Rogaine Side Effects

January 14, 2010 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

There may be some side effects with Rogaine. Some users do experience certain problems such as scalp irritation, itching, and dandruff. However, this can be treated with a good shampoo. Some user reported an increase in hair shedding at the start of the treatment. It is just temporary, and treatment should not be stopped. Indeed, this may actually be a signal that the treatment is working.

Due to the medication’s alcohol content, some users may develop a contact rash or irritated skin. In addition, with excessive doses, some users may experience dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. However, with normal use these effects are uncommon. A minority of Rogaine users experience “hypertrichosis” problem. This is hair growth on the face or other bodily areas. This side effect appears in about 3-5 % of women who use the 2% solution, and higher among women using the 5% solution. In this case, the treatment should be stopped.

Rogaine should not be used if a person has any of these systemic effects:

  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden unexplained weight gain
  • swelling of the extremities

Tell your doctor quickly if you get any of these (less common) Rogaine side effects:

  • Increased hair loss
  • Dizziness
  • Burning of scalp
  • Inflammation at root of hair
  • Rash/reddened skin
  • Upset stomach/vomiting
  • Acne on scalp
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Increased growth/darker pigmentation of fine (vellus) body hair

If too much of this drug is absorbed by your body, you need to tell your doctor quickly. These are the symptoms:

  • Racing/irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Numb/tingling hands, feet, or face
  • Blurred vision
  • Fainting
  • Decrease in libido
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Swelling of face, hands, feet and/or lower legs

You should also tell your doctor if any of the following applies to you:

  • If you have any allergy (especially to minoxidil or propylene glycol).
  • If you’re pregnant, or plan to become so during your treatment – minoxidil in oral form will pass into breast milk and is not recommended during breast-feeding. (Topically applied minoxidil hasn’t been studied in pregnant women).
  • If you are taking any medicine (prescription or non-prescription) especially anti-hypertensive drugs, diuretics, or vitamins.
  • If you’re using Vaseline, Corticosteroids or Tretinoin (Retin-A) on your scalp. These things can cause too much minoxidil to be absorbed and so increase your chances of side effects.
  • Alcohol can make the side effects of Rogaine/minoxidil worse.
  • Generic Rogaine contains 80% alcohol and is flammable – keep it away from fire as well as eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • There are other concerns with this drug – make sure you read the label carefully before you start using it.

You can find more information about Rogaine side effects by clicking http://www.rogainehair.com/rogaine_review.htm.

Author: Edgar Gilbertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Rogaine Side Effects – A Comprehensive Checklist

December 6, 2009 · Posted in baldness · Comment 

For potential users of Rogaine, side effects may not seem that serious. This is supported by the fact that Rogaine started out as a prescription only medication but since 1996 when the license came up for renewal, the FDA accepted the recommendation of an advisory committee that Rogaine be made available over the counter.

For the majority of users Rogaine side effects may be limited to an itchy scalp and skin irritation. However, if an individual is already receiving medication or has other medical conditions a closer look is advised to make sure Rogaine side effects do not create more serious health problems.

Here is a list of possible Rogaine side effects:

Adverse scalp conditions:

  • irritation
  • redness
  • dryness
  • flaking

Some users find a good anti-dandruff shampoo alleviates the problem. Users of Rogaine Extra Strength (5%) may wish to have a supply of the standard Rogaine (2%) and alternate them during the daily application. For example, the 2% could be used in the morning and the 5% at night.

Changes in blood pressure resulting in:

  • increased heartbeat
  • chest pains
  • headaches
  • fainting
  • breathing difficulties

Rogaine contains the drug Minoxidil which was originally prescribed to lower blood pressure in patients suffering with high blood pressure. As Minoxidil relaxes blood vessels to make blood circulation easier a small number of users may find it affects them in the ways described above.

In such cases it is advisable to stop using the medication and consult with your medical practitioner.

Increased hair loss

It may seem strange that one of the Rogaine side effects is hair loss seeing the medication is intended to halt hair loss and promote new growth.

It is understandable however when you realize that Rogaine causes changes in the hair follicle so that weaker hairs are discarded before making way for new hairs to grow.

This hair shedding process should not last long. If it goes beyond a month seek medical advice from your doctor.

Greasy hair

Propylene Glycol was used in the original formulation which made hair greasy and sticky and difficult to manage. As the hair may already have been thin, making it heavy with Rogaine made it appear even thinner!

However, Rogaine Foam recently came on the market and this seems to address the problem. Rogaine Foam is only for men so women have to persevere with the 2% version, although this doesn’t cause the hair to be as greasy as the extra strength 5% version.

It is important for potential users to realize when evaluating Rogaine side effects that a long term commitment is needed when using this medication. Perseverance is needed and some recommend using it for six months or so before coming to a conclusion on whether it is working for you or not. A twice daily application is very important.

So Rogaine side effects may only result in some scalp irritation for a majority of users. In other cases, effects on blood circulation may make it advisable not to try this hair loss treatment option. If in doubt, discuss the Rogaine side effects which concern you with your medical practitioner.

Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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