Formula 82D
Advanced Topical Formula with Dutasteride And Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Formula 82D is a compounded prescription product containing four active ingredients in a non-sticky, non-greasy, propylene glycol–free base:
- Minoxidil (5%) – A vasodilator that increases blood flow to hair follicles, first shown to stimulate hair growth in a landmark 1988 study1. Since its FDA approval that year for Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), minoxidil has remained the leading topical treatment for hair loss.
- Dutasteride (0.75%) – A a 5α-reductase inhibitor that works by decreasing the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in tissues in the scalp2. It acts on both the Type I and Type II 5α-reductase enzymes, and has been shown in studies to be markedly more efficacious than finasteride in the inhibition of DHT (~70% for finasteride vs 98% for dutasteride).
- Tretinoin (0.01%) – A retinoic acid shown in studies to potentiate the effects of minoxidil345.
- Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.01%) – A mild topical steroid that aims to reduce irritation associated with topical minoxidil use.
Why is Formula 82D Effective?
Formula 82D combines the vasodilation properties of minoxidil with the DHT-inhibiting action of dutasteride and was designed to address the primary causes of Androgenetic Alopecia. This dual action is intended to promote increase blood flow and oxygenation to hair follicles while suppressing DHT levels, counteracting dormancy and miniaturization, and result in greater hair density for responsive Androgenetic Alopecia patients. The inclusion of a retinoic acid and mild topical steroid in the formula aims to enhance the tolerance and delivery of its active ingredients.
Respected hair restoration specialist, Dr. Alan Bauman reports that while finasteride-based products have the potential to produce high quality regrowth results for many patients, he regards dutasteride as a superior option–a concept backed by peer-reviewed research6–as it acts on both types of the 5α-reductase enzyme, often suppresses a greater amount of DHT, and has a longer half-life than finasteride, meaning that it acts for a longer time throughout the day, making it a better option for less compliant patients, who are more likely to skip occasional applications.
A recent clinical study conducted by Dr. John Leonardo that included (among others) patients previously using Formula 82F that had plateaued from its use, showed that over 80% of patients with Androgenetic Alopecia responded strongly to the combination of Minoxidil and Dutasteride found in Formula 82D, with an additional 15% experiencing marginal improvements.
The question of when to recommend Formula 82D typically comes down to costs and a patient’s responsiveness to other treatments. The price of Formula 82D has recently been reduced by more than 20% to help make it an easier decision for both doctors and their patients interested in comparing their outcomes from trying a potentially more potent topical (dutasteride-based) product.
Who can take Formula 82D?
Formula 82D is a compounded prescription product and requires a doctor’s assessment to determine if it is the right treatment option for a patient; and is primarily recommended for men experiencing hair loss. In select cases, post‑menopausal women may be prescribed dutasteride‐based treatments; however, since dutasteride is not approved in the US or Canada for female pattern hair loss, its off‑label use should be weighed against any risks it may present, and those should be clearly communicated to patients. Patients with known allergies to minoxidil, dutasteride, tretinoin, or fluocinolone acetonide, and women who are trying to conceive or currently are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Formula 82D. For treatment of a broad group of women, see minoxidil‑based Formula 82M.
Formula 82D Results
Individual results may vary.
How Do I Get Started With Formula 82D?
If you are a doctor interested in prescribing 82D, visit our Partners page.
Safety Considerations
The topical application of dutasteride is theorized to mitigate some of the side effects associated with oral use (e.g., decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders such as anorgasmia, retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or premature ejaculation, inability to have or keep an erection, chills, cold sweats, confusion, dizziness, faintness, lightheadedness, chest pain, cough or hoarseness, fever, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination, blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin, blurred vision, difficulty with breathing, fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, sweating, trouble breathing, and unusual tiredness or weakness). While clinical use of Formula 82D to date does appear to indicate that its topical administration is generally well tolerated, there has not been sufficient peer-reviewed or clinical research performed to fully quantify topical dutasteride’s safety at this time. Physicians should exercise clinical judgment, monitor patients, and inform them about the compounded nature and potential variability in outcomes. The most frequently reported side effect of 82D is mild skin irritation, which typically resolves within the first 2–3 weeks of use. Women who are trying to conceive or currently are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Formula 82D.
Other Considerations
Formula 82D is a compounded prescription product. While it contains FDA‐approved ingredients, this formulation has not been evaluated by the FDA as a standalone product for hair loss. Topical dutasteride is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and is considered an off-label use. Compounded formulations involving dutasteride should only be prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual patients under physician supervision. Physicians should exercise clinical judgment and ensure informed consent when prescribing compounded or off-label treatments.
When should you consider Formula 82D?
Interested in prescribing Formula 82D? Fill out this form to receive our Getting Started email, or visit our Partners page.