Q: Can the laser comb be used with other treatments, such as Minoxidil or Propecia?
A: Yes, it appears so, but there have been no scientific studies examining the interaction or possible synergy between these hair loss treatments.
Posts Tagged: Hair Loss Medication
Can One Treat Hair Loss Using Both Laser Comb and Medication?
February 28th, 2007Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 8:34 am
Do You Recommend Finpecia Hair Loss Medication or Generic Finasteride?
February 15th, 2007Q: I am 26 years old and in the beginning of losing my hair and not ready for hair transplant surgery. It seems to have stopped now but 4 months ago I shed a lot of hair and can visually see that my hair on the scalp is thinning out.
I have looked into and read up on taking Propecia or more exactly Finpecia (I’m a student so cost is a factor), but can I trust this generic drug? Have looked at the company (Cipla) website but I’m still a bit scared of taking something I don’t really know what it is. What is your opinion on choosing Finpecia over Propecia?
A: Finpecia is manufactured in India by a slightly different method than the way Propecia is produced in the U.S.
Since finasteride 5mg is now available in a generic from in the U.S., I suggest that you use finasteride 5mg and quarter the 5mg tablet with a pill cutter and take 1/4 tablet a day. The parts do not need to be the same size.
In the U.S., generic finasteride and Propecia (1mg) and Proscar (5mg) are all made the same way.
Cipla is a large company, but not under U.S. FDA supervision.
Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:37 am
Should One Use Multiple Hair Loss Medications, Such as Both Avodart and Propecia?
February 9th, 2007Q: I’m 52 years old and have been taking Propecia (finasteride) for two years. It seems to maintain the status quo with no apparent regrowth. I am considering adding a dose of Avodart (dutasteride) once a week in conjunction with the daily Propecia. My question is twofold: (1) Since dutasteride blocks production of both enzymes (type I and II) that produce DHT from testosterone, is it redundant to take the finasteride that only blocks the type I enzyme?
A: It is redundant to take both.
However, you may not be taking the optimal dose of dutasteride which seems to be at least 0.5mg a day for hair loss.
Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 9:15 am
If Taking Multiple Hair Loss Medications, Do You Recommend Stopping One Medication if it Shows No Improvement?
February 6th, 2007Q: If I use the dutasteride for one year and do not see a noticeable improvement can I quit the Avodart, continue the daily dose of Propecia and expect to retain the same “holding pattern” I have now?
A: If Avodart is helping to maintain the status quo then you can expect to lose some hair, i.e. return to where you would have been if you had used finasteride alone.
Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 10:19 am
Which is More Effective Hair Loss Treatment: Minoxidil (Rogaine) or Finasteride (Propecia)?
January 25th, 2007Q: Will Propecia and Minoxidil reverse some of the miniaturization going on with someone with thinning hair? If I do need a hair transplant will I have to stay on these medications?
A: Yes, both minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) affect the miniaturization of the hair follicles and help restore the shrunken follicles to cosmetically viable hair.
Minoxidil works by directly simulating miniaturized follicles to grow, whereas finasteride blocks DHT, the hormone that causes hair to miniaturize and eventually fall out.
Finasteride is much more effective than minoxidil in preventing or reversing the miniaturization process and it is so much more convenient to use that we generally suggest finasteride after a hair restoration procedure, but rarely recommend minoxidil.
Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 4:26 am
