Does minoxidil expire and does it work after its expiration date?
Does minoxidil expire and is it possible to use minoxidil that has expired? This is one of the most often asked questions related to minoxidil. Read on to find out.
Table of Content:
Does minoxidil expire? | Refill a minoxidil prescription | What does the expiration date mean? | What is the shelf life of minoxidil? | Risks of using expired minoxidil | Oral and topical minoxidil combined
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Oral and topical minoxidil are popular hair loss medications, widely recognized for their effectiveness in promoting hair growth.
As with any other medication, minoxidil comes with an expiration date stamped on its packaging. This expiration date is a guideline for consumers to indicate the period during which the medication is expected to retain its effectiveness and safety.
However, often questions arise regarding the possibility of using minoxidil past its expiration date. Is it still safe and effective, or does its efficacy diminish over time?
In this article, we will explain the difference between a medication expiration date and a medication’s shelf life after opening.
By understanding these aspects, you can make an informed decision on whether you should throw away that expired bottle of topical minoxidil or minoxidil tablets you found lying around in your cabinet or if you should request a new minoxidil prescription online.
Does minoxidil expire?
The short answer is yes. Both minoxidil solution (also known as Rogaine) and minoxidil tablets have an expiration date.
However, for topical products the shelf life after opening usually tends to be more important than the expiration date indicated on the medication.
How to refill a minoxidil prescription online?
If you need to refill your minoxidil prescription, you can request a prescription from an online dermatologist using a photo-based consultation.
What does the expiration date on minoxidil mean?
The expiration date ensures the complete potency and safety of a medication by the manufacturer. Expiration dates are present on the labels of the majority of medications, including oral and topical prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and supplements1.
What is the shelf life of minoxidil?
A medicine’s shelf life refers to the period of time for which a medicine is expected to remain safe to use and maintain its intended efficacy, provided it is stored under recommended conditions. According to the official website of Rogaine the shelf life of the Rogaine solution is 2 years and the shelf life of Rogaine foam is 2 years2.
Is the shelf life and the expiration date of minoxidil the same?
The terms “shelf life” and “expiration date” are often used interchangeably, this is especially true when the medicine remains unopened, however these dates differ once the medicine has been opened.
What is the shelf life of minoxidil after opening?
Although there aren’t any established guidelines, typically skincare products are made to last up to 12 months after opening.
However, many factors can alter this date. This is due to the fact that when topical creams, lotions or tonics are opened, they are exposed to external factors such as air, light, and potential contamination. These factors can have a great impact on their stability and effectiveness, therefore the shelf life after opening depends on the storage conditions the product was kept in.
Potential risks of using an expired minoxidil
The FDA advises patients not to use or take any medicines that have passed their expiration date since besides having reduced effectiveness, there could be an increased risk due to alterations in their chemical composition or could be susceptible to bacterial contamination depending on where they have been kept3.
Therefore, if your minoxidil has been open for a long time or it has expired, you should not use it.
Can I use oral and topical minoxidil together for hair loss?
During the last few years a low dose of oral minoxidil has gained traction by patients and dermatologists alike due to its effectiveness in promoting hair growth. Therefore, the use of both formulations is prescribed by dermatologists with successful results.
What is the price to request a minoxidil prescription online?
The price of the consultation with an online dermatologist is $59 and you will get an answer in 1-2 business days. Request a photo-based consultation here.
The takeaway
While using expired minoxidil might not necessarily be harmful, it’s generally recommended to avoid it. This way you ensure the full benefits of the medication and minimizing the potential risks associated with using degraded products.
If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your minoxidil or have questions about its use, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for guidance.
Visit our ‘Oral minoxidil informational page’ to find out more about this medication.
Article References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7040264/
https://www.rogaine.com/faq.html#
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/dont-be-tempted-use-expired-medicines
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