Is a combination of latanoprost, finasteride (Propecia), and minoxidil (Rogaine) more effective for hair loss treatment than finasteride and minoxidil alone?

Combination Therapy for Hair Loss: Latanoprost, Finasteride, and Minoxidil vs. Finasteride and Minoxidil Only

The combination of latanoprost, finasteride, and minoxidil (TH07) is more effective for treating androgenetic alopecia than finasteride and minoxidil alone, showing improved hair regrowth and patient satisfaction. 1

Evidence for Triple Combination Therapy

• A proof-of-concept study demonstrated that the topical administration of TH07 (combination of finasteride, latanoprost, and minoxidil) resulted in improved efficacy compared to treatment with each ingredient administered separately 1
• Most patients treated with the triple combination therapy were more satisfied with their hair appearance compared to those using monotherapy treatments 1
• The triple combination was well-tolerated with no reported systemic adverse events 1

Mechanism of Action for Each Component

• Finasteride: Blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen responsible for male pattern hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals 2
• Minoxidil: Acts as a potassium channel opener, causing vasodilation of blood vessels in the scalp, which increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles 2
• Latanoprost: A prostaglandin analogue that has been shown to significantly increase hair density (both terminal and vellus hairs) at 24 weeks compared to placebo 3

Efficacy of Dual Therapy (Finasteride + Minoxidil)

• Finasteride promotes hair growth and prevents further hair loss in a significant proportion of men with male pattern hair loss 2
• Global photographs showed improvement in hair growth in 48% of finasteride recipients at 1 year and 66% at 2 years compared with 7% of placebo recipients 2
• 83% of finasteride users versus 28% of placebo recipients had no further hair loss compared with baseline after 2 years 2

Added Benefits of Latanoprost

• Latanoprost 0.1% significantly increased hair density at 24 weeks compared with baseline and placebo-treated areas in men with mild androgenetic alopecia 3
• It stimulates hair follicle activity and can be useful in treating hair loss 3
• When used as an adjunctive therapy, latanoprost adds to the therapeutic efficacy of other treatments 4

Treatment Protocol Considerations

• For optimal results with combination therapy, the American Academy of Periodontology recommends:
  • Regular application according to prescribed regimen 5
  • Evaluation of treatment efficacy using standardized before-and-after photographs, trichoscopy to evaluate hair density and diameter, and hair pull tests 5
  • Patient self-assessment questionnaires to monitor subjective improvement 5

Potential Side Effects and Monitoring

• Finasteride: Sexual function disorders (decreased libido, ejaculation disorder, erectile dysfunction) occur in approximately 3.8% of users versus 2.1% in placebo groups 2
• Minoxidil: Generally well-tolerated with potential for scalp irritation 2
• Latanoprost: May cause scalp pigmentation changes, though this is less common than when used around the eyes 3
• The triple combination therapy was well-tolerated in clinical studies with no reported systemic adverse events 1

Important Considerations

• The efficacy of treatments may decrease with increased severity and duration of alopecia 5
• Consistent application is necessary for maintaining results 5
• Treatment must be continued long-term to maintain benefits, as discontinuation typically results in reversal of gains 2