Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration » Multiple Medications

After Hair Transplant, Use Propecia Hair Loss Medication Without Rogaine, or Use Both?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:04:00 +0000

Q: I recently had a hair transplant about a month ago. Currently I’m on Propecia and I am a stickler to taking it at the same time every day. I don’t, however, use Rogaine namely because I fear the irritation it can possibly cause will halt graft growth and because I’ve heard that the grafts and post surgical shock loss hair will return without its use. Is it ok to use only Propecia post-surgically? Or would adding Rogaine be of any significant benefit?

A: I would definitely stay on Propecia and, if you like, you can add Rogaine – it may have a little additional benefit. The new 5% foam formulation is less irritating and can be started a week after the hair transplant.

The only problem with Rogaine is compliance. If you think that you will use it long-term, it is worth using. If, however, you think that you will get tired of it and stop, then it is not worth starting.

Any shedding with either medication is temporary and usually indicates that the drug is working.

Should One Use Multiple Hair Loss Medications, Such as Both Avodart and Propecia?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:15:48 +0000

Q: 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.

If Taking Multiple Hair Loss Medications, Do You Recommend Stopping One Medication if it Shows No Improvement?

Robert M. Bernstein M.D. — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:19:34 +0000

Q: 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.