Oral medication is the basis of any treatment. From a PRP to a hair transplant requires the action of a hair pharmacological treatment such as Finasteride, Dutasteride and Minoxidil, as it helps to stop androgenetic alopecia. It's true that the grafted hair won't fall out in the future, but alopecia will continue to progress, affecting the unimplanted areas or those implants from unsafe donor sites.
These three drugs belong to two different groups, Finasteride and Dutasteride are nonsteroidal antihormonal agents whose function is to block 5-alpha reductase. That is, they prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), one of the causes of alopecia. For its part, the Minoxidil is a peripheral vasodilator that ensures better blood flow and promotes follicle growth.
Both act as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, although it is true that Dutasteride is more effective. The inhibition power of Finasteride reaches 70% while Dutasteride reaches 90%.
The studies that support this drug speak volumes, describing it as having an excellent safety profile. This only supports its use in patients who need to treat alopecia.
Under what conditions is it prescribed?
It must be prescribed by a hair medicine specialist. This medication will assist the patient's hair treatment and will serve as a complement, according to the doctor's diagnosis, to the hair transplant or diagnosed medical treatment.
How do you take it?
It is usually presented in the form of capsules that must be taken orally. They are usually taken once a day or every other day in the case of dutasteride or daily in the case of finasteride and should be taken at approximately the same time.
Should I take precautions with finasteride or dutasteride?
Before you start taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to this medicine or to similar medicines such as Finasteride, dutasteride, or any of the ingredients. It is important for your doctor to know if you have or have ever had liver disease or prostate cancer.
Dutasteride should be discontinued if paternity is actively sought, which is controversial in the case of Finasteride. These medications can decrease semen quality. It could affect the pregnancy in such a way. The fetus could suffer malformations or cause abortions during the same.
Women should stay away from these medications, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as it can harm the fetus. You also will not be able to donate blood while taking them or for six months after stopping them.
Due to these precautions, Dutasteride or Finasteride should only be taken under medical prescription and medical supervision.
Are there any side effects?
Dutasteride and Finasteride may cause side effects, although they are not common (less than 3% for Dutasteride and less than 1% for Finasteride), such as inability to get or maintain an erection, decreased sexual desire, or problems with ejaculation. Other side effects may also occur, such as breast changes (enlargement, lumpiness, nipple pain or discharge), swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or peeling of the skin.
When we talk about Minoxidil, we are talking about a long-lasting medication. It has been used since the 1980s as a treatment for high blood pressure, as it is an arteriolar vasodilator drug. The doses used for this purpose ranged from 10 to 40 mg per day. It was early on that a side effect of the drug was observed: thickening of the patient's hair (hypertrichosis) occurred.
In addition, it was discovered that there was an increase in prostaglandins, a substance that stimulates hair growth. It also lengthens the growth phase of hair and shortens the shedding phase (anagen and telogen) and, as it is a vasodilator, as it was intended to treat hypertension, it improved blood flow to the hair follicles.
Under what conditions is Minoxidil prescribed?
Minoxidil must be prescribed by a hair medicine specialist. This medication will assist the patient's hair treatment and will serve as a complement, according to the doctor's diagnosis, to the hair transplant or diagnosed medical treatment.
How is Minoxidil applied?
Minoxidil was initially marketed as a lotion, and after its positive results, it began to be supplied in capsules. It should be used in the dose recommended by the doctor and in the time frame indicated by the doctor. Overdosing will not increase hair growth or make it work faster. However, it may increase side effects.
Should I take precautions with Minoxidil?
As with all medications, you should tell your doctor if you are allergic to Minoxidil or if you experience allergic symptoms after using it. Additionally, you should inform your doctor if you are taking medication for high blood pressure or have had any conditions affecting your heart, kidneys, liver, or scalp. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you have a baby you are breastfeeding. Finally, it is advisable to avoid prolonged and unnecessary exposure to the sun, wear clothing that covers the skin, and use sunscreen.
Does Minoxidil have side effects?
Side effects are not common with Minoxidil. However, you should inform your doctor if you experience any abnormalities in your scalp, such as itching, dryness, flaking, irritation, etc. You should also call immediately if you notice weight gain, swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or abdomen, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, chest pain, or dizziness.
It may happen, on rare occasions, that the patient experiences a mild headache at the beginning of treatment. Symptoms that will disappear after 4 or 5 days.
Is there anything else I should know about Minoxidil?
Yes, you should know that taking Minoxidil will cause increased hair loss during the first 3 or 4 months of treatment. This is normal and is known as sheeding. Follicles that are in the telogen phase will fall out to enter the anagen phase. However, there's nothing to worry about, as it won't be noticeable to family and friends, as it won't lead to decreased hair density.
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