Combating Hair Loss with Drugs

Hair loss can be controlled when acted upon in it’s early stages and with men it can be fairly straightforward to control with some drugs. The key of course is a visit to the doctor or dermatologist to rule out medical, dietary, environmental or physiological causes. In the large majority of cases for men suffering from hair loss, the cause is genetic male pattern baldness or Androgenetic Alopecia.

Only two drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use on hair loss. Regardless of manufacturers claims, hair regrowth results vary widely but both are effective at reducing the amount, and rate, of hair loss underscoring the need for early treatment.

Minoxidil

Rogaine® is a popular brand name for a drug containing generic Minoxidil. It’s action is not completely understood but basically it works to increase blood flow in the scalp and enlarge hair follicles.

According to Drug Facts published by manufacturer McNeil PPC, Rogaine® “is for men who have a general thinning of hair on the top of the scalp (vertex only. Not intended for frontal baldness or a receding hairline.”

Rogaine® is applied topically to the affected area and must be used for at least a few months for visible results. It is available in regular strength (2%) and extra strength (5%). About 30% of men who use Rogaine® report an improvement in their hair loss, with some experiencing hair re-growth and others only reporting an end to further hair loss (Source: Pharmacom Rogaine® data sheet, Clinical Studies). Users who experience positive results must continue treatment indefinitely. Some slight side effects from Minoxidil may be experienced.

Finasteride

Propecia® is a popular medication containing generic Finasteride in capsule form that treats balding on the front and crown of the head. It is an inhibitor which basically works to reduce the production of DHT which causes thinning hair.

According to the manufacturer, Merck’s Patient Product Information Sheet, “PROPECIA is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area“.

The pills must be taken on a daily basis and if discontinued, the hair loss will reappear. In a study of participants who had taken Propecia® for a five year period, 48% of men had noticed increased hair growth, and 42% had reported a stop to their hair loss, while 10% lost further hair (source: Propecia® package insert). Even small amounts of Propecia® can cause birth defects and women are advised to not handle Finasteride tablets or packaging. Users may experience infertility and sexual side effects.

So, regardless of whether you are using Rogaine or Propecia or what stage of hair loss or re-growth you are experiencing, use Volluma to visibly improve your results. Volluma works to cosmetically thicken hair to make you look great and feel great!