Skin & Hair Treatments

Indication

Topical tretinoin (a retinoid) is prescribed to help manage acne and support skin texture and signs of aging. In Allara Rx custom skin topicals it may be combined with additional active ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, hyaluronic acid) and the strength tailored to your skin.

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Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to tretinoin or any of the ingredients.
• Should not be used on sunburned skin, eczema, or open wounds.

Warnings & Precautions

• Local irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when starting.
• Increased susceptibility to UV light and sunlight — use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
• Avoid extreme weather such as wind or cold, which may be irritating.

Drug Interactions

Avoid concurrent use of other topical products that may be drying or irritating (e.g., medicated soaps, strong astringents, products with high concentrations of alcohol or other peeling agents) unless directed by your provider.

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Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; discuss risks and benefits before use.
• Breastfeeding: discuss with your provider, and avoid application to the chest area.

Common Side Effects

Erythema (redness), scaling, peeling, dryness, pruritus (itching), and burning or stinging at the application site. A temporary worsening ("purging") can occur early in treatment.

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Storage & Application

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin as directed, usually at night. Store as directed by your compounding pharmacy. If irritation is significant, reduce frequency and contact your care team.

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Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information provided with your prescription before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Important Safety Information — Spironolactone

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Indication

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and androgen-receptor blocker. Your Allara-affiliated provider may prescribe it to help manage the metabolic and physical symptoms of conditions such as PCOS, including symptoms of excess androgens, and — off-label — to manage hormonally driven (androgenic) acne and androgenetic hair thinning by blocking the effects of androgens.

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Boxed Warning

Spironolactone has been shown to be a tumorigen in chronic toxicity studies in rats. Unnecessary use of this drug should be avoided.

Contraindications

• Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium).
• Addison's disease.
• Concomitant use of eplerenone.

Warnings & Precautions

• Hyperkalemia, which can be serious; risk is higher with kidney impairment, diabetes, or use of other medications that raise potassium.
• Hypotension and worsening of renal function.
• Electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities.

Drug Interactions

The risk of high potassium increases when spironolactone is taken with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, other potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, NSAIDs, or salt substitutes that contain potassium. Tell your provider about all medications and supplements you take. Periodic monitoring of potassium and kidney function is recommended.

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Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy: generally avoided due to anti-androgen effects on a developing fetus. Use effective contraception and tell your provider if you may become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: discuss with your provider before use.
• Use with caution in renal impairment and in older adults.

Common Side Effects

Menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, frequent urination, dizziness, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

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Storage & Missed Dose

Store at room temperature. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to your next dose — do not double up. Avoid potassium-rich salt substitutes unless your provider approves. Do not stop or change your dose without talking to your provider.

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Read your Medication Guide

Read the Patient Information provided with your prescription before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.

Indication

Minoxidil is used to help support hair density by prolonging the growth phase of the hair follicle. Depending on your profile, your provider may prescribe a topical solution/foam or low-dose oral minoxidil (off-label for hair loss).

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Boxed Warning (Oral Minoxidil)

Minoxidil can cause pericardial effusion, occasionally progressing to tamponade, and angina pectoris may be exacerbated. (These risks are primarily associated with the higher doses historically used for severe hypertension, but must be disclosed.)

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Contraindications

• Pheochromocytoma (oral).
• Hypersensitivity to minoxidil or components of the formulation.
• Topical: do not apply to irritated, broken, or infected scalp.

Warnings & Precautions

• Fluid and electrolyte balance; edema and weight gain (oral).
• Tachycardia / palpitations.
• Underlying heart disease — use under medical supervision.

Drug Interactions

Oral minoxidil may have additive effects with other blood-pressure-lowering medications and with guanethidine. Tell your provider all medications you take, including those for blood pressure.

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Use in Specific Populations

• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: not recommended; tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Use with caution in cardiovascular or renal disease and in older adults.

Common Side Effects

Hypertrichosis (unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body), changes in hair color or texture, scalp irritation (topicals), dizziness, tachycardia, and edema. Temporary increased shedding can occur in the first weeks of treatment.

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Storage & Application

Apply topical products to a dry scalp and wash hands afterward; let it dry before lying down or applying other products. Take oral minoxidil as directed. Store at room temperature; do not double up on missed doses.

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Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information provided with your prescription before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.