Tips on Using Medications for Hair Loss

• 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 normal dose of finasteride is 1mg a day. You can either take one 1mg Propecia tablet or ¼ of a 5mg tablet of generic finasteride each day.
• If you chose to use the generic medication, a pill-cutter can be purchased from any pharmacy for a few dollars.
• The finasteride does not have to be cut into equal parts to be effective.
• 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.
• It takes a full year to see the effects of Finasteride, so be patient.
• We recommend generic finasteride over Finpecia. Finpecia (finasteride 1mg) is manufactured in India by a slightly different method than the way generic finasteride is produced in the U.S. Generic medications produced in the U.S. are under FDA supervision.

• Minoxidil comes in a generic formulation and can be purchased over the counter.
• Minoxidil can work anywhere there is miniaturized hair (where the area is not totally bald); therefore, minoxidil will work in the front part of the scalp and temples if these areas are just starting to thin.
• Minoxidil only works where you apply it.
• The 5% Foam is less greasy, but it is easier to spread on the scalp if you have a lot of hair.
• If the 5% solution is irritating to your scalp, try the 5% Foam which does not contain propylene glycol, the most common irritant.
• Many patients finding using the medication once a day at bedtime to be most convenient.
• Minoxidil can be applied to damp scalp when you first get out of the shower and this may make grooming easier.
• For minoxidil to be effective it must be used continually and regularly.
• You may experience shedding during the first 3-6 months of treatment. This generally is an indication that the medication is working.
• It works best if used twice a day, but is still useful if used only once a day.
• Minoxidil works best when used with finasteride (Propecia).