Finasteride 0.1% | GHK-Cu 0.5%

Route: Topical scalp application.

Apply directly to the dry scalp in areas of hair thinning. Part the hair, apply to the scalp surface, and gently massage in with fingertips. Do not rinse out immediately; allow to absorb. Wash hands thoroughly after application — finasteride is absorbed through the skin and must not be handled by pregnant women or women of childbearing potential (risk of fetal harm). Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Apply in well-ventilated areas and minimize aerosol inhalation if using a spray formulation.

All dosing is prescriber-determined based on the individual patient's hair loss pattern, severity, and response. Typical clinical practice for topical finasteride:

• Apply once or twice daily to affected scalp areas as directed.
• Topical finasteride at low concentrations (0.1%) delivers local scalp DHT suppression with substantially reduced systemic DHT suppression compared to 1 mg oral finasteride daily.
• Full hair loss stabilization and regrowth assessment requires a minimum of 6–12 months of consistent use.
• Prescribers should reassess response using standardized photography and trichoscopy at 6-month intervals.

• Finasteride (0.1%): Competitively and selectively inhibits the type II isoform of 5α-reductase, the enzyme predominantly expressed in the dermal papilla of scalp hair follicles. This blocks intrafollicular conversion of testosterone to DHT, reducing local DHT concentrations. DHT binds androgen receptors in dermal papilla cells, promoting follicular miniaturization, conversion from terminal to vellus hair, and eventual follicular dropout in genetically susceptible individuals. By reducing local DHT, topical finasteride attenuates this miniaturization process. At 0.1% topical concentration, systemic DHT suppression is markedly less than with oral 1 mg finasteride, potentially reducing systemic adverse effects while maintaining scalp DHT reduction.
• GHK-Cu (0.5%): Penetrates the stratum corneum and activates a broad transcriptional regenerative program in scalp cells: stimulates fibroblast proliferation and synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans in the perifollicular dermis; promotes scalp angiogenesis via VEGF-like signaling, increasing follicular blood supply; reduces NFκB p65 and p38 MAPK-mediated inflammatory signaling (IL-6, TNF-α) that contributes to follicular cycling disruption; and upregulates neurotrophic factors that support follicular innervation.

Clinical Context: This topical combination is intended for prescriber-directed treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss) in patients for whom:

• Oral finasteride is not preferred or tolerated (due to systemic sexual side effects or patient preference for topical-only therapy).
• A comprehensive approach combining DHT suppression and regenerative follicular support is desired.

Topical finasteride evidence supports scalp DHT suppression with reduced systemic exposure compared to oral therapy. The GHK-Cu component adds a regenerative dimension supported by wound healing and skin biology literature. This combination has not been evaluated in large randomized controlled trials as a fixed combination.

Monitoring Considerations:

• Baseline and 6-month standardized scalp photography and trichoscopy.
• Serum DHT levels may be checked if systemic effects are a concern (topical finasteride produces substantially less systemic DHT suppression than oral).
• Assess for sexual adverse effects, post-finasteride syndrome symptoms, or signs of gynecomastia at each visit, as even topical finasteride can have systemic absorption.
• In female patients of childbearing potential: confirm non-pregnancy before initiating; effective contraception required during treatment.

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy — finasteride is a Category X teratogen; topical finasteride must not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• Women of childbearing potential who are not using reliable contraception.
• Pediatric patients (children and adolescents) — not established for use in this population.
• Hypersensitivity to finasteride, GHK-Cu, or any formulation excipient.

Warnings & Precautions:

• Systemic absorption occurs with topical finasteride; although significantly less than oral, reduced DHT can have hormonal effects including sexual dysfunction in some patients.
• Post-finasteride syndrome (persistent sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety after discontinuation) is a rare but documented risk even with oral finasteride; risk with topical use is less established but cannot be excluded.
• May reduce PSA levels, potentially affecting prostate cancer screening; inform urology if applicable.
• Women, children, and those wishing to conceive should not handle or contact this preparation — wash hands immediately if accidental skin contact occurs.

Drug Interactions:

• Finasteride increases serum testosterone (via reduced DHT conversion), which may increase aromatase conversion to estradiol — monitor for gynecomastia.
• Alpha-adrenergic blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin): may potentiate orthostatic hypotension; caution if co-prescribed.
• Strong topical oxidants applied simultaneously may degrade GHK-Cu activity; separate application timing as appropriate.

Common Side Effects: Topical site reactions (scalp irritation, pruritus, erythema). With finasteride component: sexual dysfunction (reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased ejaculatory volume) — less common than with oral finasteride but possible. GHK-Cu: generally very well tolerated; mild transient scalp tingling or redness.

Store at controlled room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F). Protect from light and heat, as GHK-Cu copper peptides degrade with oxidative exposure. Keep tightly sealed. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and away from pregnant women and women of childbearing potential. Use before the BUD assigned by Genesis Compounding.

Why is topical finasteride preferred over oral for some patients?

Topical finasteride at 0.1% delivers meaningful scalp DHT reduction with substantially less systemic DHT suppression than oral 1 mg finasteride daily. This reduces the likelihood of systemic sexual adverse effects while maintaining local anti-androgenic activity at the follicle where it is needed.

Why is GHK-Cu added to this formulation?

Finasteride addresses the androgenic driver of hair loss. GHK-Cu complements this by stimulating the regenerative biology of the follicle — increasing collagen, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory signaling in the perifollicular microenvironment. Together, they target the hormonal and structural/regenerative dimensions of androgenetic alopecia.

Why must pregnant women avoid contact with this preparation?

Finasteride is a Category X teratogen — it can cause genital abnormalities in a male fetus. Even topical finasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant must not handle this preparation.

How long until I see hair regrowth?

Hair follicle cycles take months. Stabilization of hair loss may be noticeable within 3–6 months, with visible regrowth often assessed at 6–12 months of consistent daily use. Your prescriber will use trichoscopy and photography to track objective response.

Is this FDA-approved?

No. This is a prescription-only 503A compounded preparation made by Genesis Compounding. Oral finasteride 1 mg is FDA-approved for male androgenetic alopecia, but this topical compounded combination is not FDA-approved as a finished drug product.