Cedar
A compounded once-daily oral tablet combining finasteride, minoxidil and biotin that a licensed provider may prescribe as part of a hair restoration program. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
Cedar is a compounded oral tablet that combines three ingredients: finasteride, minoxidil and biotin (vitamin B7). A licensed provider may prescribe it as part of a hair restoration program after reviewing your history, medications and goals. Strengths are set by your prescriber.
Cedar is not intended for use in women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
This medication is compounded by Strive Pharmacy. It is prepared for an individual patient based on a prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA approved, which means the FDA has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness or quality.
How it works
Finasteride blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, a hormone linked to the shrinking of hair follicles in pattern hair loss. Minoxidil widens blood vessels and is thought to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. Biotin is a B vitamin included in the formulation.
Your provider determines the dose of each ingredient and adjusts the plan based on your response and health.
What to expect
Hair growth is gradual. Hair follicles follow a long cycle, so changes are typically judged over many months rather than weeks. Some people notice increased shedding early in treatment.
Continued use is generally required to maintain results, and hair loss may return if treatment stops. Your provider will review your progress at follow-up visits. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.
Who it is for
Whether Cedar is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your examination, medical history and medications. It is not appropriate for everyone, including people with low blood pressure or certain heart conditions.
Cedar is not intended for use in women. This page is general information and is not medical advice.
Side effects
Finasteride can cause decreased sex drive, erectile difficulties, reduced ejaculate volume and breast tenderness or enlargement. Mood changes, including depression and anxiety, have been reported. Some people report sexual side effects that continue after stopping.
Oral minoxidil can cause unwanted hair growth on the face and body, swelling from fluid retention, headache, dizziness, lightheadedness and a fast heartbeat. Serious effects can include chest pain, shortness of breath and fluid around the heart.
Contact your provider promptly about chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, fainting, swelling, shortness of breath, breast lumps or pain, or mood changes including thoughts of self-harm.
This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Compounded medication. This medication is compounded by Strive Pharmacy and is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed provider.
Cardiovascular risk. Oral minoxidil can cause fluid retention, a fast heartbeat and fluid around the heart. Tell your provider if you have heart disease, low blood pressure or take blood pressure medication. Your provider may monitor your blood pressure and heart rate.
Pregnancy. Finasteride can cause harm to a developing male baby. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take Cedar, and should not handle broken or crushed tablets.
Mood. Finasteride has been associated with depression and anxiety. Stop and contact your provider if you notice mood changes.
Prostate screening. Finasteride lowers PSA levels. Tell any provider who orders a PSA test that you take it.
Biotin and lab tests. High-dose biotin can interfere with certain lab tests, including thyroid and cardiac tests. Tell your provider and the lab that you take biotin before blood work.
Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.
Common questions
Is Cedar FDA approved?
No. Cedar is compounded by Strive Pharmacy, and compounded medications are not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
What is in Cedar?
Finasteride, minoxidil and biotin in a single oral tablet. Your prescriber sets the strengths.
How do I take it?
One tablet by mouth once daily, with or without food, as directed by your provider.
How long until I see a difference?
Hair growth is gradual and is typically judged over many months. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Can women take Cedar?
No. Cedar is not intended for use in women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, because of the risk to a developing baby.
What if I stop taking it?
Continued use is generally required to maintain results, and hair loss may return after stopping. Talk with your provider before making changes.
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