Hair Loss Treatment Products
The FDA backs only 2 products for hair loss prevention and, potentially, hair growth promotion. One of these products is Rogaine, the active ingredient of which is minoxidil. Originally, it was only possible to obtain it by prescription, but now it is possible to buy it over the counter as a 2 % minoxidil content solution or as an extra strength 5 % solution.
Upjohn is no longer the only company that produces minoxidil, and it can be purchased in generic versions in drug stores and some department stores and quite a reasonable price. This medicine should be rubbed on the head two times a day.
Minoxidil slows hair loss in most users, and has even been found to promote hair growth in a few. Both women and men can use minoxidil products, and two different versions are available. There is one product available for men, and a different product developed for women. Since they both have the same primary active ingredient, they may actually not be different from each other. Minoxidil has no effect on scalps that are totally bald, and only grows new hair on the pate, not on the front of the head. This treatment doesn’t cost much, and is worth trying to help your problem. Allow at least four months for the treatment to take full effect.
The other approved hair loss treatment is Propecia, which is only available for men via prescription. Because of the risk of serious side effects including birth defects, women are strongly advised against taking cheap Propecia. Even though the pills are coated, women should not touch Propecia because the pills’ residue can be absorbed by the skin and get into their systems.
In double blinded trials, Propecia has shown success in 98% of male users. While some men have experienced minimal side effects, like decreased libido, these symptoms can be reversed if consumption of Propecia is stopped. It would be beneficial to begin with minoxidil, and then add Propecia if that is ineffective. This combination ends hair loss in most users, and can aid in hair growth in some users as well. It is imperative to discuss these drugs with your physician before using either one.