Rogaine is a hair loss treatment approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for both men and women. From its auspicious and curious beginnings as an oral drug (minoxidil) used to treat an unrelated medical condition, to the widespread popularity it enjoys on the drugstore shelves, Rogaine is one of the few topical treatments with claims backed by clinical studies. It not only prevents thinning hair, but may encourage new hair growth.
Rogaine History
Before Rogaine was approved by the FDA as a hair loss treatment, its oral form, minoxidil, was used to treat high blood pressure. The American Hair Loss Association notes that during clinical studies conducted on oral minoxidil, one of the surprising side-effects noted was hair growth. Unfortunately, errant follicles cropped up on undesirable body parts, such as the forehead, cheeks and backs of the hands. Researchers drew the conclusion that when applied to the head in topical form, minoxidil might inhibit hair loss and cause new hair to grow. Mayo Clinic experts indicate that it's unclear just how minoxidil exerts its effects, only to say that it is beneficial for some people who use it.
FDA Approval
Rogaine--the trade name for topical minoxidil--was first approved by the FDA in 1988 to treat hereditary male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and was approved for use in females with androgenetic alopecia in 1991. Originally, Rogaine was available only with a doctor's prescription. In 1995, the FDA cleared Rogaine for over-the-counter purchase. Currently, Rogaine is sold in the U.S. under the product names Men's Rogaine and Women's Rogaine, which include 2 percent minoxidil, as well as Rogaine Extra Strength for men, which includes a 5 percent concentration of minoxidil. According to Drugs.com, in March 2010, a one-month supply of Rogaine costs around $30.
Rogaine Use
Rogaine, which is available in liquid and foam preparations, is applied to a dry scalp and hair twice a day. The hair shouldn't be shampooed for at least four hours after Rogaine is applied, and you shouldn't use a blow dryer on your hair immediately after application, as this may reduce the medication's effectiveness. Topical minoxidil takes between two and four hours to dry completely, so make sure to apply it well before bedtime. Rogaine may stain hats, clothes and linens if applied to a damp scalp or hair, cautions the Mayo Clinic. You may continue to dye, perm and relax your hair, as long as Rogaine is applied to a clean, dry scalp. Do not use Rogaine 24 hours before or after any type of chemical processing.
Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic states that any topical medication can cause unwanted side-effects, including an allergic response. Less common side effects associated with Rogaine use include itching or rash; rare side-effects include acne on the scalp, burning, inflammation of the hair root, facial hair growth, increased hair loss and red, inflamed skin. Although a rare occurrence, Rogaine can be absorbed into the body when too much of it is applied. You may note blurred vision, dizziness/fainting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, headache, numbness or swelling in the extremities and face. Call you doctor as soon as you can if you experience any of the above, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Results
It takes a while for Rogaine to work--generally around four months. The AHLA doesn't recommend Rogaine as the best hair loss treatment for men, but rather an oral medication called finasteride--sold under the brand name Proprecia. Rogaine for men, says the AHLA, gives results that are temporary, often negligible and ultimately disappointing. Women suffering from diffuse pattern baldness have better luck using Rogaine, says the AHLA. Clinical studies of women aged 18 to 45 with hair loss revealed that 19 percent noted moderate hair regrowth and 40 noted minimal hair regrowth after eight months of Rogaine use. Although the manufacturer of Rogaine recommends that women only use a 2 percent concentration of minoxidil, some dermatologists may prescribe a 5 percent concentration for female patients.
Cautions
If your hair suddenly starts to fall out in large portions or in patchy clumps, this signals the need for a medical consultation to determine the underlying cause, says the Mayo Clinic. The FDA also cautions that Rogaine isn't appropriate for those who don't know what's causing their thinning follicles or who don't have a family history of hair loss. Certain medical conditions, such as lupus, diabetes and thyroid disease, can cause hair loss, points out the Mayo Clinic. Even physical and emotional stressors can trigger hair loss, as well as scalp infections, such as ringworm, a hormonal imbalance and use of certain medications.
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