Rogaine: An FDA Approved, Treatment For Baldness

Most clinical trials show that Rogaine really works. For example, below is a summary of a trial conducted by Duke Dermatopharmacology Study Center, Durham, North Carolina, when they compared three groups of men with androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness). One group used a solution containing 5% minoxidil, another used a solution containg 2% and a third group used the same solution, but there was no minoxidil in it (placebo).

After 48 weeks of therapy, 5% topical minoxidil was significantly superior to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in terms of change from baseline in nonvellus hair count, patient rating of scalp coverage and treatment benefit, and investigator rating of scalp coverage. Hair count data indicate that response to treatment occurred earlier with 5% compared with 2% topical minoxidil.

There are many such trials which all prove the same thing. Does Rogaine really work? Yes, Rogaine works. BUT, what is clear is that Rogaine does not work for everyone. Approximately 2/3 of men will see some regrowth of hair and about 1/3 will see substantial regrowth of hair.

No. Rogaine does not work for everyone. Men's Rogaine is for men who have a general thinning of hair on the top of the scalp. Rogaine does not work for men who have frontal baldness or a receding hairline. And Rogaine does not work for all men who have thinning hair on the top will notice an improvement. However, Rogaine does work for most men with male pattern baldness.

Onset of action requires at least 2 months for the 5% strength (although in some patients effect takes 4 months.)

However, in order to have keep hair growth, you have to continue to use Rogaine. If you stop using Rogaine, the improvements will reverse.

Yes, in fact it is normal for men to experience increased hair loss during the first month. If increased hair loss has not stopped after a month of use, speak to your doctor to see if you should continue or not.

According to the official website, if two or more of the statements are true for you ROGAINE may be right for you:

* Members of your immediate family or extended family, male or female, have experienced hair loss.

* You notice more hair than usual in the shower drain, on your pillow, or in your hairbrush.

* The skin on your scalp, especially the crown of your head, is more visible.

* You've changed your hairstyle to cover up your hair loss.

What does FDA Approved really mean?

FDA is short for "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration". In order to receive the FDA's stamp of approval a drug must undergo a long and expensive approval process which can last 10 years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The drug process is complicated and involves giving test amounts to animals and human volunteers. Doctors, scientists, statisticians evaluate data that is generated. Many drugs undergo this process that do not receive FDA approval.

Since Rogaine is FDA approved, you can be certain that Rogaine works (at least for many people) and that Rogaine is safe.

Rogaine is avialable as both Foam and liquid. Rogaine is the ONLY FDA approved treatment for hair loss which is avialable as a foam. Many men prefer the foam because it is easier to handle, and less messy and some think that it penetrates the skin better and maybe more effective. If you have had no effect from minoxidil generic, you might want to try the foam.

In consumer use studies Foam was rated significantly higher on several aesthetic attributes compared with the liquid solution, including "ease of application, lack of dripping, quick absorption and drying, and ability to fit easily into a daily routine."

According to Dr. Elise A. Olsen, professor of medicine in the divisions of dermatology and oncology at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina "the foam formulation does not have propylene glycol, an agent that commonly causes irritation and occasionally causes an allergic contact dermatitis,"

TIP!: If you use foam, make your hands cold by running them under cold water and drying before applying. Also, the foam behaves better in cool room temperatures. When warm the foam may melt on contact and behave similarly to the liquid solution.

Yes, there can be side effects, but usually not very severe. Itchy skin is most frequent. But others have noted allergic reactions, acne, lightheadedness, etc. Be sure to read the package to see a list of side effects.

Not at all. Although the areas effected are different in women than in men, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximate one in four american women experience hereditary hair loss.

Rogaine for Men has 5% minoxidil and Rogaine for Women has 2% minoxidil.

Women are advised not to use the 5% solution because it does not work any better in women than the 2% solution and has caused excessive or unusual facial hair growth in females.

Yes it does. Approximately about half of the women who try Rogaine for Women will see hair regrowth. Women's Rogaine is for women who have a general thinning of hair on the top of the scalp

The generic minoxidil and Rogaine do have the same ingredients. So what is the difference?

Rogaine is available in foam and liquid solution. Generic minoxidil is available ONLY in liquid solution. Generic minoxidil will be less expensive. Some say that foam penetrates better and may be more effective.