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
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets

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