Hair Loss Medical treatments

This section reviews the two FDA approved medications for hair loss, Propecia and Rogaine, as well as future, natural and alternative drug treatments:

Propecia

In late 1997, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Propecia for distribution in the United States as a hair-restoring drug. Propecia represents a medical breakthrough. It was the first pill that effectively treats genetic hair loss. Since it has emerged Propecia sales have been brisk. Some analysts are already predicting sales of $1 billion over the next five years.

The active agent in Propecia is a drug called finasteride. The manufacturer of the drug, Merck, deduced that Propecia might work to stimulate hair growth when it found men taking the company’s prostate medication Proscar were growing hair. Propecia is a lower-dose form of Proscar developed specifically to fight hair loss.

Propecia is an option only for men. Propecia is dangerous for women of childbearing age and can lead to severe birth defects. In addition studies have determined that it is not even effective for postmenopausal women. Learn more about Propecia

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Rogaine 5% (minoxidil)

Rogaine Extra Strength comes in a 5% liquid solution and is available over the counter for men. Rogaine Extra Strength claims to grow 45% more than the Regular Strength 2% formula. It also starts growing hair as soon as 2 months in many individuals. The most common side effects are scalp itch and irritation.

Rogaine is a solution which is applied topically to the scalp twice a day. It can also slow down hair loss in men who are showing signs of balding. Apply Rogain 5% twice daily, and you could see results in as little as 2 months. If you stop taking Rogain 5%, however, your results will gradually go away over 12 months. And if it hasn't worked in 12 months, it is unlikely to be of benefit. Use Rogain 5% only if you are disciplined in taking medications and are good with following detailed instructions.
Learn more about Rogaine

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Emerging hair growth drugs

Although Rogaine and Propecia are the only two drugs currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to combat hereditary balding there are several other drugs which have shown great promise in restoring hair loss. These are not likely to be miracle cures, but they may be more effective than current versions of Rogaine and Propecia, and may display traits more suited to your needs.

You should know what other drugs may soon be available besides Rogaine and Propecia. All of these drugs are still being tested. Some of them are being seriously investigated by large pharmaceutical companies which are investing millions of dollars to make them work.

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Other types of promising drugs

One of the two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hereditary hair loss is Rogaine, whose active agent minoxidil is itself not an antiandrogen. So it would not be surprising to discover that the most effective drug treatment for hereditary hair loss might emerge from a type of drug that is also not an antiandrogen.

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