I got a friend at work debating over which route to go between Propecia and Rogaine. Anyone has any idea on how effective they are and pros/cons?

Have him consult a doctor for all the pros and cons for his needs. Is the active ingredient the same?

Eric

I know this really strange person where i work that tried propecia. He said after taking it.. it felt like he was constantly being kicked in the crotch. I guess its a known side effect.. but all that pain down there seemes a little unneccessary for some hair. He said it was working tho. :confused:

Rogaine aka minoxidil = a commonly used antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication that was noticed to cause side effects of hair growth (not just the top of the head but it weird locations too) and so it got remarketed as a hair growth formula (results far from guaranteed and must not take if your blood pressure is on the low side)

Propecia aka finesteride = basically is a 'demasculinizing' medication that blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that decreases production of testosteron hormones, thought to lead to and speed up the process of male pattern baldness. Bascially it doesn't grow hair, it just keeps your from losing it faster.

Ed

I guess combination of these two will work out better than one?

Don't take propecia, its nasty isht, and growing back hair was discovered only as a side effect of this drug originally sold as a prostate medication.

It can cause impotence, so its not worth it. Trust me, my brother tried it, and he didn't grow any hair, and it took him months for the severe pain to cease.

In general, if you have a healthy prostate, don't do anything to it like take drugs that affect it. It might cause problems sooner rather than later.

Rogaine was rumored to make a person feel agitated and moody. I don't know anyone that ever took it.

I tried a natural product called NIOXIN, but it didn't work for me, and irritated my scalp.

There is another natural product called AVACOR out there, but I never tried it.

I just shaved my head when I decided I was through with slowly going bald at age 24.

Rogaine (http://www.ahealthyme.com/viewmonograph?selectedDrugId=441706&selectedDrugDescription=Rogaine+Topical+Solution+5 +%25)
affects blood pressure

Propecia (http://www.ahealthyme.com/viewmonograph?selectedDrugId=150496&selectedDrugDescription=Propecia+Oral+Tablet+1+mg) - Impotence :eek:

Has anyone else tried Propecia? why is it a prescription medicine whereas Rogaine off the shelf medicine?

Anyone Propecia users want to comment ?

Propecia causes Impotence to everyone? is that mean you cannot have sex??? :(

I would stay away from that crap if I was your friend... although I may be biased the other way since I shave my head completely because I like it that way!

Jess

Propecia doesn't give all guys impotence (trust me ;) ) Nor does it cause back hair to grow uncontrollably. None to my knowledge. In majority of cases it is suppossed to stop hair loss and in some it does grow some back. Also propecia doesn't effect the widows peak but is effective in the patch on the back of the head.

Should I ever start balding, I will just shave my head and get a tan.

Originally posted by Scoobie Newbie
Propecia doesn't give all guys impotence (trust me ;) ) Nor does it cause back hair to grow uncontrollably. None to my knowledge. In majority of cases it is suppossed to stop hair loss and in some it does grow some back. Also propecia doesn't effect the widows peak but is effective in the patch on the back of the head.

Don't be throwing advice like that around, just cause your part of the 5-15% or whatever that are unaffected by it...

Do your research on finesteride...in larger doses than in propecia its labelled as a different drug for treatment of prostate issues...I'd rather go bald than mess with that...inform yourself...

Buddy asked for pros and cons and effectiveness. I listed my personal results and did my research by following the Propecia website and associated links.

I'm using propecia so from experience:

Downsides:
costs $60/month ($2/pill), not covered by healthcare
smaller prostate = less ejaculate, but not less sperm count
lowered libido

Upsides:
Last hair fell out 'bout a two months after I started taking it.
1 pill a day

Bottom line with Propecia is that it is a prostate treatment drug, used to reduce swelling and complications from prostate cancer. It actually is supposed to result in fewer or less severe prostate issues than those not taking it. After it kicked in I have never seen a hair go down the drain in a shower since. It is an insurance policy that the hair/look that you have today will last the rest of your life, and it definitely seems to be doing that.

The rogaine method is not a 100% guarantee. It works for a lareg number of men ~80%. It is very time consuming and a hassle to use (apply 2-3 times a day). Rogaine is not supposed to eliminate hair lose, but reduce it and allow for the re-growth of hair (which is almost always thinner that the original).

I worked in a medical office. The reps GAVE away the stuff like candy. I can only tell you what I observed over the years. No, I never took either one. Both work and grow fuzz.in the areas they are meant to....Propecia on the crown and Rogaine on top (I believe). Once the patient stopped using them, the hair fell out...no more growth. In addition, some people get LDS(limp Dic* syndrome) from Propecia. So why take the chance to feel better and more confident but have the possibility of pulling out a softy.

I say, let DHT (hormone responsible for thinning and balding) do its thing. Chrome the dome. And I swear, chicks dig rubbing on it (phallic in nature).

That is scary! less ejaculate :( $2/ pill? that's crazy.


Originally posted by Subayai WRX
I'm using propecia so from experience:

Downsides:
costs $60/month ($2/pill), not covered by healthcare
smaller prostate = less ejaculate, but not less sperm count
lowered libido

Upsides:
Last hair fell out 'bout a two months after I started taking it.
1 pill a day

Bottom line with Propecia is that it is a prostate treatment drug, used to reduce swelling and complications from prostate cancer. It actually is supposed to result in fewer or less severe prostate issues than those not taking it. After it kicked in I have never seen a hair go down the drain in a shower since. It is an insurance policy that the hair/look that you have today will last the rest of your life, and it definitely seems to be doing that.

The rogaine method is not a 100% guarantee. It works for a lareg number of men ~80%. It is very time consuming and a hassle to use (apply 2-3 times a day). Rogaine is not supposed to eliminate hair lose, but reduce it and allow for the re-growth of hair (which is almost always thinner that the original).