Hair Loss Medications

The following are the only FDA Approved hair loss medications. Prescription medications (Propecia® and generic Finasteride formulations) should be taken only under the direct supervision of a physician.

All these medications have been clinically proven effective and are widely used in the treatment of hair loss.

Propecia® (Finasteride/Proscar)

Propecia® is the first and only FDA-approved oral medication used for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It was approved in 1997 and was developed for treating hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head).

Finasteride is the generic name of the drug which is the active incredient in a 1mg dose as Propecia®, and a 5mg dose as Proscar.

Propecia® works by decreasing the amount of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body and thus its negative effect on genetically predisposed hair follicles. The end result is that Propecia® may slow and in many cases prevent or reverse hair loss.

Patients will usually start to see results in 3 or 4 months with more substantial progress in 6 to 12 months. If Propecia® has not worked in 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

A small number (less than 2%) of men in the clinical trials had sexual side effects. These included less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia®.

PILC is proud to offer our own Compounded Finasteride. We have added other beneficial ingredients at a much reduced price!

Rogaine® (Minoxidil)

Rogaine® (Minoxidil) is a topical solution that has been available many years by prescription to treat hair loss in both men and women. It is currently available over-the-counter in Regular 2% and Extra Strength 5% (USA - by prescription in Canada) formulations.

While the 2% solution can be used by either gender, the 5% solution is recommended for use by men only. Rogaine® 5% has been reported to be much more effective (studies show 45% greater hair growth) than the 2% product. Some patients combine Propecia® with minoxidil to obtain the best results.

Although Rogaine's exact method of action is unknown ... we understand that it stimulates the growth (anagin) phase of hair follicles and causes them to thicken and grow longer. The drug is meant to be applied twice daily with a minimum of 8 hours between.

It usually takes 4 months to see less hair falling out and at least 7 months to see any re-growth. If you stop taking Rogaine® you will loose whatever hair you preserved or regrew within 2 to 4 months.

Within the first few weeks, as Rogaine® begins working, you may experience more hair loss than usual. This is temporary and an expected part of the process. Early hair regrowth is soft and colorless, like peach fuzz; however, with continued use, new hairs should be the same color and thickness as your other hair.

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