Minoxidil (2% and 5%)

Finasteride (Propecia®)

Finasteride is an oral medication that was approved by the FDA in 1997 for hair loss in men. Research determined that the hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causes hair to miniaturize. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT by inhibiting the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. By limiting the amount of circulating DHT, Finasteride has been shown to slow down hair loss and, in some individuals, even stimulate hair growth. Recently, the five-year data was published and Finasteride was shown to be quite safe. Only 1 to 2 percent of men have had sexual side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. A one-milligram tablet is taken daily. However, if the medication is stopped, the beneficial effects of finasteride diminish significantly.

Important Information About PROPECIA

PROPECIA was developed to treat mild to moderate male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in MEN ONLY. There is not sufficient evidence that PROPECIA works for receding hairlines at the temples.

PROPECIA is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.

In clinical studies for PROPECIA, a small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men and went away in men who stopped taking PROPECIA because of them.

Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use PROPECIA and should not handle crushed or broken PROPECIA tablets because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in PROPECIA, a doctor should be consulted. PROPECIA tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling, provided that the tablets are not broken or crushed.

You may need to take PROPECIA daily for 3 months or more before you see a benefit from taking PROPECIA. If PROPECIA has not worked for you within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

PROPECIA can only work over the long term if you continue taking it. If you stop taking PROPECIA, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

Although results will vary, generally you will not be able to grow back all the hair you have lost.

(source: www.propecia.com)

Herbal Medications, Shampoo, and Lotions

There are many herbal medications on the market that claim beneficial effects for hair loss. The active ingredients in these medications include Minoxidil or other properties that inhibit 5 alpha reductase. Apart from Finasteride and Minoxidil, however, none of these products is approved by the FDA. They are, therefore, not recommended by Dr. Manzanares.