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Tips on Using Medications for Hair Loss

Tips on Using Finasteride (Propecia)

  • Finasteride is a prescription oral medication that is now generic (in the 5mg dose). This formulation is just as effective as the brand name Propecia and is about 1/3 the cost.

  • The general starting dose of finasteride for hair loss is 1mg a day. For this dose, you can either take one 1mg Propecia tablet or ¼ of a 5mg tablet of generic finasteride each day. Your doctor may increase the dose over time, based on your response to the medication.

  • If you chose to use the generic medication, a pill-cutter can be purchased from any pharmacy for a few dollars. Please cut only two pills at a time.

  • Finasteride does not have to be cut into equal parts to be effective. Just cut it into the recommended of pieces and take one piece each day.

  • Finasteride can be taken any time of the day without regard to food or other medications.

  • You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working.  Do not stop the medication if you see shedding.

  • It takes up to a full year to see the effects of Finasteride, so be patient.

  • We recommend using Propecia or generic finasteride that is manufactured in the United States. It is impossible to insure the potency of formulations made outside of FDA control. If you would like to fill your prescription online, we recommend www.DrugStore.com.

  

Tips on Using Minoxidil (Rogaine) - Men

 

  • Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter.  The foam is available in brand only (Rogaine Foam).

  • Minoxidil only works where you apply it.  Apply it to all areas that are thinning.

    • Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald)

    • Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin – so it is important to apply it to the front part of your scalp and hairline if you are thinning in these areas.

  • Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se

    • Minoxidil 5% solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.

    • If the 5% solution is irritating to your scalp, try the 5% Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.

    • If the 5% solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.

  • Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).

    • Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.

    • When using minoxidil once a day, use at least double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.
  • Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.
  • For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).

  • Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride (Propecia). Of the two medications, finasteride is more effective.

 

Tips for Women Using Minoxidil (Rogaine) - Women

  • Minoxidil solution comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter.  The foam is still available in brand only.
  • Minoxidil is generally prescribed as a 2% solution for women to be used twice a day. If twice a day is inconvenient, then use the 5% men’s formulation just once a day.
  • Minoxidil can cause increased facial hair. Although the 5% is more likely than the 2% to cause this, when the 5% is used one a day, the side effects seem to be about the same.

  • Minoxidil only works where you apply it.  Apply it to all areas that are thinning.

    • Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald)

    • Minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin.

  • Minoxidil must be applied to the scalp to work – it doesn’t work on the hair per se

    • Minoxidil solution is the most effective if you have some hair, as the solution will be easier to apply to the scalp.

    • If the solution is irritating to your scalp, try the Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.

    • If the solution is too greasy and you find you are not using it, switch to the foam.

  • Although the Minoxidil works best when used twice a day, using it once a day will also be effective (and better than not using it at all).

    • Many patients find applying the medication once a day at bedtime to be the most convenient way to use it.

    • When using minoxidil once a day, use double the recommended dose, so that it will be applied to the entire area of thinning.
  • Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this can make grooming easier.

  • For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly. Do not stop and start it. You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working, so unless you are having side effects, do not stop the medication. If you do stop the medication, you will lose all of its benefits (although you will not be any worse off than if you had never used it).

 



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