Medication

Propecia

Propecia ® is an FDA-approved prescription medication that men can take to effectively treat genetic hair loss. The active agent in Propecia is a drug called Finasteride. Finasteride works by blocking the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. This lowers the DHT level and thus decreases its effect on susceptible follicles receptors. Finasteride had been in use for prostate enlargement since 1984 at a 5 mg dose. The dosage for hair loss is at 1 mg and this has been approved since 1997.  The benefit of using this medication will only last as long as it is being taken.

Clinical studies on Finasteride has shown a benefit of reducing hair loss in over 90% of patients to a certain degree. It is a perfect complimentary treatment to those patients undergoing hair transplantation, especially the younger patients.

Rogaine

Rogaine® was the first FDA-approved hair loss treatment for both men and women. The active agent in Rogaine® is a drug called Minoxidil. Minoxidil (2% and 5%) is a solution/foam that is applied topically to the scalp twice a day. Although the exact mechanism of its effect is not fully understood, it has shown to be clinically effective to combat hair loss. Again it is only effective as long as it is being used. Due to their different mechanisms of action, both Minoxidil and Finasteride
can be used together.