Hair Loss Medication

Rogaine® (Minoxidil)

This medication is one of the most commonly known hair loss products and has been widely used for hair loss treatment since the 1980’s. Originally, it required a prescription but is now available as an over-the-counter treatment.
The active ingredient is Minoxidil, which can also be used for the management of blood pressure. It is thought that the improvement of circulation helps by increasing blood vessel width, which in turn increases the nutrients, blood, and oxygen that can be delivered to each hair follicle. It is used as a topical treatment since doctors have found that ingested use can have negative side effects. Some of these side effects are possible with topical use, although they are rare. One potential side effect is unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body because of the ingredients that are absorbed systemically.

Rogaine® can be an effective treatment for hereditary hair loss on the crown of the head as well as the forehead hairline. Four out of five patients experience positive results from the use of the medication. It is important to note that Rogaine® isn’t a cure for baldness. The results vary from one person to the next. Studies have shown that Rogaine® can assist in slowing the progression of hair loss, but some people find that Rogaine® is ineffective in regrowing hair that has been lost.

Finasteride (Propecia®)

Clinical trials have shown that a large number of users noticed an improvement in the appearance of their hair while using this medication. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Since DHT is the cause of male-pattern baldness, this medication can be used to slow down the genetic factors.
The androgen metabolism in the scalp can be treated using this hair loss medication. In fact, Finasteride is the only FDA approved hair loss medication that uses this unique approach in treating male pattern hair loss. Researchers have found that 83% of users maintained the same hair follicle count using this medication. With 24 months of consistent use, 64% of users experienced hair regrowth.
The hair follicles located in the front hairline, top of the scalp, and crown of the head tend to be more sensitive to the effects of DHT. The use of Finasteride can be beneficial to slow the effects of these hormones on the vulnerable hair follicles, helping to reduce the overall hair loss that occurs. It is common for this medication to be used in conjunction with hair loss restoration surgery, which is an effective way to graft hair follicles from safe donor areas (the sides and back of the head) to the thinning or balding areas.
Propecia® is the brand name of the medication, and Finasteride is the generic version. This hair loss medication can only be accessed through prescription. Since it affects hormone levels, it is designed for male use only. The medication must be used daily to achieve optimal results. As with other hair loss medications, discontinued use will cause the results to go away over the course of a year.

Dutasteride (Avodart®)

Dutasteride was originally developed as a medication used for blood pressure management and to treat the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. But it was discovered that the medication also helps with the treatment of male pattern baldness, and it is often used “off-label” now for this purpose. Off-label means that the medication was intended for a different medical condition, but can also be used for other treatments. It is important to understand that Dutasteride has not received FDA approval as a male pattern baldness treatment. However, it has gained popularity as a hair loss treatment because of the incredible results that have been experienced by patients.
Like Finasteride, this medication also helps by treating the underlying problem of DHT. Regular use of this product can sometimes be a good option for patients experiencing hereditary baldness. One research study showed that consistent use of Dutasteride for 24 months resulted in 94% of users experiencing hair regrowth.
While Dutasteride is similar to Finasteride, patients find that this treatment is more effective in many circumstances. For example, it is estimated that Finasteride can block up 70% of hair-loss causing DHT. In comparison, Dutasteride can block as much as 90% or more DHT. Preventing DHT in the body is an effective way to minimize the damage that occurs to weakened hair follicles. Not only is Dutasteride more effective as DHT blocking, but it might also offer a more consistent treatment compared to Finasteride. Both of these hair loss treatments are effective, and the treatment plan should be personalized based on the unique needs of each patient.
If you are experiencing major hair loss, the most effective treatment is to talk to Dr. Sharma about your options. Once a hair transplant is placed, you can have confidence knowing that you will enjoy long-term results from the treatment. These donor hair follicles are resistant to DHT blockers, which means that they will continue growing indefinitely.