Tugain 5 Solution (Minoxidil 5%)

Tugain general information

What is Tugain used for?

Tugain 5 is a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Tugain 5 is used in men to stabilise hair loss and induce re-growth of hair in areas where the hair is thinning, but should not be used for frontal baldness or receding hairline. Tugain 5 is most effective where hair loss has just started or is recent and there are smaller areas of hair loss of the vertex. Tugain 5 cannot cure baldness but can prevent the progression of hair loss in the frontal areas of the scalp as well as the vertex area. Tugain 5 is not suitable for use by women with female pattern baldness.

How does Tugain work?

Tugain 5 contains minoxidil, which is a vasodilator (dilates or widens blood vessels) and is thought to directly stimulate hair follicles to grow by increasing blood flow in the scalp and enhancing cell proliferation in hair follicles that were in resting phase. Another possible mechanism is that minoxidil in Tugain 5 prolongs the active growth phase of hair (anagen) and increases the size of the hair follicle, which prevents hair growth entering the resting phase (telogen) too early. Hair loss is due to shrinking hair follicles that gradually produce smaller and thinner hairs, which eventually do not emerge from the follicle. The longer hair follicles are inactive the harder it is for them to respond and begin new growth.

What does Tugain contain?

Tugain 5 contains the active ingredient minoxidil (5%) that is used to treat male pattern baldness. It also contains absolute alcohol (30%).

Treating hair loss with Tugain

Tugain 5 contains minoxidil that is used as a topical treatment for androgenic alopecia in men, or male pattern baldness, and is used to stabilise hair loss and induce re-growth of new hair in areas where the hair is thinning, but should not be used for frontal baldness or receding hairline. Hair loss is due to shrinking hair follicles that gradually produce smaller and thinner hairs, which eventually do not emerge from the follicle. The longer hair follicles are inactive the harder it is for them to respond and begin new growth. Tugain 5 is thought to stimulate hair follicles to grow by increasing blood flow in the scalp and enhancing cell proliferation in hair follicles that were in resting phase. Minoxidil in Tugain 5 is also thought to prolong the active growth phase of hair (anagen) and increase the size of the hair follicle, which prevents hair growth entering the resting phase (telogen) too early. Tugain 5 is most effective where hair loss has just started or is recent and there are smaller areas of hair loss of the vertex. Tugain 5 cannot cure baldness but can prevent the progression of hair loss in the frontal areas of the scalp as well as the vertex area. Tugain 5 is not suitable for use by women with female pattern baldness.

What are the side effects of Tugain?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Tugain are local irritation at the site of application including redness, dry skin, itching, burning sensation, scalp flaking and rash. Hair colour or texture may be altered with increased hair loss at first as old hairs make way for new hairs, also contact of Tugain 5 with other areas such as the forehead may cause hypertrichosis or unwanted hair growth.

When should Tugain not be used?

You should not use Tugain 5 if you:

• are allergic to minoxidil or any ingredients in Tugain 5
• do not have a family history of hair loss
• have sudden and/or unexplained hair loss
• have inflamed, irritated, infected or painful scalp, including sunburn and psoriasis
• have cardiovascular disease without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Regaine, including other topical medications like tretinoin for acne, anthralin and dithranol for psoriasis

How should Tugain be taken?

You should apply your Tugain 5 twice a day, morning and evening, when the hair and scalp are clean and dry, to the areas of your scalp where you are losing hair. Apply to the centre of the affected area and spread the solution gently over the skin to cover all the affected area. Allow the solution to dry for 4 hours before washing or leave to dry for 2-4 hours before going to bed. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after use; ensure that you only apply your Tugain 5 lotion to the scalp, to prevent unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body. Apply Tugain 5 only to areas of scalp that are healthy and where the skin is not broken. You should use your Regaine continuously and new hair growth will be seen after 3-4 months. If you stop using Tugain 5 the new growth will stop and you will lose the new hair.

How long should you take Tugain?

You should use your Regaine continuously and new hair growth will be seen after 3-4 months. If you stop using Tugain 5 the new growth will stop and you will lose the new hair.

Missed dose of Tugain

If you miss an application of Tugain 5 apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for the next application, then skip the missed application. Do not apply more than twice a day to make up for a missed application.

How should Tugain be stored?

You should store your Tugain below 25°C in a cool dry place and protect from light.