Posts Tagged: Rogaine

Which Hair Loss Treatment is Better: Minoxidil with Retin-A or Minoxidil Without Retin-A?

November 9th, 2009

Q: Is using Minoxidil combined with Retin-A better than regular Minoxidil for Hair Loss?

A: Minoxidil has been prescribed (off-label) in combination with other medications, such as topical retinoic acid (Retin-A), to enhance its penetration into the skin and thus increase its effectiveness. This combination of medications, however, can significantly increase the absorption of minoxidil into the bloodstream and may increase the risk of potential side effects, including changes in blood pressure and severe scalp irritation that has, on occasion, led to scarring.

If person wants to add Retin-A to the minoxidil regime, the Retin-A should be applied only once a day, since the Retin-A will bind to the skin and will last for at least 24 hours.

Applying Retin-A more frequently will not increase its effectiveness (in facilitating the absorption of minoxidil); it will only increase the incidence of side effects. Retin-A can be applied to the scalp at the same time as Minoxidil, or by itself.

Retin-A should not be compounded with minoxidil (mixed together by your pharmacist or your doctor) for the following reasons:

  1. Minoxidil works best when used twice a day. Retin-A is best used once a day.
  2. Using Retin-A twice a day wastes money and increases the incidence of side effects
  3. If you develop side effects from the Retin-A, it is best to stop only the Retin-A. If they are compounded, you would need to stop both and will lose the benefit of minoxidil.

Explore the pro’s and con’s of Minoxidil — also known by its over-the-counter product Rogaine — at the Rogaine/Minoxidil page on the Bernstein Medical – Center for Hair Restoration website or by viewing minoxidil-related posts on the Hair Transplant Blog.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by bwerner at 1:50 pm

Why Does One Shed Hair in First Months of Hair Loss Treatment with Rogaine?

February 17th, 2009

Q: I started thinning and saw more hair in the tub. I began Rogaine and stopped shampooing every night and is seems that there is now more coming out every time I shower. What is going on?

A: Rogaine can cause shedding at the beginning of treatment (i.e. in the first 3 months) but this is expected as it causes some hair to begin a new cycle of shedding and re-growth. This means the medication is working.

Another reason for your apparent shedding is that the less you wash your hair, the more will be lost each time. Go back to shampooing every day and see what happens.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 4:45 am

What Hair Loss Treatment Can Prevent Hairline Retreat, Thinning?

January 20th, 2009

Q: I am having hair thinning and retreating from the front part of the scalp. According to Norwood’s classification I rank a category III. From what I see on the Rogaine pack it is used in hereditary hair loss on the (vertex) on top of the scalp. Any recommendations?

A: Minoxidil does work on the front of the scalp to prevent the progression of hair loss and may thicken areas of early thinning, although it won’t re-grow hair in areas that are bald.

I would also consider using finasteride (the active ingredient in the hair loss medication Propecia) as this will also work on the front of the scalp to prevent further hair loss and to increase areas of thinning – and it is more effective than minoxidil.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 4:34 am

Which is Preferred Hair Loss Medication: Rogaine Foam or Rogaine Liquid Formula?

January 13th, 2009

Q: Do you think there is a difference in the efficacy between the 5% Rogaine foam or liquid formula?

A: In theory, the foam should be as effective as the original solution (liquid). However, an important part of the efficacy is getting the medication directly onto the scalp – rather than just on the hair.

For patients who are applying the medication to areas with a significant amount of hair, using the solution with a dropper applicator enables the medication to best reach the scalp. Because of this, I prefer that patients use the solution with a dropper applicator if they are using the medications in areas with a significant amount of hair.

If patients find the solution irritating to the scalp (or too messy) and the foam less so, then using the foam is better than nothing.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 8:19 am

After Hair Transplant Can One Replace Hair Loss Medication with Laser Therapy, Herbs?

September 15th, 2008

Q: I am interested in a hair transplant, but am turned off by the apparent side effects of follow up Propecia. Could herbs serve the purpose of Propecia? Regarding laser treatments, do they work on their own, or do you need drugs to supplement? Can laser damage in some cases, rather than benefit? It seems odd that laser therapy has been undertaken in Europe for 10 years, yet there are no published studies on the results. Might this be because it doesn’t work in the longer term?

A: Finasteride is the best medication. Herbs are not particularly effective for hair loss. You should consider trying finasteride.

If you are in the 2% group that has side effects with Propecia, just stop taking the medication. If you do not experience side effects, then there is no problem taking the medication long-term. Hair transplant surgery doesn’t prevent the progression of hair loss. That is why it is used in conjunction with medication.

Laser therapy can cause shedding initially (as can Propecia and Rogaine), but this means it is working. It does not cause actual hair loss. Your skepticism of the value of Laser therapy long term is one we have as well. Keep in mind, however, that while long-term studies are extremely important, they are very hard and costly to run and there is little incentive for companies to do this.

It is interesting that the FDA does not require longer term data on medications or devices that need to be used on a continued basis.

Topic: Post-op Care

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:00 am



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