5AD

Further informationWhat are the side-effects of the tablets?Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybodygets them.

Side effects to watch out for include;• Erection difficulties,• Decreased amount of semen released during sex (this decrease does not appear

to interfere with normal sexual function),• Breast swelling and/or tenderness,• Skin rash,• Itchiness,• Testicle pain,• Swelling of the lips or face.

These side effects may disappear after a while if you continue taking Finasteride. If these symptoms persist, they usually resolve after stopping taking Finasteride.

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