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 There is a bewildering number of medical options for the individual with hair loss. Unfortunately, many of the herbal and vitamin therapies lack substantiated evidence of benefit. With the advent of the Internet, numerous sites have cropped up hawking all sorts of therapies that claim an instant and enduring fix for baldness. Dr. Lam’s textbook reviews many of these purported therapies and cautiously advises prospective patients about pursuing these avenues.
Nevertheless, the Food & Drug Administration has approved only two medical therapies that have proven benefit in select patients: minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Although these options may not be suitable for every person, they do provide a method to reduce or delay further hair loss and in some persons restore some hair fullness. In addition, these medications can also help to optimize the results of surgical hair restoration. Dr. Lam encourages patients to begin one or both therapies after proper consultation if an individual is concerned about hair loss or contemplating hair restoration in the immediate or even remote future.
For more information on how minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia) can be used to combat hair loss whether you are considering surgical hair restoration or not, please view our indepth video consultation on medical solutions for hair loss: (Quicktime | Windows Media). Also, a detailed report for each medication comprising basic science, clinical trials, dosage, and side effects has been structured as a white paper for your benefit:
For even more extensive information about these medications, please visit the manufacturer's respective websites: www.rogaine.com and www.propecia.com.
Dutasteride (Avodart) for the treatment of male pattern baldness has not been clinically established through Phase III Trials. Finasteride in women is off label for post-menopausal women only, as it can cause birth defects in the male fetus in women of reproductive age. For more information on dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern baldness, and finasteride for women and the position statement of the Lam Institute of Hair Restoration on uses of these medications in those prescribed fashions, click the appropriate box below:
The following photographs are taken of Dr. Lam’s patients who have only been on medical management: finasteride, minoxidil, or both.
Finasteride (Propecia) Photographs
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Minoxidil (Rogaine) Photographs
Patient 1
 
 
 
Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) Photographs
Patient 1
 
Patient 2
 
 
 
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Patient 4 (Disclaimer: This female patient who is post-menopausal was prescribed Propecia and Rogaine and is shown 6 months after initiating therapy with excellent results so far. She understands that finasteride [Propecia] is considered an off-label use in women and dangerous in a pre-menopausal woman [she is post-menopausal] due to the risk of birth defects in male fetuses. Early studies showed no improvement in post-menopausal women on finasteride. However, more recent studies [albeit not rigorously controlled] have suggested benefits in post-menopausal women. To emphasize, finasteride is not approved for use in women but is being prescribed as an off-label treatment.)
 
 
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