Locklab medication overview

Locklab 6-in-1

Locklab 6-in-1 (Locklab 2.0) is a compounded medication containing Minoxidil, Finasteride, Zinc Bisglycinate, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin D3, and Biotin. This medication is used for stopping hair loss, regrowing hair, supporting hair health, and improving your hair's fullness.

How does Locklab work?

Minoxidil works by boosting blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to hair follicles, which puts hair into the growth phase (anagen phase) indefinitely where hair becomes thicker and fuller.

Finasteride primarily stops hair loss by stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT. By retaining more testosterone and stopping it from converting into DHT, finasteride stops or slows the miniturization of your hair follicles.

Zinc Bisglycinate, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), and Vitamin D3 help soothe scalp micro-inflammation and support hair and scalp health.

Biotin is a B vitamin found in nature that is widely used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.

How should I take Locklab?

  • Locklab should be taken by mouth once daily, with or without food.
  • If you miss a day, don’t double up, just skip that dose and take it as usual the next day. There are no additional benefits from taking Locklab more than once a day.
  • Many patients find success setting a daily reminder on their phone to take Locklab in the morning.
  • If you experience lightheadedness as a side effect, take it at night, but try to take your pill at the same time every day to maximize effectiveness.

What should I expect during treatment?

  • You may experience increased hair shedding in the first 2-8 weeks as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is normal and means that the medication is working.
  • The full benefits of finasteride and minoxidil are seen within 6-12 months, but results may be seen as early as 2-3 months.
  • Successful treatment is defined by both hair growth and stopping hair loss from getting worse, since male pattern baldness naturally gets worse over time.
  • You will continue to shed hairs at a normal healthy rate (50-100 hairs per day) while using Locklab. Even if you stop hair loss, shedding hair is part of your body’s natural hair growth cycle (like with all mammals).

What happens if I stop taking Locklab?

  • Like with hair loss treatments, you'll need to take Locklab consistently to maintain the results from it. Remember, even transplants require medication to maintain in almost all cases, so there is no one-and-done solution for hair loss.
  • If you stop taking Locklab—no worries, you'll simply lose your progress and your hair will return to what it would have looked like if you never started treatment.

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Oral Minoxidil

About this medicine

ORAL MINOXIDIL (5MG) is a prescription medication proven in decades of clinical trials to stimulate hair growth. It is generally considered that the higher the dose, the greater the clinical effect; however, it is important not to take more than your healthcare provider has prescribed to you. Ask your healthcare provider or Locklab Provider if you have any questions.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking oral minoxidil?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Currently taking a medication called guanethidine
  • Sudden or patchy hair loss
  • Unknown reason for hair loss
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to minoxidil or any components of the medication
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medicine?

Minoxidil is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking guanethidine.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your healthcare provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also, tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Potential side effects

Side effects that you should immediately report to your doctor or health care professional:

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, racing or irregular heartbeat
  • New or worsening chest, arm, or shoulder pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid weight gain, or swelling in the hands, legs, or feet
  • There is a rare chance of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart). There are no known reports of anyone without a pre-existing condition having long term harm from taking oral minoxidil for hair loss.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Unusual hair growth, on the face and/or body

This list may not describe all possible side effects of minoxidil. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Oral Finasteride

About this medicine

FINASTERIDE (1.1MG) is used to treat male pattern baldness. All FDA trials cited are on 1mg of finasteride (Propecia®), while Locklab contains 1.1mg of finasteride. Ask your healthcare provider or Locklab Provider if you have any questions.

Who should not take this medicine?

This medicine is for men and women who are not and cannot get pregnant (post-menopausal, etc.). Finasteride can affect hormone levels so it is important that women who are pregnant or could become pregnant don't handle it, as it can lead to complications with pregnancy.

If you have the following conditions, do not take this medication before informing your doctor:

  • Liver disease or problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Prostate cancer
  • You are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • You are breastfeeding

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to finasteride (including Proscar® and Propecia®).

Potential side effects

Although unlikely, finasteride may cause side effects. Contact your doctor or a health care professional immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of serious allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, extreme dizziness, difficulty breathing
  • Swelling or tenderness in the breasts or pain or fluids leaking from the nipple
  • Pain in the testicles
  • Inability to urinate
  • Depression (​Currently, there are no double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that have conclusively demonstrated depression as a side effect of finasteride, but it has been self-reported by patients)

In three FDA-controlled clinical trials on Propecia® lasting 12 months, 1.6% of men on a placebo discontinued use due to adverse effects, compared to 1.4% of those taking finasteride. This means more men in the placebo group reported adverse effects than those taking the drug.

Some studies also suggest a minor link between finasteride 1mg and sexually adverse effects, while others find no connection.

Potential sexually adverse effects:

  • Low libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Lower volume of semen (volume, not sperm count)

All controlled clinical trials show that sexually adverse effects go away after stopping treatment. Some men report persistent sexual dysfunction, although, persistent sexual dysfunction can also be found in men not taking finasteride (even for 10+ years), and no causal link between persistent sexual dysfunction and finasteride has been found in any double blind placebo controlled trial.

0.3%: In FDA trials on Propecia, 3.8% of male patients noticed some form of sexual side effects (versus 2.1% of patients taking the placebo). Importantly, only 1.2% of men taking finasteride actually stopped treatment (versus 0.9% of the placebo group) since the majority of side effects resolve themselves. So if the same percentage of men in the finasteride group also incorrectly attributed side effects to finasteride, then the total proportion of men who stopped treatment would be 0.3%.

This list may not describe all possible side effects of finasteride. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Zinc Bisglycinate

About this supplement

ZINC (10 MG) is an essential mineral that supports normal cell growth, repair, and immune function. Zinc bisglycinate provides zinc bound to the amino acid glycine.

Potential side effects

Zinc is generally well tolerated at this dose. Possible side effects include nausea, mild stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Taking your tablet with food may help. Zinc can affect the absorption of certain antibiotics and other medications, so your provider should know everything you take. Check with your provider before adding extra zinc, since excessive intake over time can lower copper levels.

This list may not describe all possible side effects of zinc. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)

About this supplement

VITAMIN B3 (16 MG, AS NIACINAMIDE) supports energy metabolism and normal skin-cell function. This amount matches the recommended daily intake for adult men.

Potential side effects

Niacinamide is generally well tolerated at this nutritional dose and does not cause the “niacin flush” associated with other forms of vitamin B3. Nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea can occur, particularly at much higher doses. Let your provider know if symptoms persist or become bothersome. Check with your provider before adding other vitamin B3 products, including high-dose niacin or niacinamide supplements.

This list may not describe all possible side effects of niacinamide. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Vitamin D3

About this supplement

VITAMIN D3 (50 MCG / 2,000 IU) supports calcium absorption, bone health, and normal muscle and immune function. It is also called cholecalciferol.

Potential side effects

Vitamin D3 is generally well tolerated at this dose. Possible side effects include mild nausea, stomach discomfort, or headache. Excessive intake or certain medical conditions can cause calcium levels to become too high. Contact your provider if you develop persistent vomiting, unusual thirst, or frequent urination. Tell your provider about kidney disease, kidney stones, or high calcium, and check before adding vitamin D or calcium supplements.

This list may not describe all possible side effects of vitamin D3. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Biotin

About this supplement

BIOTIN (1MG) is a B vitamin essential for metabolism that is often used to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Potential side effects

Biotin is a vitamin naturally found in food and as such does not generally interact with other medications. However, it's advisable to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before introducing any new supplements. Seeking guidance from a medical professional ensures a thoughtful approach to incorporating dietary enhancements into your daily routine, prioritizing your health and well-being.

This list may not describe all possible side effects of biotin. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate help in-person. For more information, message your Locklab Provider or contact your doctor if you have additional questions about side effects.

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Other Important Information

How to take Locklab

  • This is an oral tablet taken by mouth once a day.
  • You can take it with or without food (take Locklab with, or just after, a meal or snack to help with feeling sick).
  • Try to take your doses at the same time every day to maximize effectiveness.
  • Do not take this medicine more often than directed.
  • If a tablet ever becomes crushed or broken, make sure that it is not handled by women.

Taking Locklab with other medicines

Some medicines may need to be taken at a different time from Locklab because it contains zinc.

  • Quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics are generally taken at least 2 hours before or 4–6 hours after Locklab.
  • Penicillamine should be taken at least 1 hour apart from Locklab.

Follow your pharmacist’s instructions for your specific medication, and ask about timing whenever you start a new medicine. Because the ingredients are combined in one tablet, any spacing instructions apply to the entire Locklab tablet.

Taking other vitamins or supplements

Each daily Locklab tablet contains 10 mg of zinc, 2,000 IU (50 mcg) of vitamin D3, and 16 mg of vitamin B3 as niacinamide. Before adding a multivitamin or another supplement containing zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B3, or calcium, check with your provider or pharmacist so they can review your total intake. Let them know about any supplements you already take.

What should I watch for while taking Locklab?

Locklab must be taken regularly for your hair to regrow. It typically takes 4 months to notice improvement and may take up to 12 months of regular use before you reach peak regrowth. Continue taking Locklab as prescribed to maintain your results. Once you stop using it, the regrown hair will usually fall out within 1–6 months.

Where should I store Locklab?

  • Keep out of the reach of children.
  • Store at room temperature (between 59-86 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Protect from moisture and keep the container tightly closed.
  • Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

Blood donations

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medicine.

PSA tests

This medicine can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your doctor or healthcare professional that you are taking this medicine.

Inform your healthcare providers

Telemedicine does not replace your primary care physician. Keep your healthcare providers and pharmacists informed of all medicines and supplements you take, including Locklab.

Make sure your Locklab Provider knows if you have kidney disease, a history of kidney stones, high calcium or vitamin D levels, low copper levels, unexplained anemia, sarcoidosis, or an overactive parathyroid gland. Also tell them if you take digoxin or a thiazide diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide. Your provider can advise whether any adjustments or monitoring are needed.

If your health conditions, medications, or supplements change during treatment, update your Locklab Provider.

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This page is a summary and may not cover all possible information or side effects. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.