Prescription Medications

Which prescription medications are recommended for hair loss?

There are a wide variety of prescription medications available to treat hair loss, and the two that Senator may discuss with you are Minoxidil which has the brand name Regaine, and Finasteride which has the brand name Propecia. Minoxidil is a colourless and odourless lotion that is applied to the scalp and Finasteride is in coated tablet form and is taken once a day.

How does prescription medication work?

Minoxidil or Regaine is a hair lotion that must be massaged into the scalp twice a day every day. It is clinically proven to prevent further balding and to stimulate hair regrowth, although the exact reasons behind this are not fully understood. Propecia or Finasteride is a tablet taken once a day which prevents testosterone being converted into DHT; the substance that causes hair follicles to stop working.

What are the results of prescriptions medication?

Prescription medications can prevent further hair loss and stimulate regrowth in around 70% of men. Many report an increase in visual hair density of around 10%. Both treatments must be used continuously as the effects are reversed as soon as the treatments are stopped.

Are there any side effects of prescription medication?

Minoxidil is unlikely to produce side effects as it is applied topically. In around 3% of men Finasteride can cause loss of libido, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in semen levels. For this reason, Finasteride would not usually be recommended for a man planning to have children. Side effects are not permanent and disappear once you stop taking the treatment.