Is it safe to use rogaine for my hair?

Hi Bob, Minoxidil, primarily marketed as Rogaine is one of the most effective medications designed to slow the balding process and encourage hair growth, however some individuals may find that it does not work or that the side effects, it may cause, prevent use. Rogain users could suffer from decreasing blood pressure, scalp irritation, eye irritation, light-headedness excessive weight gain and hair loss. Finasteride, most commonly marketed as Propecia is another well known hair-loss prevention drug and is an alternative to Rogaine. However Finasteride can cause an abundance of side effects such as erectile dysfunction, impotence, testicular-pain, complete loss of sexual appetite, clinical depression, prostate cancer, breast cancer and even hair loss. Surgery is another possible alternative to Rogaine. Hair transplantation or restoration surgery usually involves taking hair follicles that are genetically predisposed not to diminish, such as from the back of the head and moving them to the areas of the head where balding is occurring. The majority of hair transplants are a permanent solution to balding; although they will decrease overall hair density. Also in some cases, such as when balding occurs outside of the transplant zone, further surgeries may be needed to replace these new balding areas with growing hair. A hairpiece, wig or toupee is another alternative to using Rogaine. Realistic looking wigs can be very expensive and require a large amount of maintenance, but can be a final solution for people with aggressive hair loss. The best alternative to Rogaine is a healthy and relaxed lifestyle. Even if genetically predisposed to balding, a healthy and stress-free individual will suffer much less hair loss than if they are regularly stressed with a poor diet and lack of exercise. Vitamins B, C and E are essential in promoting healthy hair growth and strength. Vitamin B helps strengthen hair follicles, Vitamin C encourages tissue building and Vitamin E promotes blood circulation, bringing oxygen to the hair and scalp. The best way to ensure you have the correct vitamins in your system is to adhere to a healthy diet.

Side Effects of Rogaine - for the Consumer Rogaine Foam (For Men) All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rogaine Foam (For Men): Changes in hair color or texture. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Rogaine Foam (For Men): Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; redness or irritation of the scalp; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands or feet; unwanted facial hair growth. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA. Rogaine Solution All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Rogaine Solution: Burning or irritation of the eye; itching; redness or irritation at the treated area; unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Rogaine Solution: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.