Hair Growth Drugs; We would like to suggest a natural, therapeutic approach.

Hair Growth Drugs

Have you considered using chemicals and/or drugs to combat your hair loss? We've put together a list of medicinal drugs that are currently being used to stop hair loss and regrow new hair. Please read through this material carefully and then decide for yourself if drugs are the approach you really want to take.

It is our desire to show you a better way. We believe that a large portion of hair loss in individuals is exacerbated by an unhealthy condition of the scalp. Before resorting to scary chemicals, we would like to suggest a natural, therapeutic approach.

Hair Growth Solutions offers a natural, alternative solution rather than resorting to drugs. Our products are both extremely effective and inexpensive to use. Find out why 10's of thousands of people use Ferm-T products every day. We believe so strongly in our products that we guarantee your satisfaction or your money back. Get your scalp back into shape the NATURAL way. Your new, healthy hair will love you for it!

Medicinal Drugs Currently Being Used For Hair Loss:

Aldactone / Spironolactone
Androcur / Cyproterone Acetate (CPA)
Azelex (Skinoren) / Azeleic Acid
Buserelin/HOE 766
Casodex / Bicalutamide (ICI 176,334)
Cromakalim / BRL 34915
Cyclosporin
Cytadren / Aminoglutethimide
Diane-35 / Cyproterone Acetate + Estradiol
Diazoxide
Dilantin / Phenytoin
Estradiols / Estrogens
Euflex, Eulexin / Flutamide
GraftCyte
Iamin Gel (Prezatide Copper)
Inocoterone
Lupron / Leuprolide Acetate
Nizoral (ABBA) / Ketoconazole
Pinacidil
Progesterone
Propecia
Proscar / Finasteride 5mg for Hair Loss
Retin-A
Rogaine Extra Strength
Rogaine (Regaine, Loniten) / Minoxidil
Tacrolimus (Fujimycin) / FK506
Turosteride

Aldactone/Spironolactone
Drug Type: Antiandrogen
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Spironolactone is one of the most powerful antiandrogens available. It is also absorbed locally when applied topically, so it is good for hair loss treatment since it is not absorbed throughout your body. Since it is so powerful, it is not used orally due to side effects (except in women). It is not widely used since it is available only by prescription.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Halting of hair loss and some regrowth.
Clinical Results: Potent antiandrogen.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Side effects in men when used orally. Well tolerated topically or orally in women.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: $10-20 depending on strength, as low as $5-10/month.

Androcur/Cyproterone Acetate (CPA)
Drug Type: Antiandrogen / Contraceptive
Availability: Prescription
Notes: One of the first antiandrogens used for hair loss treatment. Unfortunately, it has several side effects, especially in men, but it is still used in women, especially in the UK.
Claimed Results: Minimal to moderate hair growth.
Observed Results: Minimal to moderate hair growth.
Clinical Results: Minimal to moderate hair growth.
Testing: Widely tested
Safety/Side Effects: Safe, but with many antiandrogenic side effects.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Azelex (Skinoren)/Azeleic Acid
Drug Type: Antiandrogen / Skin Treatment
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This is a relatively new cream available for skin care by prescription. The following study indicates it may be useful as a topical antiandrogen.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Some clinical tests for antiandrogen properties.
Testing: Some (FDA Approved)
Safety/Side Effects: Safe, no known side effects.
Gender: Either.
Typical Cost: $20-30 per tube.

Buserelin/HOE 766
Drug Type: Gonadatropin Releasing Hormone (GNrH) Agonist
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This treatment has been tested and shown to be effective for hirsutism in women (generally what works for hirsutism will work for hair loss). Unable to find any studies of effects on men.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Improvement on hirsutism in women.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Reduction of testosterone in men and progesterone in women.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Casodex/Bicalutamide (ICI 176,334)
Drug Type: Antiandrogen
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Casodex is a new derivitive of Flutamide, one of the most powerful pure antiandrogens that blocks the androgen receptor so that androgens will have no effect on the body. Unlike Flutamide, which has several side-effects and semi-toxic effects, Casodex is much more side effect free.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: None
Clinical Results: None other than it is a more potent antiandrogen than Flutamide with fewer side effects.
Testing: Well tested (in FDA trials)
Safety/Side Effects: Adverse side effects in men, minor side effects in women.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Cromakalim/BRL 34915
Drug Type: Potassium (K+) channel opener
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This is a potassium channel opener used in the treatment of heart conditions primarily. Tests show that it works for hair growth in the same way as Minoxidil.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Studies show Cromakalim works similarly to Minoxidil. Larger studies have not been done as far as the effectiveness, but the drug is included in an Upjohn patent of potassium channel openers in the treatment of hair loss.
Testing: Thoroughly tested by the FDA.
Safety/Side Effects: Unknown
Gender: Both.
Typical Cost: Unknown

Cyclosporin
Drug Type: Immunosuppressive
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Cyclosporin is a drug typically used in organ transplants to prevent the body rejecting the organ by suppressing the immune system. It is also used topically in the treatment of some severe skin conditions. Cyclosporin has been shown to be very effective orally and only minimally effective topically in growing hair. Unfortunately, it has toxic side effects when used long term that make it a poor choice for use in hair loss. Cyclosporin is not toxic topically but it is not very effective for hair loss topically either.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Up to an 80% response orally, 20% response topically.
Testing: Very well tested.
Safety/Side Effects: Renal toxicity (this is very bad).
Gender: Either.
Typical Cost: Unknown

Cytadren/Aminoglutethimide
Drug Type: Adrenal Cortex Hormone Suppressant / Antiestrogen / Aromatase inhibitor / Anticortisol
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Cytadren is a drug used to treat overactive adrenal cortexes. The adrenals produce female estrogens / estradiols and cortisol (used in your body's reaction to stress) and some precursor hormones (DHEA). It is often used by weight lifters to suppress female hormones, increase male hormones, and help build muscle. One person has emailed me saying he, his doctor, and another male friend had moderate to dense regrowth using this drug. He was using Proscar concurrently. Since this drug raises free testosterone levels, you would probably need to use this in conjunction with Proscar to prevent raised DHT levels. Since Cytadren can suppress DHEA levels, which appear to play a major role in female loss, this may be why it works in women. This drug MUST be used under the supervision of a doctor since it lowers Cortisol. Cortisol is used under your body in stressful conditions and without it your body can have very severe bad reactions. Your doctor will need to monitor your cortisol and hormone levels while taking this. Also, do NOT take this drug in a higher dose than recommended (250 mg morning and evening).
Claimed Results: Hair regrowth in females (side effect).
Observed Results: Hair growth in some men.
Clinical Results: None specifically for pattern loss.
Testing: Well tested (FDA approved for non hair loss uses)
Safety/Side Effects: Do not take during pregnancy. Do not take with Dexamethasone (Decadron)
Don't take if you have chicken pox, shingles, kidney disease, liver disease, or under active thyroid.
Possible side effects include: Depression, dark skin, neck tenderness, drowsiness, lack of energy, dizziness, headache, deepening of voice in females, muscle pain, vomiting, irregular menstruation. The most common side effect I've heard of is lack of energy. Vomiting is a semi-common effect in people who have an adverse reaction to the drug. These effects generally disappear after a few weeks of continued use.
Gender: female
Typical Cost: Around $60-80/month at standard dosage.

Diane-35 / Cyproterone Acetate + Estradiol
Drug Type: Antiandrogen / Estrogen
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This is a low dose contraceptive that came out in the late 70s / early 80s as an alternative to normal oral contraceptives. It has been shown to have good effect against hirsutism and even hair loss.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Halting of hair loss to moderate regrowth.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Very safe in women. Antiandrogenic / estrogenic side effects in men.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Diazoxide
Drug Type: Hypertensive / Potassium Channel Opener
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Diazoxide is one of several hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) agents that has a positive effect on hair loss (probably by opening Potassium channels). Unfortunately, it's expensive and difficult to get in topical form. Other treatments are probably more effective as well.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Minimal to moderate hair growth.
Testing: Some testing (FDA Approved).
Safety/Side Effects: Possible lowering of blood pressure.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: Unknown

Dilantin / Phenytoin
Drug Type: Anticonvulsant
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This drug has a known side effect of stimulating hair growth and enhancing wound healing. It is primarily used orally in the treatment of epileptic seizures. It is also one of the 'smart drugs'.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Known side effect of growing hair.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Supposedly safe.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: Unknown

Estradiols / Estrogens
Drug Type: Estrogens
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Estrogens appear to somehow compete with androgens for effect on the body. Raising the ratio of female to male hormones often helps in hair loss. This is one of the most common treatments for female alopecia, but they are not very male friendly due to side effects.
Claimed Results: Halt hair loss to moderate regrowth.
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Halt hair loss to moderate regrowth.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Breast growth, weight gain.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Euflex, Eulexin / Flutamide
Drug Type: Antiandrogen
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Flutamide is one of the most powerful pure antiandrogens that blocks the androgen receptor so that androgens will have no effect on the body. Unfortunately it is systemic so it is not recommended for men. Some doctors use it in very small doses topically in men in combination with minoxidil.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Some hair regrowth, reduction of facial hair in women.
Clinical Results: Some hair regrowth, reduction of facial hair in women.
Testing: Well tested
Safety/Side Effects: Adverse side effects in men, minor side effects in women. Side effects include Diarrhea, impotence, liver problems, and high blood pressure.
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

GraftCyte
Drug Type: Prezatide Copper (copper transport)
Availability: Hydrating mist - Mail Order, Moist Dressings - through a transplant surgeon
Notes: This is the second Prezatide Copper based product, derived from the earlier Iamin. Prezatide Copper is a wound healing gel released by ProCyte. Studies of the active ingredient showed it had very good hair regrowth capabilities. The company is now having a derivitive drug studied for FDA approval called Tricomin. Phase II US results for this drug were just released this April 97. GraftCyte spray contains slightly less Prezatide copper than Iamin, but it contains about 2.5x the amount of liquid by volume, so it actually has more Prezatide Copper than Iamin for around the same price.
Claimed Results: In transplant patients, a reduction of the time until transplanted hairs grow back, prevention of fallout of grafts.
Observed Results: None yet (new product)
Clinical Results: None available
Testing: Not tested for hair loss other than in transplanted hairs.
Safety/Side Effects: Approved as an OTC product by the FDA, should be very safe.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: $20 per 8oz bottle, minimum 3 bottle order ($59.95) from ProCyte.

Iamin Gel (Prezatide Copper)
Drug Type: Prezatide Copper (copper transport)
Availability: Over the counter mail order
Notes: Iamin is a wound healing gel released by ProCyte. Studies of the active ingredient showed it had very good hair regrowth capabilities. The company is now having a derivitive drug studied for FDA approval called Tricomin. Phase II US results for this drug were just released this April 97.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Minimal to Modest regrowth, stronger hair.
Clinical Results: None available
Testing: Not tested for hair loss.
Safety/Side Effects: Approved as an OTC product by the FDA, should be very safe.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: $17.95 for 2-3 month supply

Inocoterone
Drug Type: Antiandrogen
Notes: This is a true antiandrogen that binds to the receptor and prevents hormones from binding. From the study, it seems to have modest effects.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Unknown
Testing: Some testing
Safety/Side Effects: Unknown
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: Unknown

Lupron / Leuprolide Acetate
Drug Type: GNrH Agonist
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Helps with hirsutism.
Testing: Some testing
Safety/Side Effects: Unknown
Gender: Primarily female
Typical Cost: Unknown

Nizoral (ABBA) / Ketoconazole
Drug Type: Antiandrogen, Imidazole Antimycotic Antifungal
Availability: OTC in 1% formula, Prescription 2% formula (OTC in most other countries)
Notes: This is an antifungal shampoo primarily for the treatment of seborrhatic dermatitis. The active ingredient Ketoconazole has some antiandrogenic effects, but it is unknown whether the amount in the shampoo is absorbed. If it helps with hair loss it may work in a way other than as an antiandrogen. It is definitely a good shampoo for making hair look thicker.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Some prevention of loss, possible mild regrowth.
Clinical Results: Similar to topical Minoxidil/Rogaine.
Testing: Well tested (FDA approved).
Safety/Side Effects: Possible mild irritation.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: $12-30

Pinacidil
Drug Type: Hypertensive / Potassium Channel Opener
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Pinacidil (and it's analogue PC-1075) are hypertensives similar to minoxidil in many ways. Pinacidil is a true Potassium (K+) channel opener and shown to grow hair when applied topically.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Moderate hair growth
Testing: Some testing
Safety/Side Effects: Unknown
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: Unknown

Progesterone
Availability: Prescription, OTC Cream
Notes: Progesterones have been used as early as the 70s to help with hair loss in both men and women. Currently some doctors still use it precombined with Minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss.
Claimed Results: None.
Observed Results: Some help with hair loss.
Clinical Results: Halt hair loss to moderate regrowth.
Testing: Well tested.
Safety/Side Effects: Regulation of menstrual cycle, lessening of cramps, lessening of menopausal symptoms, prevention of estrogen side effects.
Gender: Primarily female, topically in males in combination with minoxidil
Typical Cost: $25-30 for progesterone cream (2-3 month supply)

Propecia
Drug Type: 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor
Availability: Prescription for men
Country Approval Approved: United States, New Zealand, UK, Australia, Canada, European Community
Clinical Results: Moderate to dense regrowth in 48% of individuals after one year (compared to 7% placebo) and in 66% of individuals after two years (compared to 7% placebo). Overall hair count increase of 138 hairs per inch after two years compared to placebo.
Observed Results: Seem to match clinical results. May be improved with simultaneous use of Rogaine / Minoxidil 2% or 5%
Safety/Side Effects: In 2% or less of individuals decreased sexual desire, lowered sensitivity, or decreased ejaculate
Typical Cost: $45-58 for a one month supply at pharmacies

Proscar / Finasteride 5mg for Hair Loss
Drug Type: 5-alpha reductase inhibitor
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Proscar, a.k.a. Finasteride, is one of many antiandrogens. Proscar is mainly prescribed for treatment of enlarged prostates in men. Proscar functions by preventing testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormone related to male pattern hair loss. A 1mg form of Proscar, Propecia, is under review by the FDA for approval in hair loss and may be available at the end of this year or the beginning of next.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Halting of hair loss to dense regrowth.
Clinical Results: Inhibits DHT production by 55-70%.
Testing: Extensive
Safety/Side Effects: In 2-5% of patients using the full dosage, some loss of sex drive, loss of sexual sensitivity, and lower amount of ejaculate (doesn't affect sperm count).
Gender: Primarily male
Typical Cost: $45-75 for 30 5mg pills ($55-60 average)

Retin-A
Drug Type: Endocrine and metabolic treatment (Proper cell function and growth)
Availability: Prescription
Notes: Retin-A is a prescription drug used for the treatment of several skin conditions. It is one of the most effective drugs in the treatment of acne. Clinical trials showed a side effect of some hair regrowth. Many doctors claim that when used in conjunction with Rogaine / Minoxidil, it increases the effectiveness over minodil alone 10% or more. One of the ways Retin-A works is by ensuring proper functioning of the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands produce sebum on the scalp. Sebum contains DHT which is then reabsorbed into the hair follicles to do further damage. Proper moderation of the sebaceous glands and their production of sebum can help control skin scalp DHT levels, preventing androgen related hair loss. Retin-A also functions to promote cell growth and ensure the proper functioning of other parts of skin cells.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Usually increases the effectiveness of minoxidil. One doctor has compared 2% minoxidil combined with Retin-A to 5% minoxidil.
Clinical Results: Several clinical trials have verified Retin-A works for hair loss, especially combined with Minoxidil.
Testing: Well tested.
Safety/Side Effects: Primary side effect is scalp irritation, which generally goes away with time. If irritation persists, you probably need to go to a lower strength of Retin-A. 0.025% is the typical strength for hair loss. Strengths above 0.05% are not recommended.
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: $20-30 for a typical tube. Can be bought precombined with minoxidil with a prescription.

Rogaine Extra Strength
Treatment Type: Hair Growth Stimulator (Potassium K+ Channel Opener)
Availability: Over the Counter
Country Approval Approved: United States, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines
Pending: Canada, European Community
Clinical Results: 45% more hair grown than the regular strength 2% formula. Hair grows as soon as 2 months.
Observed Results: Seem to match clinical results. May be improved with simultaneous use of Propecia / Proscar or when premixed by a pharmacist with .025% Retin-A / Tretinoin.
Side Effects: Side effects are rare. Most common is scalp irritation / itching.
Typical Cost: $28.95 retail for a one month supply at most stores. $24-30 depending on store location

Rogaine (Regaine, Loniten) / Minoxidil
Drug Type: Vasodilator, Potassium (K+) channel opener
Availability: 2% Over the counter, 5% prescription
Notes: This is the only FDA approved drug for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. It is not the only drug proven to work, only the only drug approved by the FDA.
Claimed Results: Modest regrowth for most men for 2%, better for 5%
Observed Results: Many do well on 2%, some do not. 5% has a much higher effectiveness.
Clinical Results: Many clinical trials verify that Minoxidil grows hair for most men.
Testing: Minoxidil is thoroughly tested.
Safety/Side Effects: Minoxidil has been shown to be mostly side effect free. The most common side effects are simple contact dermatitis, or in some cases dry mouth. More serious side effects include lowered blood pressure and dizziness.
Gender: Both
Typical Cost: $8 -18 generic, $25-30 brand name, $35-45 for 5% prescription, lower prices in quantity.

Tacrolimus (Fujimycin) / FK506
Drug Type: Immunosuppressive
Availability: Prescription
Notes: FK506 is an immuno suppressant, like cyclosporin, primarily used to prevent organ rejection. Like Cyclosporin, it also has hair growth effects, although unlike cyclosporin, it is more effective topically for hair growth than orally, making it a better choice than cyclosporin. Unfortunately, like cyclosporin it also has some bad side effects and is not to be used lightly.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Some clinical studies showing it works for hair growth.
Testing: Some (FDA Approved).
Safety/Side Effects: Toxicity and possible neural damage when taken orally. Unknown topical effects.
Gender: Either.
Typical Cost: Unknown.

Turosteride
Drug Type: Antiandrogen
Availability: Prescription
Notes: This seems to be a promising new antiandrogen.
Claimed Results: None
Observed Results: Unknown
Clinical Results: Antiandrogenic effects
Testing: Some
Safety/Side Effects: Unknown
Gender: Either
Typical Cost: Unknown