Even Extra-Strength Rogaine Offers Little Hope

A significantly sizable study confirming what we’ve known for years Rogaine, even Extra-Strength Rogaine, offers little hope as a hair loss treatment. If you have, however, been using Rogaine for a substansial period of time, you would be best to stay on it to avoid the acute, and more often than not, disproportionate shedding that invariably occurs upon cessation of usage. To avoid this shed, using a 2 % generic Rogaine once a day will economically suffice.

J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(5):268-70

Is topical minoxidil solution effective on androgenetic alopecia in routine daily practice?

Mapar MA, Omidian M.

Department of Dermatology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jundishapour Medical University, Ahvaz, Iran.

Objectives: Minoxidil solution stimulates hair growth in androgenetic alopecia. In order to maintain any beneficial effect, applications must continue indefinitely. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ratio of patients who were satisfied with the drug and continued to use it versus those who were displeased and did not continue their treatment, and the reasons for the discontinuation. Methods: A total of 1495 men aged 20-40 years who suffered from androgenetic hair loss were selected among patients who were referred to two private dermatologists. They were subjected to treatment with 5% topical minoxidil solution. These patients were treated with no difference from the routine office patients. Factors such as the duration of treatment, adverse effects, the patient’s satisfaction and the causes of treatment cessation were also closely studied. Results: Almost all the patients gradually avoided continuing the treatment. Only in a few patients was the cessation of medication due to adverse effects. The causes of discontinuation in the majority of patients were the low effect of medication and an aversion to this topical treatment method. Conclusions: The insignificant cosmetic effect of minoxidil solution caused discontinuity of treatment among almost all patients.