Archive for December, 2007

A Review of Minoxidil

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

With 50% of men plagued with the discomfort of hair loss, there are many products available that treat a receding hairline and thinning hair.  Although there are literally hundreds of options available, few work.  However, the ones that do produce results work effectively in not only stopping, but sometimes reversing the process of hair loss. 

Minoxidil is a topical treatment that is used to treat hair loss. This hair loss treatment is a liquid that is usually found in a pre-mixed solution.  Rogaine is the perfect example of an effective pre-mixed solution that currently uses Minoxidil.  

The Food and Drug Administration has approved consumers to obtain a 2% and 5% prescription of Minoxidil through a propriety company. Both men and women can use this hair loss treatment. Women are more likely to use the higher percentage of Minoxidil solution. Usually, the two percent solution is ineffective in women.

The main ingredient in Minoxidil acts as a stimulant, promoting growth in hair follicles. The 5% topical solution of Minoxidil is the strongest version that has been approved by the FDA, and it can be purchased over-the-counter. If you are just starting to experience hair loss, you may want to try the 2% solution first.

What is In Minoxidil?

Both Rogaine, for men and women, contain Minoxidil as one of the main active ingredients. The solution may also contain 80% alcohol, water, and Propylene Glycol. There are generic and custom solutions that contain different quantities of these main ingredients.

Minoxidil is used to primarily stimulate the regrowth of hair. This treatment does not act as a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia.  Minoxidil only is responsible for overriding the cause of hair loss, instead of stopping the root cause of hair loss. This is one of the reasons why Minoxidil has not been proven as effective as Propecia. To stop hair loss, one must go to the root of the problem.

What Are The Side Effects of Minoxidil? 

The negative side effects of Minoxidil can be reduced by only applying the product two times a day. People have reported that while using Minoxidil, they have experienced inflammation, redness and itching at the application site. These side effects can be counter-acted with a skin smoothing agent, such as Folligen Lotion, Emu Oil, Tricomin and Aloe Vera.

People who have experienced over-absorption of Minoxidil have complained of chest pain, vision changes, and an irregular or fast heartbeat. Also, women who used the 5% version experienced the growth of unwanted facial hair. If you experiencing any of these more severe side effects, it is important to tell your healthcare provider.

Minoxidil is available without a prescription. It can be applied topically and used simultaneously with other hair loss treatments. Before you apply Minoxidil, it is important that your scalp is dry. After you have applied Minoxidil, you cannot shampoo or shower for four hours. It is also not recommended to use a hair dryer while using Minoxidil.

40% of men who used Minoxidil in clinical trials reported the appearance of hair regrowth. Before you start a hair treatment regime, it is crucial to talk with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you which hair treatment solution or medication may work best for you. In clinical trials, Minoxidil worked best when used with a DHT inhibitor, such as Propecia.

What to Remember When Purchasing Medication Online

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

With the rising costs of prescription pharmaceuticals, many people are turning towards the internet as a tool to affordably purchase their medications. There are several tips that an individual needs to remember when purchasing medication from an online pharmacy. Before you make a purchase from an online pharmacy, you need to make sure that the pharmacy has a reputable reputation.

In some countries, up to 25% of prescriptions purchased online are counterfeit.  Do not let this happen to you. Research an online pharmacy before you purchase your medications. There are several online pharmacies that provide customers with high-quality prescriptions for a terrific price.

How Do I Know if a Pharmacy is Legitimate?

An online pharmacy should have the VIPPS seal of approval; this stands for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites. In order for an online pharmacy to obtain this seal, they must be licensed and pass an inspection by the NABP, or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies.

Another way to know if an online pharmacy is legitimate is if the pharmacy is linked with a pharmacy that is “bricks and mortar.”  This means that you could physically visit the pharmacy in the “real world” and “cyberspace.”  The National Consumers League assures consumers that it is safe to purchase prescription medication at this type of online pharmacy.

What about a Pharmacy That Has an On-Site Doctor?

The FDA does not believe that an online survey of your medical history is a substitute for a face-to-face examination.  Without an exam, it is difficult for your doctor to have a complete record of your medication and medical history.  To mitigate this potential harm, ensure that you provide your doctor with the full scope of your medical history and prescriptions.  The more candid you are about your medical history, the more effective an on-site doctor can be. 

Always Have a Prescription Beforehand

It is much safer if you purchase online medications that your healthcare provider has prescribed for you. If you take a prescription medication without the advice of your doctor, you could be at risk for dangerous drug interactions and adverse reactions. Your healthcare provider will know your medical history and the current condition of your health.

It is important that you only buy online medication from a site that requires a prescription. Make sure that the online pharmacy is in good standing and is licensed. It is also beneficial if the online pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist that will be able to answer all of your questions. A reputable online pharmacy should only sell prescriptions that have been approved, researched, and tested.

The Steps to Purchasing Online Medication Successfully

1)      Purchase medication that you have a prescription for already.

2)      Double-check to see if the online company is licensed and in good standing.

3)      Make sure that there is an online pharmacist on hand.

4)      Ensure that the pharmacy has contact information, where you can call them with your questions and concerns. 

5)      The pharmacy should only allow people to purchase medications that are approved for human use.

6)      Review the privacy policy on the website and ensure that you understand it.

7)      Always check with your healthcare provider before taking a new medication.

Purchasing medications online is a very popular, cost-effective, and convenient way to obtain your prescriptions.  No longer do you have to pay exorbitant fees and wait in long longs at the drug store; instead, you can have your medications delivered right to your door – and save money at the same time.  By taking the measures discussed above, you can fill your prescriptions from the comfort of your own home, with your pocketbook thanking you at the same time. 

A Fake Propecia Scam

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

It is important that one only gets a prescription for Propecia from their healthcare provider. Propecia should be obtained from a local pharmacy, or from a reputable online pharmacy. Before you order Propecia online, it is crucial that you check into the pharmacy’s reputation to ensure that you are receiving quality Propecia.

A recent announcement by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency in the UK successfully stated that three men were recently jailed for 10 years for selling fake Propecia. The three men were involved in a global conspiracy that consisted of multi-million dollars. The men were jailed in different correctional facilities located in the United Kingdom.

This is one of the largest counterfeit drug rings to be busted in all of British History. Judge Nicholas Price said, “Greed is the overriding motivation to such offenses. The scale of this criminal enterprise was truly global. It was long-running, it was highly organized, and it was conducted with total and cynical disregard for unsuspecting and vulnerable customers.”

While on their crime spree, the three men laundered and sold fake medications without a wholesaler’s license. The men were living a lifestyle lapped in luxury as a result of the profits made from their criminal and deceitful activities.  The three men were convicted of eleven counts of a conspiracy to sell fake medication. For the next several years, the men will be behind bars, far away from a life a luxury.

The Internet has created a breeding ground for a new type of criminal. If you purchase Propecia online, make sure that you know who you are dealing with.  There are many reputable pharmacies online, and it is important to differentiate the legitimate ones that will save you money from those that are counterfeit.  Review our guide here that advises on what to look for in a verified pharmacy.  By conducting the needed research and verification, this will ensure that you are only receiving high-quality prescription Propecia.

Does Propecia Affect a Man’s Ability to Reproduce?

Saturday, December 15th, 2007

There have been many rumors about Propecia that have surfaced. Some rumors say that Propecia affects a man’s sex drive, while other rumors say that Propecia affects a man’s ability to reproduce. Both of these rumors can be squashed and labeled as untrue. In clinical trials, scientists have found that there is no relationship between Propecia and a man’s ability to impregnate a woman.

Also, many men wonder if Propecia will pose any risk to the fetus. In the studies that have been conducted, there has been no evidence that suggests that the fetus is at risk if the father is currently taking Propecia. A man should not worry about being able to reproduce or about any risk to the fetus, while taking Propecia.  These studies have put the rumor mill to rest.

Men can obtain Propecia with a prescription from their doctor. There are two ways that Propecia is dispensed. Propecia tablets are usually one milligram. The tablets are octagonal, tan and have a film coating. Most often Propecia is prescribed in a unit bottle of thirty tablets. Another way that it is prescribed is in a carton of three unit bottles. It is up to your doctor on which Propecia pack will be prescribed to you.

Before you let a rumor stop you from taking Propecia, talk with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will be able to give you the facts. Propecia is an effective way to treat hair loss that does not affect a man’s sex drive or his ability to reproduce. Propecia is a safe way to effectively treat male pattern hair loss.

 

Strategies to Save Your Scalp

Friday, December 14th, 2007

Would you believe that in the past eleven years, there have been 40 treatments patented for hair loss?  Ten years ago, there was a $2 million budget for hair loss clinical trails. It is safe to say that this figure has increased over the years. It seems that hair loss is a huge issue, especially since it affects millions of men. In fact, fifty percent of men suffer from a form of hair loss.

One of the most authoritative facts proven in clinical trials is that hair follicles do shrink and eventually die.  This is usually triggered by the body’s levels of DHT, a potent testosterone derivative; this is why Propecia has been proven to be highly effective in treating hair loss.  Nonetheless, researchers are puzzled why some men who have healthy levels of DHT are still forced to mournfully watch as their hair falls out, vanishing down the drain at alarming rates.

Dr. Ken Washenok, a director at the New York University Medical Center commented that it is easier to treat hair loss before it begins than after the fact.  One of the findings of every hair loss study conducted shows that hair-loss treatment must start before the appearance of bare skin. This is one of the most significant rules to preventing and stopping further hair loss.

The three hair loss treatment solutions that are recommended by medical professionals are Propecia, Minoxdil and Tricomin. Minoxidil was first prescribed as a blood pressure medication. People taking this medication noticed that it made hair sprout everywhere. Scientists created a topical application that could localize the growth of hair. 39% percent of men who used it for twelve months experienced the re-growth of hair.

It is recommended that Minoxdil be used with an oral hair loss treatment, such as Propecia.  Propecia is available with a prescription and is one of the best ways to treat hair loss; Propecia specifically treats the follicles that have stopped growing hair because of the aging hormone DHT.  Tricomin, can only be used by participants in a clinical trail.  Nonetheless, doctors believe that these are the three top ways to save your scalp.