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Hair Sciences Center of Colorado - FAQs
Non-Surgical Medical Treatments
- Is it true the PropeciaTM works only on the back of the head?
- No, it may work all over, as long as the balding process is not complete. PropeicaTM has the potential to work wherever there are miniaturized (fine) hairs. The initial study on PropeicaTM only evaluated its effectiveness on the back half of the scalp; therefore, we could only give statistics on that area.
- Once I start PropeicaTM won't I have to use it for life?
- Not necessarily. You use it only as long as you want to hold onto your hair. And there will be even better treatments in the future. However, regardless of future medical advances, it will always be much easier to hold onto your existing hair and prevent loss, than to somehow grow new follicles.
- Is PropeciaTM safe?
- Actually, PropeicaTM is quite safe. There actually exists a human model in which DHT is blocked from birth through generations. As this is the mode of action with PropeicaTM, Merck has been able to study this family to determine the long term affects of low or absent DHT.
- Can PropeciaTM be used by women?
- Unfortunately, all of the studies done by Merck show that PropeciaTM is not effective in women.
- I've heard PropeciaTM can affect one's sexual activity. What can you tell me about that?
- The occurence of sexual dysfuntion is less than 2%, and it always goes away when you stop using the medication. Over half the time it goes away if you continue using PropeciaTM.
- Could smoking nicotine or marijuana change the effect of this medicine?
- No studies have concluded that any medication changes the effect of PropeciaTM.
- What about the new Glaxo medication, DutasterideTM?
- This medication blocks the formation of type 1 and 2 DHT to knock out over 90 percent of circulating DHT and may, as a result, have increased side effects. It is not currently approved for hair loss.
- Does the herbal remedy Saw Palmetto work?
- Saw Palmetto is reported by many to show beneficial effects, but there are no scientifically controlled studies to prove this. It has not been studied to determine if it works better in conjunction with other products.
- Does MinoxidilTM work as well as PropeicaTM
- Minoxidil works in a different way and studies suggest it may not be as effective. However, results vary by individual. MinoxidilTM seems to work better in women. Over time, MinoxidilTM seems to lose its effectiveness
- Would I benefit from taking both MinoxidilTM and PropeicaTM?
- Since MinoxidilTM and PropeicaTM have different modes of action, it would be prudent to try them together. With recent studies showing that the use of these medications in combination results in increased hair growth, we recommend doing so.
- What is Nizoral® Shampoo? How effective is it?
- Nizoral® is a medicated shampoo for dandruff. The 2%-solution shampoo (available by prescription only) was shown in a study to be about as effective as RogaineTM in producing hair growth. The active ingredient, ketoconazole, blocks the action of hormones, like testosterone, to prevent hair loss. There are no studies to show the long term results of this medication.
- There are so many non-prescription hair loss products on the market? The ads sound so promising…surely some must work?
- Think in terms of financial incentives. A prescribing physician generally has no financial interest in the drug he or she prescribes as the doctor's income comes from consultations or surgeries. When non-physicians sell products for hair loss, they always have a financial interest. There is no other reason for them to manufacture, market and sell their product. More importantly, claims of effectiveness are not based on scientifically conducted studies. Non-prescription medications are not as strictly regulated by the FDA; therefore, claims of hair growth are usually greatly exaggerated.
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